Change to SAP S/4HANA comes with lots of promises-improved performance, future-ready architecture, and so much more. But no major transformation is complete unless the already existing custom code is adapted so that everything continues running smoothly. Talking of SAP S/4HANA, the benefits run into thousands; yet most businesses face a sizeable obstacle regarding adapting custom code. Understanding these hurdles sets the stage for a seamless transition. Here, we take you step by step through the five key challenges of custom code adaptation in SAP S/4HANA and practical strategies to tackle each of them.

1. Identifying Relevant Custom Code

This is where companies will face one of the first challenges-that is, where to begin to apply custom code to SAP S/4HANA when there is an enormous pile of existing custom code. Most of the code amassed during the years was not relevant, necessary, or even functional. The sheer volume of code is so staggering that it leaves many companies unable to determine where to start from. How to Overcome It:  First, using Custom Code Migration App by SAP’s S/4HANA Readiness Check tool, you will be able to analyze your custom code as well as what exactly needs to be adapted, deleted, or retained. It also indicates exact areas in your code which are not compatible with SAP S/4HANA. This way, the focus is directed to the relevant piece from the onset and wasting time or money on unnecessary adaptation efforts does not happen. Indeed, a system needs periodic code cleanups and reviews over time to ensure that the system remains lean and functional.

2. Dealing with Deprecated Functions and Transactions

There is also an overall simplification of architecture where many of the older legacy functions and transactions from the older SAP systems are simply removed or replaced. In turn, much of the custom code often relies on those old functions, which won’t work after migration. This can create significant disruption if not addressed early in the process. How to Overcome It:  SAP also allows one to check for dependent code, using for instance, Simplification Database, which also states changes made by SAP S/4HANA, along with alternatives and how to convert the code. Once identified, the development team reworks the code, replacing old transactions and functions with their respective new items in SAP S/4HANA. Through working closely with your SAP consultants, there would be easy transition of old functions to new.

3. Performance Optimization Concerns

Another challenge is ensuring that custom code runs just as efficiently on SAP S/4HANA as in your legacy environment. The in-memory database of SAP S/4HANA works differently than a traditional database and may require modifications to custom code when interfaced with such an environment. Poorly optimized custom code may slow down processes and avoid getting the performance gain that S/4HANA is meant for. How to Overcome It:  Since SAP S/4HANA is based on HANA, one must tune custom code to be used with this in-memory computing ability. This is done by examining the performance of custom code in the new SAP S/4HANA environment through the usage of ABAP Test Cockpit and SQL Monitor. This would help to identify potential bottlenecks and give your developers guidelines on how to rephrase database queries and business logic to use the capabilities of in-memory better. It is proactive optimization that helps you avoid a future performance roadblock in custom code.

4. Managing Testing and Quality Assurance

Testing is a prominent section of the migration process but often turns out to be the Achilles heel of most organizations. The sheer volume of custom code dispersed across different business areas makes the whole business work in sync within SAP S/4HANA. Such testing cannot be rushed through or taken lightly; this eventually causes problems post-go-live with further delay and frustration for your business users. How to Overcome It:  The only way your custom code will run after migration is through full-scale testing. Automated testing tools, like SAP’s ABAP Unit Test Framework or any other third-party testing platforms, are important here. Automated tests enable you to validate vast volumes of custom code at a rapid pace and even minimize the extent of manual testing while reducing the possibility of human error. Just marry that with UAT, wherein business users can interactively engage with the system to identify problems likely to occur in the real world. Testing early and often may catch problems before they affect operations.

5. Resource Constraints and Skill Gaps

Changing custom code would require skilled developers familiar with your current system and in the new SAP S/4HANA environment. Many organizations face the issue of skills gap while trying to carry out this transition. Developers may be unfamiliar with the architecture of SAP S/4HANA, and, because of compressed business timelines, resource constraints become an issue. How to Overcome It:  Indeed, bridging the skill gap is essential. One challenge is that you can invest in SAP S/4HANA-specific training for your existing development team. SAP offers a very wide range of courses through its SAP Learning Hub about adaptation, optimization, and new techniques involving custom code. Working with an experienced SAP consultant would be essential, too. External experts may support your team, which can help to accomplish more complex tasks, hence ensuring that the project stays on course without overloading your internal resources. Specific tasks might also be outsourced to a specialized partner; such outsourcing is an effective solution for most business concerns regarding resource shortages when it comes to SAP S/4HANA migration.

Wrapping Up

This is one of the most challenging parts of migrating to SAP S/4HANA: adapting custom codes. From identification of old codes to performance optimization and testing; it can be a journey that seems too long. However, using the right tools, planning, and expertise, these challenges can be overcome. This happens in such a way as each obstacle is confronted early so that, during the process, SAP’s built-in migration tools might be used and expert resources tapped to bridge any knowledge and skill gaps. By pre-emptively addressing these five challenges, your organization can enjoy all the benefits of SAP S/4HANA, from efficiency and scalability to long-term innovation at all layers.