SAP S/4HANA – The transformationCOMPASS from abat

What are the most important questions and answers when switching to SAP S/4HANA?

The transformationCOMPASS shows you the way

With our transformationCOMPASS, we give you an initial overview of the most important questions companies should ask themselves before transformation. Answering these questions helps to get an up-to-date status before the changeover.

On this basis, we give you an initial assessment of the scope and your next steps towards a calculable S/4HANA transformation. In this way, you will find the appropriate direction for a transformation and ultimately receive a result that fits your company and your strategy.

Check your S/4HANA transformation project now at no cost

Take our transformationCOMPASS now. Answer seven questions that decision-makers should ask themselves in the context of an S/4HANA transformation.

At the end, you will receive a free initial assessment of your transformation project. Your answers will not be stored or further processed by us. 

If you would like to learn more about how to proceed afterwards, let us arrange a non-binding meeting. To do so, please feel free to call us at +49 421 4304 60 (inquiries for China), +1 470 792 2733 or +52 222 563 9094 (inquiries for North America) or send an e-mail to info@abatchina.com (China) or to xviw@abat.de (North America).

1.objective / strategic orientation / digitization strategy

2. system landscape

3. target architecture

4. integration business

5. adaptation organizational structures

6. processes

7. standardization

To the evaluation
transformationCOMPASS – 15 building blocks for a successful S/4HANA transformation

You will receive a detailed description of the individual building blocks after completing our transformationCOMPASS.

Strategy Check

The overall strategy encompasses the entire IT architecture, which includes other systems and functionalities in addition to the transition project. The target system architecture emerges from this as the target image.

Conversion analysis

System Conversion, often referred to as a brownfield approach, is a way to migrate the existing SAP system to S/4HANA. The conversion analysis provides a detailed and structured overview of activities for all phases in the project. Based on the experience of successfully completed projects, the Conversion module provides you with the certainty and clarity to answer the question of system conversion.

Identification of the Simplification Items

The Readiness Check provides information in the form of simplification items about the possible effects of the transformation to S/4HANA. In addition to the pure listing, potential added value in the company's own processes is also shown. The starting point is the existing SAP system.

Custom Code Check

The Custom Code Check is a tool-supported "Deep Check" for the analysis of custom development in the existing system. With the help of the tool and expert knowledge, an evaluation of results and derivation of implementation steps is made possible.

SAP Fiori Recommendation Report

The report checks, in SAP ECC as well as S/4HANA systems, which transactions were frequently used and gives a recommendation which Fiori standard apps cover the examined process scope.

Migration Analysis

With the help of the migration analysis, an individual migration strategy is developed for your company. This includes both selecting the relevant master and transaction data and selecting appropriate techniques and tools.

Process Innovation Check

To position your company in a future-oriented way, we jointly develop and demonstrate possibilities for automating and digitizing your processes as part of the process innovation check.

Risk/potential Analysis

The risk/potential analysis is recommended as part of the definition of an overall IT strategy. The Business Scenario Recommendations Report (BSR Report) and the SAP Readiness Check for S/4HANA, which are run on the current ECC production system, serve as the basis for this.

Evaluation Matrix

In the evaluation matrix, individual criteria that come into play when deciding on an implementation variant are categorized, weighted and evaluated together with the customer. The aim is to identify the optimum transition strategy for the customer.

Knowledge Transfer

Within the scope of the knowledgetransfer, S/4HANA basics will be taught and the potential of S/4HANA will be presented.

Scoping

Scoping identifies SAP's best-practice processes relevant to the prototype, which are then walked through with the customer in fit-to-standard workshops.

System Demo

In the system demo, the best-practice processes identified in scoping and, if necessary, enriched by customizing, are presented to the customer in fit-to-standard workshops.

Prototyping

Based on best-practice processes and, if necessary, demo systems from abat, the system solution can be viewed directly in the system at the start of the project as part of a prototype.

Fit-to-Standard

The fit-to-standard analysis ensures the fit, i.e., the accuracy of fit of the customer processes to the S/4HANA standard process shown in the system demo. If there is a discrepancy between the standard process in the prototype and the target process desired by the customer, this is described as a gap.

Customized

Every company and every initial situation are different and individual. Therefore, we accompany you together with your requirements and find a solution. Both on the topic of Value Check, the identification of extensions (add-ons) and further solutions in the End-2-End process or your specific requirement.

Get your S/4HANA transformation off to the right start!

In recent years, we have supported numerous companies in transforming their existing SAP landscape to S/4HANA. In the process, we have repeatedly encountered the same questions and critical points in the initial phase.  

With these findings, we have developed the transformationCOMPASS, which can also give you initial pointers on your transformation project. Above all, we want to point out the hot spots that require the most attention. The transformationCOMPASS is based on experience from many successfully completed projects and is available as an online version free of charge, providing you with an individual recommendation for your S/4HANA transformation project.

Once the hotspots are found, we conduct an in-depth workshop based on them and look at the key points of your project in depth.

Laughing woman in a light blue shirt with compass logo against a light blue background.

The result : a detailed picture of the current transformation status and a clear idea of how to proceed. Our evaluation of the workshop also includes an assessment of the scope and complexity of the transformation, including a cost estimate for the preliminary study.

For those who have already made up their minds!

You have already conducted a preliminary study and know your key points? Have you already decided between Greenfield or Brownfield? Then click on the following button to find out more about the abat Conversion Accelerator, the abat Plug and Play and the Methodology Accelerator in the Greenfield to successfully implement your transformation. Arrange a non-binding meeting.

