Given the flexibility of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, businesses are turning to SAP S/4HANA Cloud, a SaaS version of the SAP S/4HANA. According to Gartner, the SaaS ERP market share is close to USD 26 billion, mainly driven by the rapid adoption of financial management solutions and human capital management among businesses of all sizes [1]. While its benefits are substantial, businesses should consider 4 criteria to choose the best SAP partner to maximize the potential.
What are SAP S/4HANA Cloud benefits?
Businesses can maximize their efficiency with the benefits of SAP S/4HANA Cloud:
Easy integration with automated testing tools
SAP S/4HANA Cloud can seamlessly integrates with third-party automation testing tools such as the Tricentis Tosca Testing tool. As a result, businesses can save more effort by reducing manual and repetitive code testing steps. Specifically, these integrated tools can save testing effort by 50% [2], allowing employees to focus on more strategic tasks. Training efforts are also minimized, as SAP Fiori screens are more intuitive and easier to use.
Flexible
SAP S4HANA Cloud helps users access the system from any location with an internet connection. This level of flexibility is especially vital for businesses managing a distributed workforce or those needing on-the-go accessibility. Additionally, this cloud solution allows for quicker deployment than traditional on-premise installations.
Furthermore, organizations can scale up or down their computing resources according to their requirements. SAP S/4HANA Cloud updates automatically with minimal disruption to users, ensuring a consistently available and operational system.
Cost-saving
When transitioning to SAP S/4HANA Cloud, businesses need to sign up for an annual subscription model. This subscription covers core licenses, solution hosting, and box-level support. Critical functions, such as backups and performance monitoring, provide customers with access to vital support. Furthermore, companies can achieve lower application support costs due to the reduced customization capacity and decreased reliance on specialized objects.
Operated as a SaaS model, SAP S/4HANA Cloud can reduce costs and realize long-term organizational savings. Specifically, Forrester illustrated a case study where an organization can experience benefits of $10.2 million over 3 years and see a 383% ROI [3].
Better data management
One of SAP S/4HANA Cloud benefits is its integration with various business processes, such as finance and sales, which provides end-to-end visibility. SAP S/4HANA Cloud utilizes an in-memory database, facilitating real-time data processing capabilities. The platform establishes a unified source of truth for enterprise data by seamlessly integrating various business processes.
Therefore, businesses can foster more connected and efficient data management. Indeed, 49% of companies experienced enhanced business processes thanks to ERP implementation [4].
4 critical considerations for an SAP partner
When looking for an SAP S/4HANA Cloud partner, there are 4 main criteria that organizations need to consider:
1. Skills and expertise
Regarding SAP expertise, organizations should prioritize a partner with industry-specific experience relevant to the business. With in-depth knowledge, the partner can ensure a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges and requirements within the sector, allowing for a tailored SAP S/4HANA Cloud implementation.
Businesses should thoroughly evaluate a potential partner's performance history by examining their successful SAP S/4HANA Cloud solutions implementations. This can be done by drawing insights from case studies, client testimonials, and references.
A partner with clear communication and cooperation skills is essential in navigating the complexities of ERP implementation. Effective communication can ensure that all parties involved have a comprehensive understanding of the project's requirements, goals, and timelines. Besides, it allows timely identification of issues or challenges that may arise, minimizing feedback loops and misunderstandings that can prolong the implementation process.
2. Agility
Choosing an agile partner is crucial in the dynamic landscape of SAP technology. As the SAP environment evolves, the ability of a partner to swiftly adapt to changes is a key determinant of the success of business SAP implementation.
Besides, an agile SAP partner is more adept at navigating through updates, patches, and new features. This means businesses can ensure their operations can stay current with the latest advancements in S/4HANA and capitalize on the newest functionalities that can enhance processes.
3. Established partnership with SAP
Furthermore, the partnership with SAP itself is a valuable aspect of selecting an SAP partner. Companies that hold a formal partnership with SAP are likely to be at the forefront of receiving updates, training, and support from SAP directly.
This direct affiliation with SAP means that the partner is in a better position to understand the intricacies of the software, anticipate changes in the technology roadmap, and proactively incorporate those changes into their services. Moreover, partnering with SAP often translates into quicker access to the latest training, certifications, and resources, enabling the SAP partner to deliver a higher level of expertise and support to their clients.
