SAP S/4HANA Cloud Reviews

I am currently working as an SAP EWM consultant. I am also involved in sales and distribution, and I work with SAP S4HANA Cloud in supply chain management.

SAP S4HANA Cloud assists our organization with following due processes, making it easy for both internal and external audits. It provides flexibility that allows it to fit into our business requirements and needs.

The integration between SAP EWM and S4HANA Cloud is seamless. SAP's reporting capabilities are exceptional. Real-time analytics are also a strength, allowing analytics as long as data is posted in the system real-time.

The reporting aspect needs improvement, specifically in integrating the EWM and MM modules into a single report. Integration between flexible real estate and sales and distribution needs to be more seamless. Modules into revenue generation should integrate more easily with SD for better operational flow.

I have been dealing with SAP S4HANA Cloud since 2016 and SAP in general since 2014.

The technical support from SAP is quite good, although there is room for improvement. We receive quick responses when issues are logged.

Positive

SAP is perceived as expensive, but this is due to the quality of the product. There are also SAP products applicable to small to medium-sized companies, which are more affordable.

I would recommend SAP S4HANA Cloud to other businesses, including manufacturing, supply chain-related, and finance companies. However, its use in the banking industry might be limited.

I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.

The primary use case for SAP S4HANA Cloud is to support my business, PeerSpot, by enhancing various business processes.

SAP S4HANA Cloud has improved the efficiency and visibility of business operations, leading to potential cost and time savings.

Some of the most important features include data analytics and real-time data analysis capabilities, as well as the ability to integrate external tools like Qlik Sense.

I would like to see some new features added or existing ones enhanced to make the tool even better.

I have been working with SAP S4HANA Cloud for some time.

The stability of SAP S4HANA Cloud is acceptable.

There are no scalability issues with the solution.

I have not contacted SAP support and have not experienced any issues requiring their assistance.

Positive

There was no information about using previous solutions or reasons for switching.

I mentioned that implementation could be difficult.

There was no mention of an implementation team.

The transcript suggests SAP S4HANA Cloud may offer cost and time savings.

There was no information provided about pricing, setup costs, or licensing.

There were no mentions of alternate solutions being evaluated.

There was no additional advice provided.

We were migrating from our in-house ERP solution to the solution, which was a more corporate-centralized solution. My role was to lead the team in mapping our processes with the central team. We aimed to find synergies and learn how to handle processes that weren't directly covered.

Sales data processing was cumbersome with many mandatory inputs. We normalized this by pulling the data out, manipulating it, and sending it back. We also had unique requirements for controlling product availability, ATP checks, and prioritization for certain customers. These were areas specific to our business model that we handled outside the tool.

I have been working with the product since 2017. 

Our Singapore team contacted SAP's technical team. I found them in tune with our needs and understanding from my limited interaction. They took time but provided solutions to meet our requirements.

Neutral

The solution helped us save money and time, especially as part of a global central platform. It allowed for standardized, optimized processes across all entities in our global organization. When one entity develops an optimized practice, it becomes available to everyone. This brings both tangible and intangible benefits.

The time it takes to see benefits varies. For a new optimization like procurement planning, it might take 12-18 months to see results. For shorter-term projects like monitoring investments, we might see the impact in three to six months. It depends on the complexity and scope of the project. You can't expect immediate results like adding spice to soup—it takes time to see the effects of these changes.

SAP S/4 Hana isn't cheap, but its value depends on how much you can leverage from it. It's not just about the system but how well your people are trained to use it and adapt to derive benefits.

No specific feature stood out as especially valuable. It's a well-established ERP solution, so all of it was good. We stuck to the original solution in some areas where we couldn't manipulate it much. Where needed, we used our development on an SQL platform, taking relevant data from the tool, manipulating it, and sending it back using interfaces.

