So, you’re thinking about moving to SAP Integration Suite? That’s a smart move towards a more flexible and powerful integration setup. But when it comes to actually making the switch, what’s the best way to go about it?
The truth is, there’s no single “best” strategy. The right approach for your company depends on several things. You need to look at the bigger picture, including how your business is changing, what projects you have planned, and if you’re adding new systems or getting rid of old ones. Here are three main ways companies tackle this migration:
The Step-by-Step Approach (Phased Migration)
This involves moving your integrations to the new platform in stages. You decide which integrations to move first based on things like how important they are, how complex they are to set up on the new system, if there are other related projects happening, and your overall plans (like moving to S/4HANA). You group your integrations and move them over in batches. This is often the safest way because it lets you manage risks as you go, and it’s the method most companies choose.
Running Two Systems Side-by-Side (Parallel Use)
If your business is changing quickly and you have many projects in the works, it might make sense to start using the new integration platform for only new connections. At the same time, you gradually shut down the old platform as you retire older systems. While this might cost more in the long run because you’re running two systems, it lets you start using the benefits of the new platform right away without waiting. Just make sure you set a clear deadline for getting rid of the old platform and moving any remaining integrations.
The All-at-Once Switch (Big Bang)
This approach means moving all your integrations from the old platform to the new one in one go. It’s seen as the riskiest option because if something goes wrong, it can be hard to go back. However, it can be effective if you plan and test everything very carefully beforehand. One situation where this might be considered is if you’re doing a completely new (greenfield) implementation of S/4HANA.
Ultimately, the strategy you pick will depend on your specific situation, your tolerance for risk, and the resources you have available.
Considering a move to SAP Integration Suite? We can help you evaluate the best migration path for your business. Feel free to reach out and start a conversation about your integration needs.
