Steve Cullum
The Complexities of S/4HANA Migration – Get Yours Right
The migration process to SAP S/4HANA is not a simple task, with the potential for the process to take a number of years depending on the complexity and scope of the project. Success in SAP S/4HANA projects depends on people, not technology - that’s why you need the best advisors to guide you through the challenges and opportunities, seasoned experts to lead migrations and mitigate risks, and versatile talent to connect your business needs and technical capabilities.
The high number of companies starting or planning their migration projects with plenty of time ahead has driven demand for SAP S/4HANA experts with the right skills and experience. According to a 2022 report by SAPinsider, 66% of SAP customers are already live or in the process of moving to SAP S/4HANA, and another 27% are planning to do so in the next two years.
We recommend clients prepare for the migration in advance in order to avoid being held hostage by potential lack of skills or excessive competition for the best and most experienced profiles and talent. But it’s not just a case of sending CVs and hoping for the best. Ultimately, hiring the right talent is not easy - you need to find and quickly engage candidates who match your expectations and share your vision.
The SAP Skills Shortage
With this exceptional SAP S/4HANA talent demand, there are not enough qualified and available consultants in the market as many contractors are in roles, actively involved in upgrade projects. Market rates are being driven up in general, with bidding wars for experienced talent who can help with migration projects. According to an SAP blog from earlier this year, the average pay rate for SAP S/4HANA consultants in the UK has increased by 25% in the last year and we’re seeing similar trends across our SAP hiring desks at Empiric.
While this is great news for anyone looking for their next role within the sector, businesses looking for talent might not always get the exact person they want for the project. There may be a compromise somewhere, either on the location, the onsite availability, or the cost.
Keys to Hiring Success
Advance planning: Give yourself plenty of time to find the right people. You’ll benefit from reduced competition, access to more qualified candidates and the ability to be selective.
The right questions: Ensure your team is asking the right, detailed questions about your project scope, timeline, expectations, and challenges. They should also be able to advise you on the best practices and common pitfalls of SAP S/4HANA migration projects to ensure you’re equipped to deal with any issues that may arise.
A thorough search: Look for talent with deep SAP expertise and a proven track record in the space. There are a number of routes to this talent - niche networks, LinkedIn groups, SAP forums. When speaking with partners, ensure they take time to understand your needs in a consultative manner rather versus just firing CVs out and seeing what sticks.
Communication, communication: Keep an open dialogue with people working with in the process to identify and shortages, potential pitfalls and be in the position to avoid them through planning.
Conclusion
As a trusted partner in the recruitment process, we leverage our extensive networks and relationships to find the best candidates for your SAP S/4HANA projects, even if they are not actively looking for a job. We can support you with the whole process, from negotiation to closing, and ensure that both parties are satisfied and committed. We have a large network of certified and experienced SAP S/4HANA consultants who can match your specific needs and budget.
Learn more about Empiric's SAP capabilities and explore open positions on our dedicated page. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter below and connect with me on LinkedIn - I am always available to discuss anything SAP related!
We’re also looking to build our team, so if you’re an experienced recruiter with a passion for SAP, please also reach out to me. We offer a rewarding career path, a supportive culture, and a competitive compensation package. Visit and apply here: Senior SAP Recruitment Consultant | Empiric
