SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud is a next-generation enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that is hosted on the cloud. It’s a business management suite that is often referred to as “the intelligent enterprise platform” because of its AI, advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities. It helps companies adopt new business models, manage business change at speed, orchestrate internal and external resources, and use the predictive power of AI.
SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud Infrastructure
SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud is a cloud-based version of SAP S/4HANA that is hosted by SAP rather than being installed on a company’s own servers. It is not necessary for organizations to set up and manage their own hardware and software infrastructure. Instead, they can access the system from any device over the internet and pay a subscription fee to SAP for the use of the software and the underlying infrastructure.
Besides that, SAP uses a combination of its own data centres and infrastructure provided by third-party cloud providers to deliver SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud. The specific infrastructure provider may vary depending on the region in which the SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud system is being used. For example, SAP may use Amazon Web Services (AWS) to host SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud in certain regions.
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Modules of SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud
SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud includes various modules supporting different business processes. Some examples of modules available in SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud include:
1. Financial Accounting
This module helps organizations manage their financial transactions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and asset accounting.
2. Sales and Distribution
Supports the management of sales activities, including pricing, quotation, and order processing.
3. Production Planning
This module helps organizations plan and control the production of goods and services, including material requirements planning, capacity planning, and shop floor control.
4. Material Management
This module supports the management of materials, including inventory management, procurement, and supplier collaboration.
5. Human Capital Management
Helps organizations manage their human resources processes, including payroll, benefits, and talent management.
6. Supply Chain Management
This module supports the management of the flow of goods and services, including procurement, production, and distribution.
7. Customer Relationship Management
This module helps organizations manage their interactions with customers, including sales, marketing, and service activities.
8. Plant Maintenance
This module helps organizations manage the maintenance of their physical assets, including planning, execution, and reporting.
Features and Benefits of SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud
Organizations can take advantage of the scalability, reliability, and security of a cloud-based infrastructure without having to invest in and maintain their own hardware and software. Therefore, they can focus on their core business activities and leaves the management of the underlying infrastructure to SAP.
Additionally, this public cloud solution plays a key role in supporting digital transformation initiatives within an organization to fundamentally change how an organization operates and delivers value to its customers. Some key features and benefits of SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud include:
1. Real-time analytics
The solution uses in-memory technology to enable real-time analysis and reporting of business data. Thus, this allows businesses to make faster, more informed decisions based on up-to-date information. This can help organizations respond more quickly to changing market conditions and customer needs.
2. Advanced modelling
SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud includes advanced modelling capabilities that allow businesses to simulate and optimize business processes before implementing them.
3. Integration with other systems
The solution can be integrated with other systems, such as CRM, supply chain management, and e-commerce platforms, to provide a comprehensive view of business operations. As a result, this public cloud ERP solution helps organizations streamline their processes and improve efficiency.
4. Security
SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud includes robust security measures to protect sensitive business data. Also, it ensures compliance with relevant regulations.
5. Simplified user interface
This public cloud solution has a modern, intuitive interface that makes it easier for users to navigate and perform tasks. Hence, this can help improve the user experience and increase productivity.
6. Cost savings
It’s a subscription-based service, which means that organizations only pay for what they use. This can be more cost-effective than purchasing and maintaining on-premises software and infrastructure.
7. Scalability
The solution can quickly scale up or down to meet the changing needs of the business. This allows organizations to adjust their usage as needed without incurring additional costs.
8. Flexibility
It’s a cloud-based solution, which means it can be accessed from any location with an internet connection. This can help organizations be more flexible and agile in their operations and better respond to changing business needs.
9. Improved decision-making
SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud includes real-time analytics capabilities that allow businesses to make faster, more informed decisions based on up-to-date information.
Proven Business Value with SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud
Also Read: Top 10 Benefits of Cloud ERP & Types of Cloud ERP
6 Implementation steps of SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud
1. Planning
Before implementing SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud, it is important to carefully plan the project. This includes identifying the business goals and objectives, defining the scope of the project, and creating a project plan.
2. Preparation
The next step is to prepare the organization for the SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud implementation. This may involve training employees, preparing data for migration, and setting up the necessary hardware and software.
3. Migration
Once the organization is ready, the data and processes can be migrated to SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud. Furthermore, the process includes importing data from legacy systems and configuring the SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud system to meet the specific needs of the business.
4. Testing
After the data and processes have been migrated, it is important to thoroughly test the system to ensure that it is working correctly and meeting the business’s needs.
5. Deployment
Once the system has been tested and any issues have been addressed, it can be deployed to the entire organization. Moreover, this could comprise rolling out the system to different departments or locations at different times.
6. Maintenance
After the system has been deployed, it will need to be maintained to ensure that it continues to function properly and meets the changing needs of the business. Beyond that, the implementation partner provides continuous support to updates, patches, and ongoing support.
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In Conclusion
SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud is well-suited for organizations that want to improve their financial and operational efficiency. Moreover, the solution makes better use of data and analytics to inform decision-making. It is also a good fit for organizations that want to take advantage of the scalability, reliability, and security of a cloud-based solution without having to invest in and maintain their own hardware and software. Overall, the solution can help organizations leverage digital technologies to transform their operations and better serve their customers.