We didn't use real-time analytics because we didn't need it. Our data refresh frequency of one to two hours was good enough for us. It wasn't about cost but necessity. We didn't want to load the system unnecessarily when our business needs were met with less frequent updates.

We used SAP S/4 Hana with other tools in our ecosystem. We extracted data through interfaces for multiple ancillary solutions. For example, we integrated it with our warehouse management system, not SAP's. We used real-time interfaces for some things, but for analytics like Power BI and SQL analytics, we updated data every one to three hours, depending on needs.

I'm a strong supporter of integration. You can't expect to have all the solutions on one platform. Different solutions excel in order processing, procurement planning, workflow management, or data analytics. Integration is the best way to combine these strengths.

Integrating tools with SAP S/4 Hana wasn't too difficult because we had a good technical team. It has standard interfaces for sharing critical data. It can be challenging without people who have in-depth knowledge of the modules and processes. But with the right team, it's just a matter of good design, testing, and rollout.

We didn't use AI features as our implementation was in 2017-2019 before AI became prominent. I haven't worked with other equivalent platforms, but from what I hear, the tool is among the top. Nothing is perfect, as it's all man-made, so I'd rate it an eight out of ten. 

In my role supporting clients in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Europe, and India, I have worked with companies, including government entities like Gartner Rich Ship Builders, migrating from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA Cloud. The transition aims to streamline operations, enhance user experiences with SAP Fiori, and enable real-time analytics for better decision-making. While specific client names are confidential, our support spans diverse industries, illustrating the global adoption and versatile applications of SAP S/4HANA Cloud.

I have found the financial and production planning modules to be the most valuable features.

The only thing that could be improved would be the complexity of the initial setup.

I have been working with SAP S/4HANA Cloud for a few years.

The stability of SAP S/4HANA Cloud is still being evaluated as we are in the early stages, especially with data migration. Right now, I would rate it around six out of ten, but it needs more time to see how it performs as we continue to use and migrate data.

It is highly scalable. I would rate the scalability as a nine out of ten. We have around five or six clients using SAP S/4HANA Cloud. Our clients range from big Fortune 500 companies to smaller businesses with revenues close to half a billion US dollars.

There is significant room for improvement in SAP's support, as getting answers from them can be challenging. Fortunately, in many cases, we rely on our capable in-house team and don't often require extensive support from SAP. I would rate the support as a five out of ten.

Positive

we have advised our clients to move from on-premise to cloud, as cloud hosted subscription based model eliminates the installation and maintenance cost (OPEX & CAPEX) of data center.

The initial setup of SAP, especially with SAP HANA and S/4HANA, is inherently complex. However, SAP offers assistance through services like RISE with HANA to handle the setup aspect, making the software ready for users. While SAP supports the setup, the implementation phase is a separate, intricate process where challenges can arise. Overall, the installation is getting streamlined, but the implementation remains a complex task. SAP S/4HANA Cloud deployment typically involves two main phases. SAP can get the system up and running in about six weeks when you purchase the license. After that, the actual implementation takes a bit longer, usually ranging from nine to eighteen months. In our case, we follow SAP's recommended process called Activate Methodology, which is a standard and widely accepted approach. This helps ensure a structured and efficient deployment.

We are an implementation partner for SAP.

ROI depends on certain parameters. As SAP provides the infrastructure support and maintenance, the ROI directly would reflect that. Subscription allows flexibility that is otherwise not available. 

The price depends on the business size and comparison with competitors like Oracle. In the SAP sphere, the pricing is competitive, but it is not suitable for smaller businesses. For companies under $500 million, it might be considered expensive, but this holds true for other ERP solutions in this category. The affordability varies based on the business scale and requirements. In addition to the standard licensing fees (yearly subscription based), there are no separate costs for SAP S/4HANA Cloud. Also application components or stack can be added/removed as per business usage of business functionality. However, there are nuances in the licensing structure, especially regarding transactions, that require careful consideration to avoid unexpected charges.

we advise SAP S4/HANA cloud - public or private (depending on customer budget).

