SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition: take full advantage of innovation with an agile deployment platform

Regardless of the sector in which they operate, every company can benefit from next-generation tools such as artificial intelligence or automation. It’s one of the reasons why migrating to the cloud has become a priority for so many organisations. But, as we’ve mentioned on other occasions, not all of them are equally capable of making such a transition.

Public cloud platforms are a more agile digitalisation alternative, and they’re gaining traction in the market. Many companies prefer an external provider to take responsibility for managing and maintaining the system, and in these cases the public cloud is the ideal option. This model offers several advantages over private cloud solutions, so SAP has incorporated it into its portfolio through SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition.

Advantages and differentiating factors of SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition

SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition has many similarities to the private cloud version,   although it does have some limitations. The layered architecture of the solution is retained, as is the clean core concept: the nucleus of the platform remains unchanged and additional functionalities are added on top, according to the customer’s requirements and challenges.

Both S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition and S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition follow a software as a service (SaaS) model. However, there are a number of factors that differentiate them which companies must consider before opting for one system or another:

• Best practices
  While the private cloud version of S/4HANA is extremely versatile and more like SAP’s on-premisesoftware, the public cloud version is different. For its configuration, default items are used, based on market best practices.
• Easier implementation
  Specifically because of this approach based on standardised practices, S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition adoption processes are usually more agile. They typically last between three and six months, and they’re much less complex than those followed in the private cloud version.
• Greenfield integration
  With S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, companies can choose how to adopt the tool based on their needs. On the other hand, in S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, a Greenfield integration strategy is always followed; implementation starts from scratch.
• Frequent and mandatory updates SAP usually releases a new version of S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition around every two years, and it’s up to companies whether they want to upgrade their systems or not. In contrast, S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition is generally updated two or three times a year. These improvements apply to all of its users without exception. That way, customers quickly have access to the latest technological innovations.
• Broad sector coverage S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition is a functional option that covers most business processes across different industries. However, unlike the private version, it’s not yet compatible with all market sectors.
• Higher return on investment
  The public cloud version of S/4HANA is cheaper than the private cloud version. This, together with the quicker and easier implementation, makes the return on investment much faster.

Which companies can benefit the most from SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition?

When reviewing the public version’s features, it’s clear that this option isn’t right for every type of company. It’s especially interesting for those who want to save on management and administration, or who urgently need to implement cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI and user assistants. But it’s not always the ideal solution; there are companies that need greater scalability and adaptation, and they can only cover these needs with S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition.

NTT DATA, as an innovation partner, can undertake a complete analysis of your company’s processes and specific characteristics to determine if it’s compatible with the use of this public cloud system. But it should be noted from the outset that there are organisations that are more suitable for the integration of this software:

• Companies that don’t yet work with SAP
  If your goal is to start getting benefits from the cloud as soon as possible, and you’re not yet working with SAP, this is the fastest way to start taking advantage of S/4HANA.
• Mid-size companies S/4HANA Public Cloud Edition offers many benefits for mid-market organisations with high growth potential. This is especially true for those operating in ‘new economy’ sectors like fintech.
• Finance-oriented companies
  This software has an integrated back office core and pre-designed end-to-end processes for acquisitions and finance. That makes it especially compatible with companies in this sector.
• Companies with clear, well-defined processes
  As it’s based on predetermined best practices, the SAP public cloud platform works especially well in organisations that act as service providers, or as intermediaries in buying and selling processes, for example.
• Complementary business units
  Large organisations that don’t generally use SAP can implement this software only in those divisions or subsidiaries that require a higher level of innovation. It’s compatible with other vendors’ systems.

NTT DATA as an implementation partner

S/4HANA is currently available in 55 countries and 33 languages, becoming a viable option in more territories. NTT DATA, as an SAP implementation partner, understands the different sectors and markets in depth. As we work with companies of different sizes, we can help you choose the tech option that best suits your needs.

In addition to analysing the operation of your company and its business processes to determine their compatibility with S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, our specialists can show you first-hand how the tool works in an individual demonstration. That way, you’ll understand right from the start what capabilities and benefits you’ll gain from adopting the tool.

Lastly, S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition is a platform based on compatibility and inter-connectivity. At NTT DATA we can help you manage all its elements and functions in a coordinated manner, ensuring that your organisation gets the most out of the solution. Get in touch with us today and take advantage of all the opportunities offered by the public cloud.