SAP Cloud ALM and more: The best tools for your SAP S/4HANA transformation

The SAP S/4HANA transformation is all about bringing together three dimensions: processes, people, and applications. There are a bunch of SAP tools out there that each focus on a different dimension. While SAP Signavio primarily addresses process management, SAP WalkMe is used for people enablement and ensures that the SAP S/4HANA project remains successful even after the actual transformation. LeanIX, on the other hand, focuses primarily on the system and application landscape. SAP Cloud ALM is particularly suitable as a tool for the overall management of the transformation project.

7 truths about project management in the SAP S/4HANA transformation

What to consider when selecting tools

When it comes to tooling, complex transformation projects such as the introduction of SAP S/4HANA come with certain requirements. There are a large number of different project management tools on the market today, all of which have different features and definitely have their merits. However, most of them are not explicitly tailored to transformation projects.

The parallel use of multiple tools in the project process leads to media breaks, resulting in delays and the risk of information being lost during transfer from one tool to another. In addition, there is a lack of transparency across the entire project management process when different tools are used. It should also be noted that the necessary licenses can increase project management costs.

Furthermore, setting up a general tool specifically for the SAP S/4HANA transformation involves a relatively high level of effort. At the same time, there is no possibility of end-to-end management, as is possible with a single tool, to cover all aspects – from process mapping, setup, test cases, and go-live to hypercare.

What sets SAP Cloud ALM apart with regard to the SAP S/4HANA transformation

SAP Cloud ALM comprehensively meets the outlined requirements for a project management tool for the SAP S/4HANA transformation. It is a cloud-native solution that offers comprehensive implementation and operational functions. SAP Cloud ALM is based on recognized standards and frameworks for project management and is therefore ideal for use as a central tool for managing the SAP S/4HANA transformation.

Key features include strong integration with other SAP tools such as SAP Signavio, Tricentis (for test automation), and LeanIX, as well as task management with a wide range of analysis and tracking functions. In addition, SAP Cloud ALM is directly linked to the SAP Activate project methodology. This means that the numerous tools provided by SAP as part of SAP Activate can be used directly from within the system.
Thanks to these features, SAP Cloud ALM is suitable as a tool for holistic project management. The tool is quick to deploy, and initial setup requires only minimal effort. Another advantage is that when using SAP S/4HANA, SAP Cloud ALM is delivered out-of-the-box at no additional cost.

What has proven to be best practice in project management

In addition to selecting the right tool, there are other factors that influence the successful management of the SAP S/4HANA transformation. For example, it is advisable to start with a smaller scope when setting up the project and then expand the setup iteratively. Anyone who tries to take all potential roles into account from the outset will quickly get lost and make the transformation project unnecessarily complex. It is more effective to make any adjustments as the project progresses.

Clarity regarding the various roles is essential for the traceability and controllability of the project. It must be clear to all participants who is responsible for which tasks in the project and where the respective accountabilities lie. The tasks from the provided roadmaps are often too extensive. Therefore, we recommend selectively importing those tasks that are truly relevant to the project.

In addition, it is important to onboard project participants at an early stage and train the employees involved in the use of SAP Cloud ALM. However, since the tool is very user-friendly, this task should be completed quickly. After that, nothing stands in the way of a successful SAP S/4HANA transformation from a project management perspective.