Ramarao

SAP-FICO Consultant
E-Mail – [email protected]
LinkedIn:- linkedin.com/in/ramaraomakkena

SAP Migration:Data Types, Configuration, Best

Tools, Errors, and Technical Details
SAP migration involves the process of transferring data, configurations, and custom
elements from one SAP system to another (e.g., migrating from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA, or
migrating to the cloud). It requires proper planning, configuration, and tool selection to
ensure minimal disruption and maximum accuracy.

In this guide, I’ll explain which data needs to be migrated, step-by-step configuration details,
the best tools for the migration, common errors, and technical details involved in the SAP
migration process.

1. Data to Migrate in SAP

Migrating SAP data involves several types of data that are essential to business operations.
The types of data that need to be migrated depend on the specific migration project (e.g.,
system upgrade, data migration, or landscape transformation).

a. Master Data: Master data is foundational data that is essential for business processes and
transactions. It's relatively stable and changes infrequently.

 Examples:
o Customer Master (Business Partners)
o Material Master
o Vendor Master
o Employee Master
o Cost Center Master
 Why it needs to be migrated: Master data is used across various modules, so
ensuring consistency in migration is crucial for continued business operations.

b. Transactional Data:- Transactional data is generated through business processes and is

critical for reflecting actual operational transactions.

 Examples:
o Sales Orders
o Purchase Orders
o Invoices
o Goods Movements
o Accounting Entries
 Why it needs to be migrated: Accurate transactional data ensures that the business
continues to operate smoothly after migration, without disrupting order processing,
inventory management, and financial reporting.
Ramarao
SAP-FICO Consultant
E-Mail – [email protected]
LinkedIn:- linkedin.com/in/ramaraomakkena
c. Configuration Data:- Configuration data defines how the system operates and dictates the
behavior of business processes.

 Examples:
o Organizational Structure (Company Codes, Plants, etc.)
o Document Types
o Pricing Conditions
o Payment Terms
o Tax Settings
 Why it needs to be migrated: Configuration data ensures that business processes
continue as expected after the migration.

d. Customizing and Custom Code:- Customizing and custom code refer to specific system
modifications made to meet business requirements, including enhancements, user exits,
and custom programs.

 Examples:
o User Exits
o Badis (Business Add-Ins)
o Custom Reports
o Custom Transactions
 Why it needs to be migrated: Custom code often needs to be re-validated and
adjusted in the new system to ensure compatibility with the new version (e.g., SAP
S/4HANA).

e. Open Items / Data for Reconciliation:- Open items refer to incomplete or unsettled
transactions, such as unpaid invoices or outstanding customer payments.

 Examples:
o Accounts Payable
o Accounts Receivable
o Open Purchase Orders
o Pending Payments
 Why it needs to be migrated: To ensure financial accuracy, open items must be
carried over from the legacy system to the new system during migration.

f. Historical Data:- Historical data refers to data that is no longer actively used but is
required for reporting, auditing, or compliance purposes.

 Examples:
o Financial Transactions
o Inventory Data
o Archived Documents
 Why it needs to be migrated: Historical data is important for regulatory compliance
and for business reporting.
Ramarao
SAP-FICO Consultant
E-Mail – [email protected]
LinkedIn:- linkedin.com/in/ramaraomakkena

2. Step-by-Step Configuration for SAP Migration

The configuration steps for SAP migration can vary depending on the source and target
systems, but the following general process should be followed:

Step 1: Pre-Migration Assessment and Planning

 Objective: Analyze the existing system and prepare for the migration.
 Tasks:
o Identify the source system (SAP ECC, SAP S/4HANA, etc.).
o Define the migration scope (which data, systems, and modules will be
involved).
o Evaluate system compatibility (using SAP Maintenance Planner).
o Assess any custom developments or data requirements.

Step 2: Data Cleansing and Profiling:- Objective: Ensure that the data is accurate, consistent,
and complete before migration.

 Tasks:
o Use SAP Data Services to perform data profiling and cleansing.
o Address data quality issues (duplicates, missing fields, incorrect values).
o Standardize and harmonize data formats to ensure consistency in the target
system.

Step 3: Choose the Right Migration Tools

 Objective: Select the appropriate tools based on the migration scenario.

 Tools:
o SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit: For moving from SAP ECC to S/4HANA.
o SAP Data Services: For data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL).
o SAP Landscape Transformation (SLT): For real-time or batch data replication
between systems.
o SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI): For cloud-to-cloud integrations.

Step 4: Data Mapping and Transformation

 Objective: Map the source data fields to the target system’s data structures.
 Tasks:
o Define the mapping rules for each data type (master, transactional,
configuration data).
o Use tools like SAP Data Services or SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit to handle
data transformations (e.g., currency conversion, data restructuring).
o Adjust mappings for any custom fields or logic in custom code.
Ramarao
SAP-FICO Consultant
E-Mail – [email protected]
LinkedIn:- linkedin.com/in/ramaraomakkena

Step 5: System Configuration

 Objective: Set up the target system to replicate the business processes.

