The EHP upgrade (Enhancement Package upgrade) is often cited as a prerequisite for the implementation of SAP S/4HANA. Many companies are still using SAP ERP 6.0 with older Enhancement Packages.
Why do I need an EHP upgrade for the implementation of SAP S/4HANA?
The older the initial version, the more prechecks and preliminary work that need to be considered for the transition to S/4HANA. In this case, an EHP upgrade helps to ensure that the SAP system has a good initial foundation for the changeover to S/4HANA.
An EHP upgrade also offers additional functions and improvements that can enhance the performance and functionality of the SAP system. For example, an upgrade can provide new features and optimizations in areas such as finance, human resources and logistics.
It is important to carry out a thorough evaluation and planning in order to ensure that the upgrade runs successfully and the business processes of the company are not impaired.
How much effort do I need to invest in the project?
The effort involved in an EHP upgrade depends on various factors:
- Size of the SAP system
- Number of clients used
- Number of existing modifications
- Complexity of the business processes
- The manner in which the SAP system is used in the company
As a general rule, an EHP upgrade project takes several months. In addition, the implementation requires a team of SAP experts. The project steps are comprised of the planning and preparation, the implementation of the upgrade, adaptation of adjustments, as well as integration tests and user training.
It is important to carefully plan the project in advance in order to minimize downtimes and ensure that the company’s operations are impaired as little as possible. Ideally, the upgrade is initially implemented in a test environment in order to be able to test and document all of the steps without disrupting the daily business processes. Depending on the level of complexity, an iterative implementation would make sense in order to fine-tune processes. Once the desired readiness has been achieved in the test system, the EHP upgrade begins with the development system and then usually proceed via the quality assurance system through to the production system. Alternative approaches are possible.
For this purpose, it would make sense to involve an experienced partner or consultant in order to ensure that the upgrade project is successfully completed within the planned time frame and budget.
What is important to consider? Is custom code adoption advisable?
When you are planning an EHP upgrade, it is important to develop and implement a strategy for custom code adoption. A custom code is a code that has been specifically developed for the SAP system of a company in order to fulfill defined business requirements.
An EHP upgrade can affect the custom code and cause the existing adjustments to stop functioning or make changes necessary. A strategy for custom code adoption can ensure that the custom code is adjusted to the newest version of the SAP systems and continues to function effectively.
The strategy for custom code adoption can also help to consolidate and optimize the custom code in order to reduce the costs and complexity of maintenance. A detailed analysis of the custom code enables the identification, removal or update of unused or obsolete functions.
The strategy for custom code adoption should be planned and implemented parallel to the EHP upgrade project in order to ensure that the custom code management functions optimally and that the upgrade can be successfully implemented. In this case, involving an experienced partner is also recommended in order to ensure that the strategy for custom code adoption is effectively implemented.
By when should the changeover to SAP S/4HANA be made?
SAP has announced that the support for the SAP Business Suite 7 (the last version of the traditional SAP ERP software) will expire in the year 2027. By means of the extended maintenance, the end of maintenance for SAP ERP or the applications of the SAP Business Suite, respectively, can be extended to 2030. Companies using the SAP Business Suite 7 must migrate to SAP S/4HANA by that time in order to obtain continued support and maintenance.
We recommend that you contact an experienced partner or consultant in order to evaluate your options and to develop a migration strategy that best suits your business requirements and objectives.
Summary
In summary, it can be stated that an EHP upgrade for SAP customers presents them with an important option for keeping their SAP software up to date and benefiting from the latest functional enhancements and improvements. The upgrade requires careful planning and preparation, however, due to the fact that business processes and systems can be affected. Therefore, it is recommended that you work with SAP consultants in order to ensure that the upgrade runs smoothly and successfully. Overall, an EHP upgrade can contribute to a company’s ability to remain competitive as well as keep your business processes and systems at the current state of the art.
Are you also about to transition to SAP S/4HANA and you would like to implement an EHP upgrade? Simply get in touch with us, and would be happy to assist you with advice.
Author: Nikol Minova
