Migrating the Business Support function from SAP ECC6 to SAP S/4HANA platform
The Outcomes Operational benefits The S/4 rollout enhanced efficiency, reduced manual processes, and streamlined workflows. A standardised, scalable ERP system now ensures transparency, data integrity, and stronger compliance. Enhanced User Experience in KSA Users benefit from faster service delivery, improved accuracy, and quicker approvals via SAP FIORI. Enhanced reporting capabilities improve customer satisfaction and operational effectiveness. Building lasting capability The project upskilled employees, strengthening internal expertise for long- term resilience. The organisation is now equipped to integrate new entities, drive innovation, and adapt to change. Seamless ZATCA Tax Compliance The successful cloud-based ZATCA integration ensures full compliance with Saudi tax regulations, reduces manual effort, and enhances financial governance. Project One adding value by: Extensive expertise in SAP S/4HANA transformations, ensuring a seamless and efficient migration Proven change management strategies tailored to address the unique business and cultural challenges Deep proficiency in data migration, guaranteeing accuracy, consistency, and minimal disruption Future-proofed solution designed to support scalable business growth and long-term adaptability Strong track record of delivering successful projects where previous initiatives had struggled Robust programme management, including issue resolution, stakeholder engagement, governance and control.
Our Approach Adoption of the Shared Services S/4 Platform The project followed a ‘greenfield’ implementation, minimising customisation and aligning with best practices. Our customer was the third entity to migrate, benefiting from lessons learned in prior phases, ensuring a stable transition. Strategic Change Management in KSA Past project failures informed a structured change management strategy. During the Discovery Phase, all support functions were mapped to S/4, defining clear functional impacts and securing early-stage funding for planned change activities. Scalable Solution Design The solution was refined to support all future business migrations, balancing standardisation with flexibility. Purchase-to-Pay and Order-to- Cash processes were enhanced to streamline procurement, payments, and revenue management. Robust Data Migration Strategy A dedicated data workstream, managed by the System Integrator, ensured end-to-end accountability. Multiple data load cycles, culminating in ‘production-like’ transformations, secured data integrity before integration testing, reducing transition risks. S/4 as the System of Record S/4 was established as the authoritative System of Record, ensuring data consistency. Planning Analytics became the designated System of Report, enhancing governance and reporting accuracy. Seamless Ecosystem Integration With 20+ partner systems, the System Integrator held end-to-end responsibility for integration, ensuring cohesive design, testing, and deployment while minimising risks and inconsistencies.
The Challenge The migration from SAP ECC6 to SAP S/4 was time-critical due to ECC6’s end-of- support deadline. The project involved transferring existing SAP-supported entities while integrating new business units, including previously uncovered Kingdom Partner Companies (KPCs). The heavily customised ECC6 system lacked proper documentation, complicating the transition. Saudi operations required handling high-value invoices, and the shift from a cost- centre to a project-centric model introduced further complexity. System inconsistencies arose as not all KPCs had used ECC6, and some approvals remained paper based. While data volumes were manageable, ensuring
Our customer has supported knowledge and technology transfer to Saudi Arabia since 1966, fostering the development of its Saudi workforce. They oversee the company’s long-term presence in the country, working closely with local customers and industries to provide cost-effective solutions with in- country expertise. The company has a long-term contract supporting the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon fleet, ensuring operational readiness. Through a Joint Venture they provide crucial support to the Royal Saudi Air Force, reinforcing its commitment to local partnerships and sustainable defence solutions.
seamless migration without operational disruption was a major challenge. Past
projects had suffered from overlooked cultural differences, and reporting inconsistencies made master data alignment difficult. Initially, governance was clear, but organisational changes in the UK blurred ownership and decision-making, requiring extra effort to maintain focus and accountability.
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real change • real difference
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