My advice for anyone considering SAP S/4HANA Cloud is to study the product and its competitors to ensure it meets your business needs. Assess if there is a clear return on investment. ERP implementation is complex and requires a strong commitment from top management. Do your homework and make sure leadership is fully on board to avoid costly mistakes. Overall, I would rate SAP S/4HANA Cloud as a seven out of ten.

Our primary use case for SAP S/4HANA Cloud is managing and coordinating theatre productions, including handling logistics, accommodations, and technical requirements. It supports our environment by streamlining communication and ensuring seamless event execution across various venues.

The solution has significantly improved our organization by enhancing our ability to manage multiple productions efficiently. It has streamlined coordination between teams, improved communication, and facilitated better tracking of logistical needs, leading to smoother operations and reduced manual errors.

The platform's most valuable features include the integrated scheduling tool, which allows us to coordinate between different teams and venues effortlessly, and the comprehensive logistics tracking system, ensuring that all aspects of our productions are managed effectively.

The product could be improved by enhancing its user interface to make it more intuitive and by increasing the customization options for tracking and reporting, which would better align with our specific needs.

They should include advanced analytics features for performance tracking and reporting, as well as improved integration with other tools we use for budgeting and scheduling.

The product is generally stable, with minimal disruptions or downtime, which is crucial for maintaining the smooth operation of our productions.

The product is highly scalable, effectively accommodating the needs of both small and large-scale productions without compromising performance.

The technical support team has been responsive and helpful, addressing issues and providing solutions promptly whenever needed.

Positive

We previously used a different solution but switched because the former needed to provide the level of integration and customization we required for managing complex theatre productions.

The initial setup was relatively straightforward but required some customization to fit our requirements. The process involved integrating various components and configuring settings to align with our operational requirements.

We implemented the solution with the assistance of a vendor team.

The return on investment has been positive. The solution contributed to more efficient operations and reduced overhead costs, which impacted our overall budget favorably.

Overall, SAP S/4HANA Cloud has been a valuable asset to our operations. We are taking full advantage of the available training resources to maximize its benefits and provide feedback to the provider for continuous improvements.

I rate it a nine out of ten. 

We use the product for handling configurations and managing user requirements across different modules.

The product's most valuable features include its real-time data storage and integration capabilities through SAP connectors. These features have enhanced operational efficiency by allowing seamless data processing and connectivity.

We have encountered challenges with integration projects, particularly between SAP and non-SAP systems, which have caused delays. While these issues are being gradually addressed, I recommend improving the user interface of the SAP ticketing portal. Making it more user-friendly and searchable would help submit tickets more effectively and ensure they reach the correct team for resolution.

I have been working with SAP S4HANA Cloud for approximately three years.

We have encountered issues with updates and delays in receiving timely information regarding component readiness for updates. 

I rate the stability a four out of ten.

I rate the platform's scalability as seven out of ten. 

Support tickets are often unresolved for extended periods, and the support team needs more understanding.

Negative

The initial setup is moderately difficult, with the deployment process varying depending on the complexity of the development. 

Complex developments can take hours, whereas simpler ones can be completed in minutes.

I rate the process a six out of ten. 

The product implementation was handled through a vendor team.

The return on investment has been lower than expected, as the rising costs have not translated into proportional gains.

The solution's costs have significantly increased, and we have not seen any anticipated cost savings.

I advise those considering the solution to ensure proper training and support. Having a well-informed front-end team and receiving regular updates to address customer needs is crucial. 

I rate it a five out of ten.

In my consulting work, clients commonly use SAP S/4HANA Cloud for finance and logistics. Some integrate additional applications through the Business Technology Platform, while others streamline manufacturing processes with Digital Supply Chain functionalities.

