Why SAP S/4HANA Cloud?

Digital transformation is changing the face of business all around the world. Research firm Gartner surveyed corporate board directors and found that 89% said all business growth strategies include a digital component. Digitisation is a non-negotiable requirement for modern business. Meanwhile, an article by IT Brief and Tech Day points to research that suggests an average loss of AU$6.5 million for companies failing to digitise operations. 

Companies needing quick and reliable platforms for digital transformation are looking to the cloud, with 85% expected to adopt a cloud-first approach by 2025. 

Harnessing the Power of the Cloud

Cloud-based solutions are the obvious choice for most businesses because of their scalability and accessibility. Companies can easily expand digital operations as they bring more processes and systems online. Also, cloud-based operations do not require an investment in physical servers or other costly hardware. Companies will not need to purchase hardware, hire staff to maintain it, and use space to house the system onsite. 

Cloud-based platforms require short lead-in times. Companies can build cloud-ready operating models for a seamless switch to a cloud-based environment. 

The SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud (also referred to as S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition) is the perfect example of a ready-to-run cloud-based system. This enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is ready to use, with customisable features and settings and the ability https://discoveryconsulting.com.au/successfactors-services-sap-services/erp-cloud-s-4-hana/to scale up or down to meet current business needs. 

Streamlined Operations for Unmatched Efficiency

The SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud system is easy to integrate into current operations. It can streamline many ERP processes with AI and use operational and performance data to create real-time reports for decision-making or assessment. Finally, SAP S/4HANA brings intuitive interfaces to users, speeding adoption time and giving employees the same features and functionality across devices. 

Here is a closer look at how each of these features improves efficiency. 

Automating Time-Consuming Tasks

Intelligent automation relies on artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate tasks that would otherwise require time-consuming manual inputs. For instance, the system can transfer purchase order data to financial records and assess inventory levels to automate the ordering process. These processes would otherwise require manual data entry or frequent inventory checks by an employee. Not only are these processes more time-consuming, but they also reduce instances of human error. 

Analysis for Informed Decision-Making

Cloud-based systems like S/4HANA also generate large amounts of data. This information can get compiled into reports that company decision-makers can use to inform important operational or strategic decisions or measure performance against pre-set benchmarks. Analysis using real-time data can be crucial for informed decision-making in fast-paced industries. 

Gentle Learning Curve 

SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud boasts intuitive controls, providing a gentle learning curve for employees. The UI is the same regardless of the location or device, providing employees with the flexibility to access all features from home or office. 

Accelerating Innovation and Growth

Because SAP S/4HANA relies on the public cloud, it furnishes almost instant scalability. The public cloud provides access to on-demand computing power. All an IT manager needs to do to scale their ERP system up is to select more storage or faster processing speeds. The process can take a matter of seconds. 

Scalability without Waiting

This rapid scaling brings two advantages. First, it allows fast-growing companies to adjust to growth and current market dynamics. Second, it means small or growing companies do not have to purchase more than they need. Their ERP system can grow as they do. Furthermore, scalability lets companies adjust to a spike in demand or other unexpected market changes or industry alterations. 

Traditional systems would require new software and hardware. In the best-case scenario, the company would have to download and install software on different computers, stopping operations until the upgrade was complete. 

Forecasting for Better Planning

SAP S/4HANA has forecasting models that use current data and trends to predict future demand and market activity. With these insights, a company can plan production or staffing, optimise inventory strategies, and create the most efficient and effective plan for its supply chain operations and ordering. The platform offers seasonal and trend-based forecasts and models relying on constant variables. These different options let the company select the model that best fits its industry and current economic climate. 

Integrations and Extensions

SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud offers a high level of flexibility when it comes to integrations and extensions. SAP offers APIs based on widely used web technologies like OData and REST. You can use these tools to integrate S/4HANA into other systems. Another option is to use S/4HANA with older, on-site SAP tools, which you can connect using SAP Connectivity Service. This option works for companies not fully migrated to the cloud who want to use existing hardware-based SAP tools and systems. 

Industry-Specific Features

In addition to finance, sales and distribution, materials management, supplier and customer relationship, and project management modules, you can select industry-specific extensions for areas like retail, transportation and logistics, professional services, manufacturing, and utilities. These extensions provide pre-configured functionality meant to improve operations specific to different industries. 

The SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) allows for easy management and customisation of integrations and extensions. 

Unmatched Security and Compliance

SAP uses Security Groups (SGs) to segment each customer's data and infrastructure in the public cloud. Also, each customer accesses their platform via a unique URL secured by Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.2. This data encryption and authentication protocol is the successor to the widely used SSL protocol, and it works for phones, tablets, computers, and even devices with embedded systems. 

Frequent Security Updates

S/4HANA is a software as a service (SaaS). SAP is responsible for monitoring security, running penetration tests, and updating security measures regularly to mitigate risk and account for the latest cybersecurity risks. 

Compliance Documentation at Your Fingertips

SAP offers ISO and BS certification and documentation for companies needing to prove compliance with their country's data security regulations. Documentation is also available for specific industries and functions, such as payment processing, government agencies, and pharmaceutical research and development. Customers can find the necessary documentation via a compliance finder tool. 

A Full-Featured Cloud ERP System 

With easy access, out-of-the-box functionality, a user-friendly interface, and an abundance of automation, customisation, and integration options, SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud is an obvious choice for companies and organisations seeking a robust ERP system.