SAP S/4HANA implementation with various paths, including greenfield and system conversion.

The workshop showed us new strategic options and thus decisively advanced our digital transformation.

Martin Schaub (Südzucker)

Südzucker company logo with blue lettering and red and blue curved lines.

Finding the right procedure with abat

Do you have questions about the S/4HANA conversion? We would be happy to help you! Arrange a non-binding meeting.

Graphic of the SAP S/4HANA roadmap with phases from planning to implementation.

Your path to successful S/4HANA transformation

transformationCOMPASS

Use our free transformationCOMPASS to get some initial important pointers for your transformation project.

roadmap

Use suitable tools to find a strategic and timely optimization sequence for your processes. abat shows you the way.

to roadmap

preliminary study

Find your way to modern technologies such as IoT, artificial intelligence, and other new IT developments through a targeted preliminary study.

to preliminary study

realization

Brownfield and greenfield compared. abat Accelerators help you find the right approach.

to realization

Our Success Stories

Fritz Winter

Publication: 09/2025
Manufacturing processes improved with SAP
The Fritz Winter Eisengießerei was facing the challenge of making its complicated manufacturing processes ready for the digital future. Together with abat, it replaced a non-SAP system and integrated it into SAP ERP. The result: clear inventories, better planning, and a solid foundation for the upcoming SAP S/4HANA migration. Learn how…

to the project

Laser cutting machine precisely cuts sheet metal, sparks fly in modern manufacturing.

HIL GmbH

Publication: 08/2025
SAP S/4HANA ensures secure maintenance for the German Armed Forces

When faced with growing challenges, bold steps are required. HIL took the plunge with S/4HANA, creating an IT landscape that combines efficiency, transparency, and security. Mobile solutions and modern processes make maintaining defense equipment faster and more reliable than ever. Find out how HIL optimized…

to the project

Close-up of armored tracks on asphalt road with visible green rollers.

PFERD

Publication: 08/2023
Effective communication is often the key to project success. As a family business with more than 200 years of tradition, the PFERD brand has made communication and trust an important part of its core values. This success story of an S/4HANA migration at the Mexican site describes the challenge and the successful cooperation between abat and PFERD during the project phase and…

to the project

Grinding machine works on metal and sprays sparks, hand with protective glove holds the tool.

DESMA

Publication: 06/2023
Digitalization and automation for the footwear industry through S/4HANA transformation
​​​​​​​DESMA supports the shoe industry with innovative production solutions for Industry 4.0, highly automated machines, excellent know-how and comprehensive support. However, continuous innovation is only possible if the company optimizes its internal processes. The discontinuation of…

to the project

Athlete running up a flight of stairs, focus on running shoes and leg movement.

Salzgitter AG

Publication: 06/2023
Steel giant optimizes and automates raw material procurement by switching to S/4HANA
2018 startete der Salzgitter Konzern die Umstellung der kompletten ERP-Infrastruktur auf SAP S/4HANA. Im Zuge dieses konzernweiten Transformationsvorhabens sollten in einem eigenen Projekt die Warenwirtschaftsprozesse der Vormaterialbeschaffung aus einer Beteiligungsgesellschaft über alle…

to the project

Molten metal is poured into a container in a metal foundry, sparks fly.

Imperial Logistics

Publication: 07/2020
Integrated Warehouse and Transportation with SAP S/4HANA

Greenfield implementation of a logistics template in the chemical industry. Imperial Logistics is a pioneer in the use of embedded EWM and TM integration in S/4HANA on Release 1709.

to the project

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Our customers

Audi
BMW AG
DESMA Schuhmaschinen GmbH
ElectronicPartner
Fritz Winter Eisengießerei GmbH & Co. KG.
Getränke Essmann
Gimmi
Haufe-Lexware GmbH & Co KG
JAB JOSEF ANSTOETZ KG
Josera Erbacher Service GmbH & Co. KG
KHD Humboldt Wedag
Mercedes-AMG GmbH
Mercedes-Benz Group
Q2 factory GmbH
Recaro
Rhenus
Salzgitter Flachstahl
Star Cooperation
Steinbeis Papier
Südzucker
Swiss Krono
Volkswagen
XL2 GmbH
A portrait of Yi in a black suit in front of a gray wall.

Yi

SAP Developer
China

What I find most attractive working at abat is the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We are coworkers as well as friends. I can ask any question and always receive constructive feedback. Moreover, it is highly encouraged to try new things, which helps broaden the horizon for me and the company alike.

A portrait picture of Xu smiling in a blue suit in front of a gray wall.

Xu

SAP Consultant
China

I truly enjoy working at abat. The flexible working environment and professional colleagues have made my experience here exceptional. The culture of collaboration and willingness to offer help has allowed me to develop my skills in SAP. Overall, I feel grateful to be a part of such a supportive and dynamic team

A portrait of Henrik Lienstromberg in a blue suit in front of a white wall.

Henrik

Legal Representative
China

For me, abat means a combination of independent work and strong teamwork.

A portrait picture of Hao in a black suit against a gray background.

Hao

General Manager
China

At abat, we believe in the magic of mutual trust, personal responsibility, and respectful cooperation rather than rigid rules and long coordination. This creates a dynamic and enjoyable work environment, that results in exceptional experiences for our customers. I am amazed by the wonder of this guiding principle.

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News from the S/4HANA division

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