4. Flexible resource availability
Organizations should evaluate the partner's ability to scale resources according to the project's needs. A partner with a flexible resource allocation approach can accommodate project scope changes, ensuring that SAP S/4HANA Cloud implementation remains on schedule.
Furthermore, an SAP S/4HANA Cloud vendor needs to acquire a well-versed team of professionals in SAP S/4HANA Cloud. This team includes consultants, developers, and project managers, each capable of addressing the distinct needs of individual businesses.
With flexible resource availability, this SAP partner can tackle time zone challenges. For example, having diverse delivery models (onshore, nearshore, and offshore teams) can allow the partner to resolve issues and provide support quickly. This versatile approach ensures efficient problem-solving and strengthens the partner's ability to cater to various business needs.
FPT Software - your trusted partner for SAP S/4HANA Cloud
FPT Software’s SAP proven track record
FPT Software stands out with proven skills and expertise when choosing the right partner for SAP implementation. FPT Software’s team comprises over 1300 SAP consultants with over 900 SAP certificates. With a wide global presence spanning 28 countries, FPT Software ensures support for business operations irrespective of location.
FPT Software’s extensive experience extends across diverse industries, including energy, finance, FMCG, manufacturing, real estate, trading, and more. Notably, FPT is the first Vietnamese partner in Southeast Asia to join SAP's Regional Strategic Services Partner (RSSP) program in the Asia Pacific Japan (APJ) region. This program enables FPT Software to rapidly expand its SAP practice in the region and enhance joint success.
FPT Software joined SAP's Regional Strategic Services Partner (RSSP) initiative. Source: FPT Software.
FPT Software received multiple awards from SAP over the years, including SAP Partner of the Year for Vietnam, Outstanding Performance in Midmarket Partner of the Year, and Best RISE Partner of the Year, which was recently announced at the SAP Partner Success Summit in April 2023.
Given the proven track record in SAP, FPT Software was proudly chosen by ITOCHU Corporation to help them implement SAP S/4HANA Cloud.
SAP S/4HANA Cloud Migration for ITOCHU Corporation
ITOCHU’s decision to embark on a migration project was prompted by the system's prolonged operation and numerous add-ons, changes, and modifications over the years. These changes over the years made it challenging for users to access needed functions and implement essential modifications for future innovations. To adapt quickly to changing business requirements on a cloud-native solution, ITOCHU decided to adopt SAP S/4HANA Cloud.
To successfully carry out the project, FPT Software and ITOCHU initiated the One Team model. This collaborative effort aimed to create an up-to-date system capable of innovation, with a positive and receptive atmosphere between developers.
The collaboration with FPT Software yielded positive outcomes. FPT Software’s responsiveness and procurement capabilities effectively addressed unexpected resource needs.
According to Ms. Mari Takei, General Manager of ITOCHU Techno-Solutions Corporation:
“We asked FPT to achieve the impossible over and over, and they quickly gathered the resources that we needed. This procurement capability was very helpful and allowed us to move the project forward without any delays.”
Mari Takei – General Manager of ITOCHU Techno-Solutions Corporation
Initiating a global SAP system migration project in 2019, ITOCHU effectively utilized FPT Software's S/4HANA latest technology and Vietnam's abundant resources to achieve speedy project management. They introduced S/4HANA to approximately 50 overseas locations and implemented it at the first location in 2020. By the end of 2022, their S/4HANA Cloud rollout at all locations was completed.
Moving forward with the power of automation
This collaboration extended beyond SAP projects, including involvement in RPA projects to minimize manual work. Specifically, ITOCHU aimed to implement automation in manual operations, such as configuration and testing. FPT Software actively engaged in these initiatives, displaying enthusiasm for adopting new tools and making valuable contributions to the overall success of the implementation.
The right partner for your SAP implementation
The resilience for the long digital transformation journey is best cultivated through a partnership that understands SAP’s complexities and a set of capabilities. To ensure success, companies should select a partner that aligns with all the critical criteria – expertise, knowledge, skills, and scalable resources.
Unlock business success with FPT Software’s SAP services here.
