The modernization of an SAP BW 7.x landscape presents various challenges and offers a range of solutions. Companies must decide whether they want to rely on SAP BW/4HANA, SAP Datasphere or a hybrid combination of these tools with cloud solutions such as Google BigQuery. It is important to carefully choose the ideal migration path that meets the company's specific requirements. This article examines these options in detail and shows how an existing SAP BW environment can be future-proofed and efficiently set up. From the analysis of the current status to successful implementation, we offer a customized strategy that meets the individual needs of each company.
What is SAP BW modernization and why should you think about it?
SAP BW (Business Warehouse) modernization refers to the process of updating and optimizing an existing SAP BW landscape to meet the increasing demands for data management, reporting and analytics. SAP currently offers a wide range of modern solutions, including SAP BW/4HANA and the modern cloud solution SAP Datasphere in the area of data warehousing, as well as the SAP Analytics Cloud for reporting, including planning functionalities.
One key reason for modernization is the imminent end of support for SAP BW 7.x in 2027. Companies that want to continue to ensure reliable and efficient reporting must act early to switch to more modern platforms in good time. This is not only a technical necessity, but also an opportunity to make future BI processes more flexible, faster and more powerful.
Another aspect of the possible modernization strategy is the integration of cloud solutions such as the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) with the integrated BigQuery application. These solutions offer companies additional flexibility and open up powerful analysis options that make it possible to process large volumes of data in real time and gain deeper insights.
In addition, the migration of the ERP system to SAP S/4HANA can also have an impact on the existing BW data model. This is therefore an ideal time to review the existing BI and data warehouse solutions and modernize them if necessary - even if an SAP BW/4HANA system is already in use. The changeover to S/4HANA often brings with it new data structures and processes that may require the BW data model to be adapted or optimized. A BW modernization in this context can not only help to support these changes, but also open up new opportunities to improve data-driven decisions and gain a more comprehensive view of company data.
Overall, the modernization of SAP BW is not only a necessary step to ensure system support, but also a strategic investment in the future. By migrating to modern, future-proof platforms and integrating innovative technologies, companies can optimize their data landscapes in a cost-optimized and scalable manner in order to react more quickly to market changes and thus sustainably increase their competitiveness.
BW modernization at a glance
How to get started with a future-proof data platform and how we can support you - options, opportunities and challenges quickly explained.
Successful BW modernization for these customers
What options does a company have for implementing SAP BW modernization?
You have a range of modern and future-oriented options to modernize your data warehouse and business intelligence landscapes. s-peers AG offers comprehensive advice and support in selecting the best solution to meet your company's individual requirements. Leading options include:
Each of these solutions offers unique benefits tailored to different business strategies and needs. Whether you are looking to transition to a purely cloud-based environment or fully leverage the power of SAP HANA, modernizing the SAP BW system offers the opportunity to future-proof the data architecture, increase efficiency and gain valuable insights. In addition, companies can achieve significant cost savings by optimizing licensing costs and reducing data redundancies. The modernization also creates the basis for a future platform for self-service business intelligence (BI), which enables specialist departments to access their data and perform analyses independently and flexibly. It also offers the opportunity to use new technologies such as machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to gain even deeper insights and predictions and further improve decision-making.
The choice of the right solution depends on the specific requirements of the company and is influenced, among other things, by the scope and complexity of the existing data models and the functions currently used in the BW system.
What are the challenges of SAP BW modernization?
SAP BW modernization is a complex and multi-layered undertaking that entails numerous technical and organizational challenges. This process goes far beyond a simple system upgrade and requires careful planning and implementation.
What services does s-peers AG offer as part of SAP BW modernization?
Thanks to its many years of expertise, s-peers AG offers holistic support for companies wishing to modernize their existing SAP BW 7.x landscape. The process is divided into four key phases in which the modernization is tailored to the customer's specific requirements and objectives.
Situation analysis
Influence of a parallel SAP S/4HANA migration: If a parallel SAP S/4HANA migration is planned, there will also be necessary adjustments and changes on the data warehouse side. It is important to include these in the modernization strategy at an early stage in order to optimally coordinate the migration steps.
Architecture workshop: As part of a workshop, the current architecture is analyzed and classified at object level. Based on this analysis and the needs of your company, the optimum future architecture is defined and presented. Various constellations are conceivable, including
Based on the selected future architecture, various migration paths are presented that are tailored to the specific requirements of the company. Technical dependencies and the data sources used play a particularly important role here. Depending on the situation, suitable migration paths are found and the advantages and risks of the various approaches are discussed.
Preparation for modernization
s-peers AG offers a comprehensive analysis of the existing SAP BW 7.x system in order to prepare the modernization process. Necessary activities are identified and documented.
Based on the analyses, a detailed migration plan is created that describes the sequence of the migration, the distribution of tasks and the time schedule. This minimizes the risk of downtime and ensures a controlled system changeover.
Implementation of the modernization
Migration and system conversion
s-peers provides you with comprehensive support during migration and system conversion. Our service focuses on redesigning data modeling, efficient data transfer and adapting the system architecture to promote seamless integration and optimal system performance.
Testing and validation
We offer detailed test phases to check the correct data transfer and evaluate the functionality of the system after the migration. We attach great importance to ensuring that all systems run smoothly and that data integrity is guaranteed.
Training courses
s-peers organizes targeted training for end users and developers to familiarize them with the new tools and processes. Our training helps your employees to quickly familiarize themselves with the new systems and use them effectively.
Support after the GoLive
Hypercare phase
In the first few weeks after the go-live, we offer close support in order to quickly identify and resolve any problems. This intensive support ensures that the systems run stably and initial challenges are overcome promptly
Long-term support
Even after the go-live, we are always at your side. Our service includes assuming overall responsibility for analytics, user management and support with system upgrades. We offer Application Management Services (AMS) including 2nd & 3rd level support and provide further training in the areas of SAP BW, SAP DSP, SAP ABAP in BW, AMDP in BW and other relevant topics. In this way, we ensure that your systems always function optimally and that your employees are always up to date
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"Together, we will bring your BW up to date so that you can work in a future-proof manner and are optimally equipped for future challenges - in a spirit of partnership and sustainability."
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