SAP

The Greenfield implementation approach involves starting fresh, migrating from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA by completely reengineering an organization’s SAP processes and workflows. Any customizations in SAP ECC are wiped out during this process.

For legacy enterprises with complex, heavily customized workflows, a Greenfield approach can provide the opportunity for a fresh start, reducing complexities and simplifying the system. Whether on-premises or in the cloud, Greenfield implementations allow predefined migration objects, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership and quicker time-to-value.

The main advantage of this approach is that it begins with a clean slate, allowing organizations to drive standardization, simplification, and flexibility. In theory, the core elements of SAP S/4HANA can be up and running in about three months, though migrating all data can take longer due to its complexity.

However, this approach is riskier, as it requires redeveloping essential system customizations, which can be time-consuming. A selective Greenfield strategy may be used to start fresh in certain areas, simplifying processes and integrations.

The Brownfield approach to SAP S/4HANA migration is an upgrade-focused method, allowing businesses to transition from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA without starting from scratch.

Unlike a Greenfield approach, which requires a complete reengineering of the system, Brownfield enables the migration of existing workflows and systems, while preserving proven business processes and customizations. This approach minimizes disruption by maintaining key elements, such as interfaces to suppliers and partners, and typically involves a shorter project timeline.

One of the key advantages of Brownfield is that it offers a quicker, less disruptive migration, letting businesses keep their existing setup while upgrading to SAP S/4HANA. Companies can evaluate and refine their processes, retaining the ones that are effective and making improvements where needed.

However, Brownfield has its drawbacks. Since it relies on porting over previous customizations and workflows, it can limit innovation and flexibility. The success of the migration depends on how effectively these existing processes are replicated. Given the complexity of this migration, the Brownfield approach is often best-suited for on-premise deployments. It is ideal for businesses that want a rapid transition with minimal changes to their current systems and processes.

As your business evolves, it’s crucial for your IT landscape to adapt swiftly to changes in the business environment. Whether you’re acquiring new businesses, launching products, changing your business model, or introducing new manufacturing strategies, these shifts need to be seamlessly integrated into your IT infrastructure.