The most valuable aspect of SAP S/4HANA Cloud is its ease of deployment and the reduced hassles of infrastructure support. Compared to the earlier on-premise ECC version, upgrading is now much smoother, eliminating the challenges that used to appear during version upgrades. One significant advantage is that SAP handles infrastructure support and downtime directly when the system is hosted in its environment. This not only saves time but also mitigates the challenges associated with managing infrastructure independently.

There is room for improvement in SAP S/4HANA Cloud, particularly in enhancing the application's response time. While it is not problematic, any improvements in this area would be beneficial. Additionally, despite the availability of the BTP for integration, there is a potential for increased flexibility. A more adaptable environment from SAP in terms of integration would be highly valuable for optimizing processes and workflows.

I have been an SAP consultant for over 20 years, specializing in supply chain and order fulfillment. 

I find it to be a highly scalable product. The ease of deploying patches and upgrades from SAP contributes to its scalability, provided that users maintain a clean system. The seamless integration suite facilitates the incorporation of non-SAP applications into the landscape, making it a straightforward solution for deployment and accommodating the continuous addition of new functionalities by SAP. Overall, scalability is a strong point for this product. I have worked with setups having around 200 to 400 end users concurrently using SAP S/4HANA Cloud.

While I haven't needed support frequently, the times I did, the response from the SAP technical team was good. The support provided was helpful and responsive, particularly within the Indian ecosystem. Although instances requiring assistance have been infrequent, the overall experience with SAP's technical support has been positive.

The initial setup of SAP S/4HANA Cloud has been relatively smooth in my experience. Compared to earlier on-premise versions of SAP, the process is notably more efficient, particularly in the context of public or private cloud deployments, like SQL HANA on the cloud. I would estimate that the initial deployment is about 40-50% percent more streamlined than it used to be in the past.

For SAP S/4HANA Cloud the return on investment is significant. 

While SAP S/4HANA Cloud may be on the higher side price-wise, it is a worthwhile investment.

In my experience of nearly two decades in the ERP field, I highly recommend choosing SAP S/4HANA Cloud. SAP is a reliable and user-friendly ERP, and its integration with the public cloud ensures continuous updates without the hassles of migration or upgrades. It offers ease of deployment, a user-friendly interface, incorporation of good business practices, preconfigured solutions, scalability, and straightforward upgrade and management processes. Overall, I would rate SAP S/4HANA Cloud as an eight out of ten.

I use SAP to manage an entire company. It is an ERP system that helps me streamline and integrate various business processes.

Public cloud deployment is preferred, as I do not have to take care about infrastructure, security and upgrades.

What I like the most about SAP S/4HANA public cloiud is how reliable and powerful it is.

SAP S/4HANA public cloud could improve by adding more features because the current set is a bit limited. I need more options for enhancing the system, especially compared to the features available in the on-premise version. Additionally, the initial setup can be quite complex and still requires deep SAP expertise.

I have been using SAP S/4HANA public cloud for five years.

Very stable, no issues.

I would rate the scalability as a seven out of ten. It is fairly scalable. We have approximately 250 users at our company. Scalability inviolves potential subscription price increase. Adding extra features very often require AddOn subscriptions that you can hardly predict at the start of the project.

My experience with SAP's technical support varies a lot. It depends on the person handling the ticket; if you are lucky, you might get someone knowledgeable, but sometimes it is not so great. It is a bit hit or miss. I would rate the support as a five out of ten.

Neutral

SAP ERP, SAP S/4HANA (on-prem). 

The initial setup is complex. It takes at least four to six months to deploy the solution, depending on scope.

SAP S/4HANA is very expensive. You need to compare the TCO, which is hard in some cases. Of all SAP ERP solutions, public cloud is still the most affordable.

My advice to new users is to pay serious attention to the standard feature set analysis (Fit 2 Standard workshops). If you don't, you might find out later that you need something not in the standard features, and there is no way to add it afterward. Overall, I would rate SAP S/4HANA public cloud as an eight out of ten.