 Tasks:
o Configuration in SAP S/4HANA: Recreate organizational structures, document
types, pricing conditions, etc., in the target system.
o Validate that configurations are aligned with business requirements.
o Use SAP Solution Manager to ensure that the system setup follows SAP best
practices.

Step 6: Data Migration

 Objective: Transfer data from the source system to the target system.
 Tasks:
o Use SAP Data Services, SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit, or SLT for migrating
the data.
o Perform incremental data migration to ensure the consistency of data.
o Monitor the data load process and validate it at each step.

Step 7: Testing and Validation

 Objective: Ensure that the migrated data and configurations are working as
expected.
 Tasks:
o Perform unit testing to verify individual components.
o Conduct integration testing to ensure that different modules and processes
interact properly.
o Use SAP Test Automation tools to automate and accelerate the testing
process.

Step 8: Go Live and Post-Go-Live Support

 Objective: Transition to the new system and ensure smooth operations.

 Tasks:
o Implement a cutover strategy to switch from the legacy system to the new
system with minimal downtime.
o Provide post-go-live support and monitor the system for performance and
data accuracy.
o Conduct training for end-users to ensure they are familiar with the new
system.
Ramarao
SAP-FICO Consultant
E-Mail – [email protected]
LinkedIn:- linkedin.com/in/ramaraomakkena

3. Best Tools for SAP Migration

a. SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit

 Best For: Migration from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA.

 Key Features:
o Preconfigured content for different migration scenarios.
o Guided, automated data migration.
o Integration with other SAP tools (e.g., SAP Data Services).

b. SAP Data Services

 Best For: Data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL).

 Key Features:
o Supports large-scale data migration.
o Data cleansing, profiling, and transformation.
o Supports SAP and non-SAP data sources.

c. SAP Landscape Transformation (SLT)

 Best For: Real-time or batch data replication.

 Key Features:
o Real-time or batch data replication.
o Integration with SAP and non-SAP systems.
o Data transformation and synchronization.

d. SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI)

 Best For: Integrating cloud-based systems with SAP.

 Key Features:
o Pre-built integration templates.
o Secure cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-on-premise integration.
o Scalable integration flows.

e. SAP Solution Manager

 Best For: System configuration, testing, and monitoring.

 Key Features:
o Centralized configuration management.
o Automated testing tools.
o End-to-end solution monitoring.
Ramarao
SAP-FICO Consultant
E-Mail – [email protected]
LinkedIn:- linkedin.com/in/ramaraomakkena

4. Common Errors in SAP Migration

a. Data Integrity Issues

 Error: Data corruption, missing records, or mismatched fields during the migration
process.
 Solution:
o Use data profiling tools (e.g., SAP Data Services) to clean and standardize
data before migration.
o Perform thorough testing to identify data inconsistencies.

b. Configuration Inconsistencies

 Error: Misalignment between the source and target system configurations.

 Solution:
o Ensure that all configurations are documented and verified before migration.
o Use SAP Solution Manager to ensure consistency between configurations in
the legacy and target systems.

c. Downtime During Migration

 Error: Extended system downtime affecting business operations.

 Solution:
o Implement a phased migration approach to minimize downtime.
o Use tools like SLT for real-time data replication to keep systems synchronized
during migration.

d. Custom Code Compatibility Issues

 Error: Legacy custom code is incompatible with the new SAP system (e.g., SAP
S/4HANA).
 Solution:
o Review and update custom code to ensure compatibility with the new
platform.
o Use the SAP S/4HANA Compatibility Check to identify potential issues with
custom code.
Ramarao
SAP-FICO Consultant
E-Mail – [email protected]
LinkedIn:- linkedin.com/in/ramaraomakkena

5. Technical Details in SAP Migration

 System Compatibility: Always check for version compatibility between the source
and target SAP systems (e.g., ECC to S/4HANA, or on-premise to cloud).
 Custom Code: Review any custom ABAP code and adjust it for compatibility with the
new platform (e.g., removing deprecated functions in SAP S/4HANA).
 Database Considerations: If migrating to HANA, ensure that the database schema
and indexes are optimized for HANA’s in-memory architecture.
 Data Validation: Use automated data validation scripts to ensure data consistency
between systems.

Conclusion:- SAP migration is a multi-step process that requires careful planning, proper
tool selection, and error handling. It involves migrating various data types such as master
data, transactional data, configurations, and custom code. The right tools like SAP Data
Services, SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit, and SAP Landscape Transformation (SLT) help
automate and streamline the process. By addressing common errors such as data integrity
issues, downtime, and configuration mismatches, you can achieve a successful migration
with minimal disruption to business operations.