Welcome to the ultimate showdown: SAP B1 HANA vs. SAP S/4HANA! If you’re navigating the SAP universe, you’ve likely encountered these names.
In this article, we’ll unravel the mysteries, demystify the jargon, and help you make the right choice for your business.
Let’s dive in! 💡
What is SAP HANA?
SAP HANA, short for High-performance Analytic Appliance, is a revolutionary multi-model in-memory database launched in 2010.
Most Flagship products like SAP Business One HANA, SAP S/4HANA, SAP Data Intelligence, SAP Data Warehouse Cloud, and SAP Analytics Cloud run on SAP HANA, offering a range of powerful capabilities for businesses.
Key Features of SAP HANA:
- It combines online analytical processing (OLAP) and online transactional processing (OLTP) in a single system, making it significantly faster than traditional databases – OLAP vs OLTP.
- Stores data in memory, allowing for lightning-fast processing and near-zero latency.
- SAP HANA offers advanced search, analytics, and data integration capabilities for all types of data, structured and unstructured.
- Acting as an application server, SAP HANA enables companies to build intelligent applications based on real-time data, in-memory computing, and machine learning.
- It can be deployed both on-premise and in the cloud, providing versatility to business.
What is SAP B1 HANA?
SAP Business One HANA is an advanced version of SAP Business One, offering the advantages of an in-memory database for high-speed processing and real-time analytics.
It is designed to handle large volumes of data with exceptional speed and efficiency.
Key Features of SAP B1 HANA:
- The HANA version has a more modern and visually appealing user interface compared to the SQL version. While the functionality is comparable, it comes down to user preference.
- SAP B1 HANA utilizes in-memory database technology, allowing it to process large volumes of data within milliseconds.
- It offers an intuitive dashboard builder for non-technical users, allowing quick and easy creation of dashboards.
- SAP B1 HANA’s enterprise search feature resembles Google for businesses, providing quick access to relevant information. It offers wildcard searches and extensive historical data search.
- HANA’s Workbench tool allows system administrators to easily edit workflows and documents to match business needs. It is particularly useful when minor changes are required.
Also Read: SAP B1 HANA vs MS SQL
What is SAP S/4 HANA?
SAP S/4HANA is a next-generation ERP business suite that operates on the SAP HANA in-memory database, bringing real-time capabilities to businesses.
It serves as the core of SAP’s digital transformation strategy, enabling companies to adapt and flourish in a rapidly changing landscape, creating what they call the “intelligent enterprise.”
Key Features of SAP S/4HANA:
- S/4HANA’s simplified data model and lean architecture makes it fast, user-friendly, and easier to use, thanks to the tile-based SAP Fiori UX.
- Harnessing AI, machine learning, IoT, and advanced analytics, S/4HANA excels at real-time problem-solving and processing vast amounts of information swiftly.
- Organizations can choose on-premises, public or private cloud, or hybrid deployments to suit their specific needs.
Read More: SAP S/4HANA Cloud Services by Axxis Consulting
SAP B1 HANA vs. SAP S/4HANA – A Complete Comparative Analysis
When it comes to ERP solutions, both SAP Business One (B1) HANA and SAP S/4HANA are powerful contenders.
However, they cater to different segments of businesses and offer varying features, which can significantly impact the choice for businesses having distinct requirements.
1. Scale and Target Audience
One of the key distinctions between SAP B1 HANA and SAP S/4HANA lies in the scale and target audience they serve.
SAP B1 HANA
- SAP B1 HANA is tailored for smaller organizations that are rapidly growing and have under 500 employees.
- It provides a comprehensive ERP solution, perfect for small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking efficient management.
SAP S/4HANA
- On the other hand, SAP S/4HANA is designed to address the needs of larger and more established organizations with at least 500 employees and above.
- It is often deployed in enterprises with 1,500 employees or more, offering scalability and advanced features suitable for enterprise-level companies.
2. Features and Functionality
In terms of features and functionality, both SAP B1 HANA and SAP S/4HANA have distinct offerings.
SAP B1 HANA
SAP B1 HANA offers 15 functional modules covering various aspects of business operations, such as customer relationship management, financials, project management, and human resources. These modules cater to general business needs and serve SMEs effectively.
SAP S/4HANA
In contrast, SAP S/4HANA boasts a broader range of modules categorized under different business “Areas,” including asset management, manufacturing, advanced variant configuration, and commercial project management.
With an extensive library of supported business areas, SAP S/4HANA is equipped to meet industry-specific needs and more complex technical applications, making it an ideal choice for large enterprises with diverse requirements.
3. Pricing and Billing
Pricing is another important consideration when choosing between SAP B1 HANA and SAP S/4HANA.
SAP B1 HANA
SAP B1 HANA operates on a straightforward monthly billing scheme, where costs are determined based on the number of registered users within the organization.
This simplicity appeals to SMEs and small businesses, as it is easy to track and manage.
With a tailored pricing quote, you can assess the affordability of SAP Business One and take the first step towards optimizing your business processes and driving growth. Get a pricing quote for SAP Business One Hana and discover how it can transform your business.
SAP S/4HANA
On the other hand, SAP S/4HANA offers different service packages, including the Enterprise Edition, which follows a monthly billing scheme based on the number of users.
However, other packages like the Service Edition and Professional Services Edition are billed based on a percentage of the project’s revenue and the organization’s expenses.
The varying pricing mechanics of SAP S/4HANA require careful consideration and analysis, especially for larger enterprises with more complex billing structures.
Get in touch – We’d be happy to discuss the price of SAP S/4 HANA and provide you with a customized quote that suits your specific needs and requirements.
Choosing Between SAP B1 HANA or SAP S/4HANA
Choosing between SAP Business One and SAP S/4HANA is a critical decision that depends on various factors specific to your organization. Consider the scale of your business, industry complexity, available resources, business goals, and qualitative benefits before choosing one.
SAP Business One is ideal for smaller businesses looking for cost-effective solutions and gradual growth. In contrast, SAP S/4HANA suits larger enterprises aiming for comprehensive functionalities to manage complex global operations.
Ultimately, the right ERP solution is the one that aligns with your company’s unique requirements and positions you for success in the long run.
Take the time to evaluate your needs, engage with ERP experts, and make an informed decision that will support your business’s growth and prosperity.
How can Axxis Consulting Help you Find the Best ERP?
At Axxis Consulting, we specialize in helping companies like yours prepare for their ERP journey. Whether you’re just starting out to evaluate ERP solutions or already knee-deep in the process, our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way.
- We’ll take the time to understand your unique business and industry needs, so we can offer tailored insights and recommendations for the best ERP solutions that align with your requirements.
- Plus, we’ve got plenty of experience in various industries, so we can share valuable insights from your industry peers and the ERP choices they’ve made.
