
The pragmatist's journey to S/4HANA
34 episodes
In this series we cover simple, practical advice on how to go about charting the challenging move from SAP ECC to S/4HANA (RISE or GROW) or SAP Suite.
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Cultural fit: the #1 factor for successful SI selection in S/4HANA programs
14 min 43 sec
In this episode of "The Pragmatist's Journey to S/4HANA," I explore the critical role of cultural fit in selecting a systems integrator (SI) for your S/4HANA migration. While technical capability, referenceability, and cost are essential factors, cultural alignment often proves to be the glue that holds a project together. I discuss the importance of understanding your unique business needs and how cultural fit impacts technical collaboration, cost management, and project success. Through real-world examples, I highlight the significance of conducting clean room exercises and gathering genuine feedback to ensure a successful partnership. Tune in to discover why cultural fit should be at the forefront of your SI selection process.Play episode
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9 things your COE must do to prepare for S/4HANA
13 min 37 sec
In this episode of The Pragmatist's Journey to S/4HANA, I delve into the essential steps your Center of Excellence (CoE) must take to prepare for a successful SAP S/4HANA implementation. Drawing insights from Chris Grady's article, I explore nine critical actions that transform your CoE from a reactive support unit into a strategic driver of business value. From conducting a thorough audit of your CoE's capabilities to fostering continuous learning and mastering change management, I highlight the importance of aligning IT with broader business goals. Join me as I unpack how to build a robust internal team ready to navigate the complexities of integration, testing, and vendor management, ensuring long-term success with S/4HANA.Play episode
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The tragic quadrant and how you can save the ponies
14 min 41 sec
In this episode of The Pragmatist's Journey to S/4HANA, titled "The Tragic Quadrant and How You Can Save the Ponies," I delve into the complexities behind major IT transformation projects. We explore the allure of the Gartner Magic Quadrant, a tool many CIOs rely on for decision-making, and introduce the concept of the "Tragic Quadrant." Using a hypothetical case of ACME Horse Food, I uncover how internal readiness and execution capabilities are often overlooked, leading to project failures. Learn how to avoid these pitfalls by focusing on internal strengths and readiness before embarking on your next big transformation. Join me for a deep dive into ensuring your business is truly prepared for success.Play episode
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The SAP success report
13 min 2 sec
Join me on The Pragmatist's Journey to S/4HANA as we explore the complexities of SAP S/4HANA implementations in our latest episode, Your Podcast Episode Title Here. We delve into the SAP Success Report, a comprehensive study co-authored by Dr. Derek Pryor, that uncovers why some enterprise tech projects succeed while others falter. Discover the pivotal roles of six key personas—executives, business managers, architects, procurement, HR, and program managers—and how their active engagement and communication can make or break a project. Learn how these insights can transform not just SAP projects but any large-scale digital transformation. Tune in for actionable strategies to enhance your organization's success in navigating these massive shifts.Play episode
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The 7 sins of SAP adoption
21 min 7 sec
In this episode of "The Pragmatist's Journey to S/4HANA," we delve into the critical factors that determine the success of SAP implementations. Contrary to popular belief, the key isn't just technical specs or budget but a high adoption focus. I explore the seven sins of SAP adoption, from lack of sponsorship and poor alignment with business strategy to ineffective user enablement and the absence of a continuous improvement mindset. Discover how to transform business people into enthusiastic advocates, not just reluctant users, and why a dynamic, ongoing adoption strategy is essential for long-term success. Join me as we navigate these challenges and uncover strategies to ensure your SAP project delivers real value.Play episode
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