Migrating Your SAP PLM Solution from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA: Requirements & Best Practices

This blog post outlines the key requirements and best practices for a successful SAP PLM migration, along with how LeverX supports organizations throughout the process.

Introduction

The transition from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA is a significant undertaking for organizations leveraging SAP Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). With SAP’s shift towards a digital-first approach, migrating your PLM solution ensures continued support, enhanced functionality, and seamless integration with next-generation technologies. However, this move requires strategic planning, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of SAP’s evolving landscape.

LeverX, with its extensive experience in SAP PLM, workflow automation, and digital transformation, assists companies in navigating this complex migration process. Our team of experts provides end-to-end guidance, from initial assessments to post-migration optimization, ensuring a seamless transition to SAP S/4HANA.

This blog post outlines the key requirements and best practices for a successful SAP PLM migration, along with how LeverX supports organizations throughout the process.

Key Requirements for Migration

1. Understanding the SAP PLM Changes in S/4HANA

SAP S/4HANA introduces significant changes to core PLM functionalities, requiring a thorough evaluation of how these modifications impact your existing processes. Some key updates include:

• Material Master Simplification: Changes in data structures, including the transition to Business Partners.
• Enhanced BOM and Routing Management: Performance improvements for Bill of Materials (BOM) and routing processes.
• Embedded Fiori Apps: A modernized user experience replacing traditional SAP GUI transactions.
• Change Record (ECR/ECO) Enhancements: A more integrated and streamlined approach to engineering change management.

LeverX experts help organizations assess the impact of these changes and define the necessary adjustments to existing business processes and configurations.

2. System Compatibility and Prerequisites

Before initiating the migration, it is essential to validate system compatibility:

• Ensure your SAP PLM version aligns with S/4HANA.
• Analyze custom developments (Z-programs, enhancements, user exits) that may need refactoring.
• Assess data consistency across master data, classification, document management, and change management processes.
• Verify the availability and configuration of Fiori apps replacing legacy transactions.

LeverX supports customers in conducting technical assessments, identifying potential risks, and defining a roadmap for a smooth transition.

3. Data Migration Strategy

Organizations can choose between different migration approaches:

• Greenfield (Reimplementation): A complete system overhaul with redesigned processes.
• Brownfield (System Conversion): A direct migration retaining existing configurations and historical data.
• Hybrid Approach: A mix of both, optimizing critical business areas while maintaining core functionalities.

LeverX provides expertise in defining the most suitable strategy, leveraging industry best practices to minimize disruptions and maximize business value.

4. Business Process Optimization

The move to S/4HANA is an opportunity to optimize PLM-related workflows, including engineering change management, document control, and BOM maintenance. LeverX consultants work closely with stakeholders across R&D, engineering, and production to ensure that processes are streamlined and aligned with S/4HANA’s capabilities.

5. Tooling and Data Migration Support

SAP offers several tools to facilitate migration, including:

• SAP Readiness Check – Analyzes system readiness for migration.
• SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit – A predefined tool for data transfer.
• SAP Data Services & ETL Tools – Supports complex data transformations.

LeverX assists organizations in selecting and configuring the right tools, ensuring efficient and error-free data migration.

Best Practices for a Smooth Migration

1. Conduct a Comprehensive System Assessment

A detailed evaluation of your SAP PLM environment is critical to identifying potential challenges and opportunities. LeverX provides in-depth assessments, analyzing:

• Custom developments and their compatibility with S/4HANA.
• Data structures, including master data and engineering records.
• Integrations with third-party systems (e.g., CAD and external PDM solutions).

2. Engage Key Stakeholders Early

Successful migrations require collaboration across IT, business users, and process owners. LeverX facilitates workshops and stakeholder alignment sessions to define objectives, ensure process continuity, and mitigate risks.

3. Prioritize Data Cleansing and Governance

Clean, accurate data is essential for a successful migration. LeverX helps organizations implement data governance frameworks, ensuring that material master data, BOMs, and change records are consistent and reliable before transitioning to S/4HANA.

4. Leverage SAP Fiori for a Modern User Experience

With S/4HANA, SAP Fiori replaces many traditional SAP GUI transactions, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. LeverX provides guidance on:

• Mapping legacy transactions to new Fiori applications.
• Training users on the Fiori interface.
• Customizing Fiori apps to meet business-specific requirements.

5. Conduct Rigorous Testing and Validation

Extensive testing is crucial to minimize disruptions post-migration. LeverX supports organizations with:

• Unit Testing & Integration Testing: Validating core PLM functionalities in the S/4HANA environment.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Ensuring end-users are comfortable with the new system.
• Performance Testing: Identifying bottlenecks and optimizing system performance.

6. Implement a Phased Rollout Strategy

Rather than a big-bang migration, LeverX recommends a phased approach, allowing organizations to transition specific PLM functionalities or business units incrementally. This reduces risk and ensures smoother adoption.

7. Training and Change Management

Moving to S/4HANA requires users to adopt new workflows, interfaces, and best practices. LeverX offers:

• Customized training programs tailored to different user roles.
• Change management workshops to help teams adapt to the new system.
• Ongoing support and documentation to facilitate knowledge transfer.

Why Partner with LeverX for Your SAP PLM Migration?

Migrating your SAP PLM solution to S/4HANA is a complex but necessary step toward digital transformation. LeverX brings deep expertise in SAP PLM, business process optimization, and SAP S/4HANA migrations, offering:

• End-to-end SAP PLM migration services, from initial assessment to post-go-live support.
• Proven methodologies that reduce downtime and mitigate risks.
• A team of SAP-certified experts with hands-on experience across industries.

Conclusion

A successful SAP PLM migration requires careful planning, technical readiness, and a structured approach. By partnering with LeverX, organizations gain access to a team of SAP experts who provide the guidance, tools, and support needed for a seamless transition to SAP S/4HANA.

Ready to start your migration journey? Contact LeverX today to discuss how we can help you optimize and future-proof your SAP PLM solution.