Foundation stone for an efficient and innovative SAP platform:Development support integration in the S/4ewz project – SAP S/4HANA transformation

The project objectives were comprehensive:

• Harmonization and standardization of the processes and structures mapped in SAP
• 80% of the processes and structures mapped in SAP in the SAP standard
• Establishing the SAP platform as the future basis for innovation and digitalization
• Ensuring maintenance security and SAP support beyond 2027
• Reducing the operating costs of the SAP platform by simplifying the architecture and interfaces and by returning to the SAP standard

The path to this goal was just as multifaceted: technical requirements with a Fiori First approach had to be implemented as part of a sporty project plan. Solutions that form the basis for future innovation and digitalization were to be designed and implemented. The S/4HANA migration itself included many technological innovations (BTP, integration of SAP cloud solutions, Fiori apps, SAP Analytics Cloud). Extensions to the standard apps of the new phase model in maintenance had to be implemented. Lean Request was to be introduced and expanded as a procurement tool. Mobile developments with SAP BTP components were also on the to-do list, as was the optimization of proven solutions such as the house installation control (HIK)..

Right from the start, we worked closely with the module consultants and specialist project team members - solutions and concepts were developed together with them in order to deal with specialist and technical issues in parallel. Throughout the entire project, we not only contributed our technical expertise, but also provided an all-round view: Comprehensive consulting, development and support services ensured that the introduction of the new SAP platform was driven forward.

Our areas of responsibility included:

• Recording the functional requirements, as well as developing technical solution concepts and implementing the developments
• Support in setting up the SAP BTP (authentication, SAP Work Zone Standard Edition)
• Extension of SAP standard Fiori apps
• Conception and development of customer-specific Fiori apps
• SAP backend developments including workflows
• Setting up the development guidelines
• Conception and further development of the IS-U process house installation control and other technical IS-U topics
• Accompanying testing and troubleshooting
• Implementation of Fiori user training (more information: https://inpeek.ch/en/testimonial-ewz-fiori-training/)
• GoLive and After GoLive support
• Ensuring a smooth transition from the project to the operational organization

The result of the implementation is an SAP platform that is not only future-proof, but also guarantees maintenance security and SAP support beyond 2027. By simplifying the architecture, interfaces and returning to the SAP standard wherever possible, we were able to reduce the platform's operating costs. The new guidelines enable clean and future-proof developments.

Thanks to the Fiori First approach, the S/4HANA system can be accessed conveniently using the Fiori Launchpad as a central entry point. Users benefit from the extensive advantages of the new platform:

• Integrated processes thanks to the merging of SAP CRM & SAP ERP
• Real-time data analyses based on the HANA database with in-memory architecture
• Improved, intuitive user interfaces through the use of SAP Fiori
• Enabling the integration of IoT
• Exploiting the potential of the SAP HANA platform
• Constant further development of the IS-U industry component in line with changes in the market environment
• Continuous adjustments to regulatory framework conditions
• Opening up the previously proprietary architecture to third-party and cloud solutions
• Use of new technologies such as machine learning or robotics possible
• Updated HIK process in SAP IS-U; adaptation of the solution to the changed legal requirements