Migrating to SAP S/4HANA is a critical business transformation. However, even with good intentions and substantial resources, many companies fall into avoidable traps that delay delivery, increase costs, and put operations at risk.
At principal33, we’ve supported complex SAP migration projects in Germany and across Europe. We’ve seen firsthand what works — and what repeatedly fails.
In this article, we share the 10 most common mistakes companies make during SAP S/4HANA migration and provide guidance to help you avoid them.
1. Skipping a full analysis of the current system
Many projects start without a complete understanding of their current ECC system. This includes:
- Which modules are used and how customized they are
- Which external systems are integrated
- The volume and structure of the data
- Regulatory or operational constraints
How to avoid it:
Start with a comprehensive system audit. Use tools like SAP Readiness Check and involve key users from all business areas.
2. Choosing the wrong migration strategy (Greenfield, Brownfield, Selective)
Choosing a migration approach too quickly — without assessing technical and business needs — leads to:
- Loss of valuable custom developments
- Unnecessary complexity or rework
- Poor alignment with business goals
How to avoid it:
Compare all three strategies in detail. Consider system complexity, customization, desired standardization, go-live urgency, and long-term roadmap.
3. Lack of alignment between IT and business teams
Many SAP projects are led solely by IT, with limited input from functional stakeholders. This results in misaligned requirements, scope creep, and adoption issues.
How to avoid it:
Establish a cross-functional project team from day one — including IT, Finance, HR, Operations, and senior management.
4. Underestimating data complexity
Data structures in S/4HANA differ significantly from ECC. Problems often arise due to:
- Legacy data that is inconsistent or duplicated
- Poor mapping of data objects
- Technical errors during transformation and loading
How to avoid it:
Cleanse and harmonize data early. Perform multiple test migrations using real volumes and structure. Use modern ETL tools where possible.
5. Neglecting change management and training
Even the best technical migration will fail if end users don’t adopt the system. Common issues include:
- Lack of awareness or resistance to change
- Poorly defined user roles
- Inadequate training materials
How to avoid it:
Start change management in parallel with planning. Train users by role and process. Set up internal champions and feedback loops.
6. Not testing with real data and real scenarios
Many companies test with demo data or “happy path” scenarios — which hides system issues that only appear under real-world conditions.
How to avoid it:
Create test cases based on actual business processes. Include critical workflows, volume testing, edge cases, and error scenarios.
7. Ignoring external system integrations
German companies in energy, manufacturing, and finance often rely on external systems — from government portals to industrial controllers. Failing to update these integrations can break operations.
How to avoid it:
Inventory all connected systems early. Validate each interface for S/4HANA compatibility. Plan for updates, redesign, or replacements if needed.
8. Setting unrealistic go-live timelines
Rushing to meet aggressive deadlines often results in shortcuts, skipped testing, and increased risk at go-live.
How to avoid it:
Plan conservatively. Build in buffer time for unknowns, user testing, corrections, and documentation.
9. No clear KPIs to measure success
Too many migrations are declared “done” without clarity on whether they delivered business value.
How to avoid it:
Define measurable success metrics: process cycle time reduction, system stability, error rate, user satisfaction, time-to-close financials, etc.
10. Not working with the right SAP partner
Many companies try to handle the project alone or work with generic consultancies. This often leads to lack of methodology, domain experience, or technical depth.
How to avoid it:
Choose a partner with real SAP S/4HANA migration experience, especially in the German market. Look for teams that combine technical expertise with change management and industry insight.
Conclusion
SAP S/4HANA migration is not just an IT upgrade — it’s a transformation that affects your processes, people, and systems.
Avoiding the common mistakes outlined here can significantly improve the success rate of your project and ensure real business value.
At principal33, we guide companies in Germany through complex migrations with structure, clarity, and results.
