A practical path forward without major disruption through technical migration as the first step.
TL:DR
Many SAP customers are now evaluating how to move from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA ahead of SAP’s upcoming maintenance deadlines. But moving to S/4HANA doesn’t have to be the disruptive, all-consuming transformation that many fear.
In this article, we explain the actual steps behind a technical migration from ECC to S/4HANA, how long the process takes, and what resources organizations actually need.
The article is based on insights from Implema’s ECC migration expert Peter Wiotti and is aimed at CIOs, IT leaders, and transformation teams planning their S/4HANA roadmap.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn:
- Why an ECC to S/4HANA migration doesn’t require a full transformation
- How the technical migration works, and why it’s often simpler than expected
- How long an ECC to S/4HANA project typically takes
- What internal resources companies actually need
- Why data volume affects time, not complexity
- How you can move forward in steps instead of one big leap
- How Implema helps organizations reduce risk and accelerate value
The end for ECC is approaching. But the journey to S/4HANA is manageable.
In a series of three Implema Talks, Johan Söderström and Peter Wiotti, Business Area Manager at Implema Technology, break down what the transition really means. The message is clear.
The technical migration from ECC to S/4HANA is simpler, easier, and more predictable than most customers think.
Many organizations postpone the decision out of fear of costs, complexity, or resource shortages. But the reality is more pragmatic. The move from ECC to S/4HANA is a step-by-step journey, not a giant leap.
You don’t need a full transformation to get started
One of the biggest misconceptions is that S/4HANA requires a massive business transformation.
It doesn’t.
The most common starting point is to simply move to the SAP HANA database and establish the technical foundation with minimal impact. The first step requires no process changes. Users continue working in SAP GUI. Financial flows and integrations can remain in place.
This technology-first approach provides control and flexibility. It allows you to prepare the infrastructure now and introduce process improvements, AI capabilities, or Fiori later, when the organization is ready.
“The technical migration is actually quite simple. You don’t need to go all-in on day one.” – Peter Wiotti
The timeline is shorter than many think – 6 to 12 months
There’s a persistent perception in the market that S/4HANA projects take several years. Implema’s experience from real projects often shows something different. With clear scope and a well-planned testing strategy, most technical conversions can be completed in 6 to 12 months. This applies to both large and small organizations.
“A one-to-one migration is absolutely possible within that timeframe.” – Peter Wiotti
This gives CIOs a realistic window to plan based on budget cycles, seasonal peaks, and internal readiness.
Resource requirements are much lower than many assume
In the third Implema Talks episode, Peter and Johan address the myth that companies need large internal teams to migrate to S/4HANA.
The reality is significantly less demanding.
The partner performs most of the technical work. The customer focuses primarily on:
- Testing critical business processes
- Validating financial migration
- Reviewing integrations
- Approving cutover plan
If the system is on-premises, new HANA servers may be needed. Otherwise, much of the infrastructure often remains unchanged. This lowers the threshold for getting started.
“It’s mostly about testing. Integrations often work as before since it’s still SAP.” – Peter Wiotti
Data volume affects time, not complexity
Another common misconception is that large organizations or complex landscapes require more work.
They don’t.
Whether the company has 50 users or 5,000, the technical steps in the migration are the same. The difference is runtime. A larger database takes longer to convert, but this doesn’t necessarily increase risk or complexity. This insight provides a new starting point for CIOs who think their size makes them “too difficult” to migrate.
A clear path forward, with flexibility
Implema recommends a structured, modern migration model that prioritizes stability and readiness.
Step 1. Migrate to HANA database
- Builds the technical foundation
- Reduces technical debt
- Enables future innovation
Step 2. Perform technical conversion to S/4HANA
- Predictable migration with low risk
- Users can continue in SAP GUI
- Focus on system stability and correctness
Step 3. Innovate when you’re ready
After migration, companies can gradually introduce:
- Fiori
- Process Mining
- AI-driven automation
- SAP BTP extensions
- Real-time analytics
- Built-in intelligence
This approach lets companies move forward at their own pace, not SAP’s.
And this is where Implema positions itself as the future partner. A partner that understands both the technology and the business reality behind ERP modernization.
The real challenge isn’t the technology. It’s clarity.
As the S/4HANA deadline approaches, organizations are overwhelmed with conflicting information. What they need isn’t more complexity, but clarity.
They need a partner that:
- Breaks down the journey into practical steps
- Removes unnecessary complexity
- Connects migration to business priorities
- Reduces concerns about risk, downtime, and cost
- Provides a realistic picture before making decisions
That’s what Implema contributes.
In all three episodes, Johan Söderström clarifies Implema’s approach.
Implema helps customers understand their starting position, options, and the safest path forward.
FAQ – Migration from ECC to S/4HANA
What’s the difference between a technical migration and a full transformation?
A technical migration moves your existing ECC processes to S/4HANA with minimal changes. A transformation involves redesigning processes and user interfaces. Many start technically and transform later.
How long does a technical ECC to S/4HANA migration take?
Most technical one-to-one conversions take 6 to 12 months.
Do we need to implement Fiori from day one?
No. You can run SAP GUI in S/4HANA. Fiori can be introduced over time.
Do we need new infrastructure?
If you’re running SAP on a non-HANA database today, you’ll need Linux infrastructure to run the in-memory HANA database. Application servers can often remain the same, which simplifies the transition.
How many internal resources are required?
Primarily process owners for testing and financial validation. The partner handles the technical work.
Can we migrate to HANA first and then to S/4HANA?
Yes. This is a common and recommended first step.
Does data volume affect project difficulty?
No. It primarily affects runtime.
Why choose Implema as your S/4HANA partner
- 20+ years of SAP migration experience
- Proven step-by-step methodology with Implema Way
- Predictable timelines and low delivery risk
- Deep expertise in SAP Basis, HANA, and S/4HANA
- Fast, pragmatic, and future-focused approach
- Support for innovation after migration. AI, analytics, BTP, Fiori
Conclusion
ECC to S/4HANA isn’t primarily a transformation problem. It’s a planning problem. And planning is where Implema is strongest. With a step-by-step model, proven methodology, and deep technical expertise, Implema helps organizations move forward with confidence.
Implema Talks
Watch all three episodes of Implema Talks about ECC to S/4HANA with Peter Wiotti and Johan Söderström:
