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COMPARING LSMW AND LTMC: EFFICIENT

DATA MIGRATION FROM SAP ECC TO SAP
S/4HANA

LSMW (Legacy system migration Workbench)

LSMW is a tool used in SAP ECC for data migration from legacy systems to SAP systems. It
provides a series of steps to convert and upload data into SAP. LSMW is a robust tool within
SAP that facilitates the migration of data from legacy systems to SAP environments. It
provides a structured approach to data migration through a series of defined steps, from
project setup to data conversion and loading. LSMW supports various data formats and
allows customization through ABAP programming for complex transformations. Key
functionalities include recording and playback of transaction data for mapping purposes, as
well as extensive validation and error handling capabilities. It is widely used for its ability to
streamline and automate the migration process, ensuring data integrity and reducing
manual effort in SAP implementations.

Key Features:

1. Step-by-Step Process: LSMW provides a wizard-like interface guiding users through

a series of steps: defining source structures, mapping fields, and specifying rules for
data conversion.
2. Flexibility: It supports a wide range of data sources and formats, including text files,
spreadsheets, and databases.
3. Transaction Recording: It allows recording of transactions to capture the necessary
steps for data entry, which can be used for mapping and conversion.
4. Customization: Users can write custom ABAP code to handle complex data
transformation requirements.

Limitations:

• Complexity: LSMW can be complex and requires significant technical knowledge.

• Limited to ECC: It’s primarily designed for use with SAP ECC and might not fully
leverage the capabilities of SAP S/4HANA.
• Manual Effort: High manual effort is often required for setup and execution,
especially for large data volumes.

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Process and Steps Configuration of SAP LSMW

Legacy System Migration Workbench (LSMW) is a powerful tool for data migration from
legacy systems to SAP systems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to configure and execute LSMW
in SAP:

Step 1: Project, Subproject, and Object Creation

1. Create a Project:
o Go to transaction LSMW.
o Click on "Create" and enter a project name and description.
2. Create a Subproject:
o With the project selected, click on "Create" and enter a subproject name and
description.
3. Create an Object:
o With the subproject selected, click on "Create" and enter an object name and
description.

Step 2: Maintain Object Attributes

1. Define the Object Attributes:

o Select the object and click on "Maintain Object Attributes".
o Choose the appropriate method for data transfer, such as Batch Input
Recording, Standard Batch/Direct Input, BAPI, or IDoc.
o Enter a description and save.

Step 3: Define Source Structures

1. Define Source Structures:

o Click on "Source Structures".
o Create a new source structure with a name and description.
o Save your entries.

Step 4: Define Source Fields

1. Define Source Fields:

o Select the source structure and click on "Source Fields".
o Define the fields that will be imported from the legacy system.
o Enter the field names, types, and lengths, and save.

Step 5: Define Structure Relations

1. Map Source Structures to SAP Structures:

o Click on "Structure Relations".
o Map the source structures to the corresponding SAP structures.

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Step 6: Define Field Mapping and Conversion Rules

1. Map Fields:
o Click on "Field Mapping and Conversion Rules".
o For each source field, map it to the corresponding SAP field.
o Define any necessary conversion rules or transformations.
o You can use predefined rules or write custom ABAP code for complex
transformations.

Step 7: Specify Files

1. Specify Source Files:

o Click on "Specify Files".
o Define the file paths for the source data files.
o Specify whether the files are on the front-end (local) or the application server.

Step 8: Assign Files

1. Assign Source Files to Source Structures:

o Click on "Assign Files".
o Assign the source files to the respective source structures.

Step 9: Read Data

1. Read Data from Source Files:

o Click on "Read Data".
o Execute the step to read the data from the specified files into the LSMW
internal tables.

Step 10: Display Read Data

1. Review Read Data:

o Click on "Display Read Data".
o Review the data that has been read into the internal tables to ensure accuracy.

Step 11: Convert Data

1. Convert Data to SAP Format:

o Click on "Convert Data".
o Execute the conversion step to transform the data according to the defined
mappings and conversion rules.

Step 12: Display Converted Data

1. Review Converted Data:

o Click on "Display Converted Data".
o Review the converted data to ensure it is in the correct format for loading into
SAP.

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Step 13: Create Batch Input Session

1. Create a Batch Input Session:

o Click on "Create Batch Input Session".
o Execute the step to create a batch input session for the converted data.

Step 14: Run Batch Input Session

1. Execute the Batch Input Session:

o Go to transaction SM35.
o Select the batch input session created by LSMW.
o Process the session to load the data into the SAP system.

LTMC (Legacy Transfer Migration Cockpit)

LTMC is a tool designed specifically for SAP S/4HANA to facilitate the migration of legacy data.
It provides a more streamlined and user-friendly approach compared to LSMW. SAP LTMC is
a specialized tool in SAP S/4HANA designed for efficient data migration from legacy systems.
It simplifies the migration process with a user-friendly interface and predefined migration
objects for common data entities like customers, vendors, and GL accounts. LTMC facilitates
step-by-step project creation, template-based data extraction, and upload processes,
ensuring data accuracy and completeness. Users can download Excel templates, populate
them with legacy data, and upload them back to SAP S/4HANA. The tool includes built-in
validation checks, simulation capabilities, and detailed logs for monitoring migration progress
and resolving errors. LTMC enhances migration efficiency, minimizes manual errors, and
supports both cloud and on-premise SAP S/4HANA deployments.

