SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud implementation – opportunities and risks

The cloud is no longer just a trend – it’s a reality. More and more companies are recognizing the benefits of standardized, scalable IT services and aligning their ERP landscapes accordingly. The SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud, in particular, is gaining traction. As SAP’s strategic core product, it symbolizes the paradigm shift toward cloud-based ERP systems.

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Public Cloud offers significant potential. Eliminating high investment costs for hardware, infrastructure, and complex upgrades significantly reduces total cost of ownership (TCO). Additionally, SAP continuously invests in expanding the Public Cloud’s functionality, narrowing the gap with on-premise solutions. Today, the solution meets numerous industry requirements and is updated semi-annually with new innovations. The gap between the Public Cloud and the Private Cloud Edition is shrinking with every update and is expected to disappear entirely in the future.

• Lower TCO:  no hardware, no maintenance, predictable monthly costs
• Faster implementation:  standardized processes and best practices significantly shorten implementation times
• Continuous innovation:  new features and legal updates are automatically applied
• High scalability:  flexible adjustments to company size and growth without additional infrastructure costs
• Security and compliance:  SAP ensures the highest security standards and regular certifications

The market trend is clear: SAP is driving cloud transformation at full speed. Many analysts predict that the Public Cloud will become the preferred operating model for S/4HANA in the long term. While many companies still rely on private cloud or hybrid models today, it is becoming evident that SAP will focus its future innovations primarily on the Public Cloud. As a result, the Public Cloud is evolving into the new reference platform for SAP customers worldwide.

Implementing SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud differs fundamentally from traditional ERP projects. While on-premise projects are highly customized, the Public Cloud follows a standardized approach. This requires a shift in mindset – both in project methodology and company culture.

We support this transformation not only technically but also organizationally. With our extensive experience in cloud transformation projects, we provide guidance, structure, and security in an environment that is often uncharted territory for many clients.

1. Standardization over customization

The Public Cloud is built on predefined best practices that reflect proven business processes. Companies must adapt their internal workflows to these standard processes rather than the other way around. The key is the principle of “Adopt, not Adapt.” The focus should be on adopting the standard and prioritizing processes that create real differentiation.

Our consultants have in-depth knowledge of industry-specific standard processes in the Public Cloud and help tailor them to your organization. Through structured fit-gap analyses and proven templates, we minimize unnecessary customizations and enable a fast, clean implementation.

2. Fit-to-standard approach instead of blueprint

The traditional blueprint phase model is replaced by an agile fit-to-standard approach. Together with your business units, we review existing best practices, evaluate them, and only make adjustments where absolutely necessary. This not only shortens project timelines but also increases transparency and decision-making quality.

We combine SAP Activate with our own methodological enhancements, which have proven successful in numerous Public Cloud projects. This makes greenfield implementations even more efficient.

3. Focus on change management and user enablement

The greatest success factor – and the biggest risk – lies in change management. For many users, the introduction of the Public Cloud represents a significant shift: familiar interfaces, established processes, and custom developments are replaced. Success largely depends on how well the organization manages this transition.

• Early involvement of business units fosters acceptance and ownership.
• Targeted communication and user-focused training concepts support the transition to the new system environment.
• Change agents act as multipliers to promote acceptance and motivation.

We offer proven change and communication concepts specifically tailored to cloud transformations. Our change agents actively guide the transition to new ways of working, fostering motivation and process understanding throughout the organization.

4. Integration and data management

Even though the Public Cloud is standardized, integrating it into existing system landscapes remains a key challenge. A clear interface strategy and professional data management are essential to avoid media disruptions and ensure seamless process chains.

Our integration expertise spans both SAP BTP and non-SAP systems, ensuring end-to-end processes. With standardized integration templates (API-first principle), we significantly shorten technical implementation times while minimizing interface risks.

Despite its many advantages, implementing the Public Cloud also comes with risks:

• Limited customization options can create challenges for complex processes.
• Lack of user acceptance is often the main reason for delayed implementations or suboptimal usage.
• Data migration and interface management remain demanding even in a cloud context.

Successful cloud projects require a holistic approach – technology, processes, and people must be equally prioritized. This is where we come in as your implementation partner: we combine technological excellence with change management expertise and industry knowledge to turn a standard solution into a true business advantage.

Implementing SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud is more than an IT project – it’s a transformation initiative. The technological shift to the cloud not only changes system architecture but also how companies work and think.

For this transformation to succeed, people must be at the center. Change management, communication, and training are not side tasks but critical success factors. The cultural shift toward greater standardization, agility, and continuous innovation requires empathy, leadership, and experience.

We bring together all the competencies needed for such an initiative: deep SAP expertise, proven project methodology, strong change management skills, and a clear understanding of the unique challenges companies face during digital transformation. This way, cloud implementation not only transforms IT landscapes but also fosters a new mindset within the company:

• Focus on what matters
• Efficiency and user experience go hand in hand
• IT as a competitive advantage, not a cost driver

Discover your path to the cloud – practical and tailored to your needs.

In our free Cloud ERP Discovery Workshop, we’ll explore the potential, challenges, and next steps on your journey to SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud. Our goal: to provide you with a clear, actionable roadmap tailored to your organization. Take this opportunity to reflect on your individual requirements with our cloud experts – concise, concrete, and without obligation.