Key Features:
1. Predefined Migration Objects: LTMC comes with predefined migration objects
(e.g., customers, vendors, GL accounts) that simplify the data migration process.
2. Cloud and On-Premise Support: It supports both cloud and on-premise
deployments of SAP S/4HANA.
3. Simplified User Interface: LTMC offers a modern, web-based interface that
simplifies the process of data migration.
4. Data Validation: It includes built-in data validation and mapping features, reducing
errors and ensuring data consistency.
5. Integration with SAP Data Services: LTMC can integrate with SAP Data Services
for more complex data transformation needs.

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Advantages:

• Ease of Use: LTMC’s intuitive interface and predefined templates make it easier to
use, even for users with limited technical knowledge.
• Efficiency: Automates many of the steps involved in data migration, reducing the
time and effort required.
• Enhanced Capabilities: Leverages the advanced capabilities of SAP S/4HANA,
providing better performance and more robust data handling.

Process and Steps Configuration of SAP LTMC

The Legacy Transfer Migration Cockpit (LTMC) is a user-friendly tool in SAP S/4HANA
designed to facilitate the migration of legacy data. Here’s a step-by-step guide to configure
and execute LTMC in SAP S/4HANA:

Step 1: Access LTMC

1. Launch the Migration Cockpit:

o Log in to your SAP S/4HANA system.
o Use transaction code LTMC or navigate to the Fiori Launchpad and select the
"Migration Cockpit" tile.

Step 2: Create a Migration Project

1. Create Project:
o Click on "Create" to start a new migration project.
o Enter a name, description, and select the relevant SAP S/4HANA system and
version.
o Click "Create" to initialize the project.

Step 3: Select Migration Object

1. Choose Migration Object:

o Within your project, click on "Create" to add migration objects.
o Browse through the list of predefined migration objects (e.g., customers,
vendors, GL accounts) and select the one you need.
o Click "Select" to add the chosen object to your project.

Step 4: Download Template

1. Download Template:
o Click on the migration object you added to your project.
o Download the provided Excel template for data upload by clicking "Download
Template".

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Step 5: Populate Template with Data

1. Fill Out the Template:

o Open the downloaded Excel template.
o Enter your legacy data into the appropriate columns in the template.
o Ensure data accuracy and completeness to avoid errors during migration.

Step 6: Upload Template

1. Upload Filled Template:

o Return to the Migration Cockpit.
o Click on "Upload File" for the relevant migration object.
o Browse and select your filled template.
o Upload the file to the system.

Step 7: Execute Migration Steps

1. Start Migration Process:

o Click on the migration object to view the steps required for data migration.
o Follow the steps, starting with "Validate Data".
2. Validate Data:
o Run the validation step to check for errors or inconsistencies in your uploaded
data.
o Review and resolve any errors reported by the system.
3. Convert Values (if necessary):
o If your migration object requires value mapping (e.g., legacy codes to SAP
codes), complete this step as prompted.
4. Simulate Import:
o Execute the simulation step to see how the data will be imported.
o This step helps identify any potential issues without making actual changes to
the database.
5. Import Data:
o Once the simulation is successful, proceed to the actual data import step.
o The system will import the data into the SAP S/4HANA system.

Step 8: Review and Monitor Migration

1. Check Migration Status:

o Monitor the status of your data migration within the Migration Cockpit.
o Ensure that all records are successfully imported.
2. Review Logs:
o Review detailed logs for any errors or warnings encountered during the
migration.
o Address any issues as necessary.

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Comparison Summary:

Feature LSMW (SAP ECC) LTMC (S/4HANA)

User Interface Traditional, step-by-step wizard Modern, web-based

Migration Objects Requires custom definition Predefined, ready-to-use

Ease of Use Requires technical knowledge User-friendly, minimal technical skill

Data Transformation Custom ABAP coding often needed Built-in transformation and validation

Deployment Primarily for SAP ECC Designed for SAP S/4HANA

Integration Limited integration capabilities Integration with SAP Data Services

Conclusion:

LSMW and LTMC serve distinct purposes in SAP data migration. LSMW, used in SAP
ECC, offers extensive customization through ABAP programming, supporting various data
sources but requiring technical expertise for setup and execution. It provides flexibility in
data transformation and integration.

On the other hand, LTMC is specifically designed for SAP S/4HANA, featuring a user-
friendly interface with predefined migration objects and Excel-based templates. It simplifies
data extraction, transformation, and loading processes, emphasizing ease of use, automation,
and built-in validation checks. LTMC supports both cloud and on-premise deployments,
enhancing migration efficiency while minimizing manual effort and errors. Overall, while
LSMW suits complex and customizable migration needs in ECC, LTMC excels in
streamlining data migration processes for modern SAP environments with its intuitive
approach and comprehensive features.

Prepared By
Hemantha Sesha Sai