SAP S/4HANA & ECC

Move from SAP ECC to S/4HANA without losing control

Optinus is not a system integrator. We sit on your side of the table: we lead your SAP programme, challenge your integrator on what is really needed and get you to a clean go-live.

Trusted by Saint-GobainNature’s PrideAertssen

0 escalations

Realistic cutover planning on a European SAP S/4HANA programme

Saint-Gobain

35% fewer deviations

From the global template after resetting ERP governance

Aertssen Group

5 phases, no big bang

From Navision to a future-proof landscape, in phased waves

Nature's Pride

Why SAP programmes run over time and budget

Most S/4HANA programmes do not fail on technology. They fail on scope, decisions and readiness.

1

Scope keeps growing

Every site wants its own process. Without clear decision rules, the global template turns into a copy of yesterday.

2

The integrator sets the agenda

Your system integrator is paid to build. Nobody on your side has the time or knowledge to challenge what is being built.

3

Go-live comes too early or too late

Data, testing and business readiness are not in sync, so cutover becomes a gamble.

What we take on in your SAP programme

  • Programme management for the full S/4HANA transformation, greenfield or brownfield
  • Project management for individual workstreams and rollouts
  • Data migration management from ECC: cleansing, mock loads and reconciliation
  • Test management from test strategy to UAT sign-off
  • Cutover management with rehearsals and a clear go/no-go
  • Business readiness and change management, so your people are ready on day one

SAP ECC end of maintenance: what the dates mean for you

SAP’s mainstream maintenance for ECC 6.0 ends at the end of 2027. Extended maintenance is available until the end of 2030, at an additional fee. After that, ECC is no longer supported in the standard way. For most organisations that means a decision about S/4HANA now, because a migration takes time to prepare and deliver.

Greenfield, brownfield or selective?

ApproachWhat it meansFits when
GreenfieldA new S/4HANA system with redesigned processesYour processes need a reset and you want to return to the standard
BrownfieldA technical conversion of your current ECC systemYour processes work well and speed matters most
SelectiveA mix: move selected data and processes, redesign the restParts of the business are fit for the future and parts are not

There is no right answer for everyone. We help you make the choice on facts, before an integrator makes it for you. Read more in the 5 steps to a successful SAP S/4HANA migration.

Not a system integrator. On your side of the table.

We represent your business during the transformation. We combine business and technical knowledge, so we can challenge your integrator on what is actually necessary.

A system integrator

  • Paid to deliver the system they sell
  • Scope and change requests drive their revenue
  • Technical view of your processes
  • Leaves after go-live

Optinus

  • Paid to deliver the outcome your business needs
  • Challenges every deviation and change request
  • Combines business and technical knowledge
  • Stays through hypercare and aftercare

How we work

From ECC landscape to a clean go-live, in four steps.

  1. Assess

    Your ECC landscape, custom code, data and business case, with the risks made explicit.

  2. Decide

    Greenfield or brownfield, integrator selection and a scope the board can approve.

  3. Steer

    We lead the programme on your behalf and challenge every deviation and change request.

  4. Go live

    Data migration, testing and cutover in sync, followed by hypercare.

How we can work together

Three ways to engage, depending on where your programme stands.

Option 1

Interim leadership

An Optinus programme, project or workstream manager joins your organisation for the duration of the programme.

Best for: Programmes that need senior leadership on the business side.

Option 2

Workstream delivery

We take ownership of a defined workstream, such as data migration, testing or cutover, with clear deliverables.

Best for: Specialist workstreams that need full focus.

Option 3

Assessment

A short, fixed-scope review of your programme or your readiness, with clear findings and recommendations.

Best for: An independent view before you make the next decision.

Results from recent programmes

Saint-GobainManufacturing & construction

Independent cutover lead for a European SAP S/4HANA programme

Saint-Gobain harmonised and standardised its European processes on SAP S/4HANA. As independent cutover lead, Optinus aligned the teams, challenged every deviation and created one clear narrative for go-live.

  • Realistic cutover planning with zero escalations
  • One shared truth between business and IT

“Everyone wants standard, until it gets personal.”

Saint-Gobain programme reflection

Aertssen GroupLogistics & infrastructure

Resetting governance to get an ERP programme moving again

Aertssen started an ERP modernisation to connect finance, HR and operations. An Optinus senior project manager restructured decision-making, introduced a business case for every deviation and moved the focus from silos to end-to-end processes.

  • 35% fewer deviations from the global template
  • Transparent decision-making and regained business trust
  • Restored rhythm and alignment between teams

Nature's PrideAgriculture & fresh produce

Designing and leading the HORIZON transformation

Nature's Pride outgrew Navision. Optinus designed and leads the HORIZON programme in five phases, with a 360-degree view on people, process, data and technology: standardise first, flexible only where Nature's Pride is unique.

  • 70 process steps captured, so vendors receive decision rules instead of open questions
  • 46 guiding principles validated against reality
  • Phased waves instead of a big bang

“Our flexibility is our strength. HORIZON makes it organised instead of person-dependent.”

Nature's Pride leadership team

The people you'll work with

Dave Beck

Dave Beck

Dave Beck is a guru in ERP solutions and his strategic vision allows him to deliver tailored solutions that address complex business needs effectively. His contributions are vital in driving successful ERP transformations and offering high-quality consulting services at optinus.

LinkedIn
Michael Ambroz

Michael Ambroz

Michael Ambroz is a dynamic and driven project manager, leading the way at optinus. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail, he has successfully overseen the rollout of numerous implementations across the globe.

LinkedIn
Bas Kavsek

Bas Kavsek

Bas Kavsek is a highly skilled project manager with a strong background in supply chain, testing and cutover. Brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the table at optinus, complementing the team’s capabilities and further enhancing the company’s offerings.

LinkedIn

Frequently asked questions

Are you an SAP partner or system integrator?

No. Optinus works for you, not for a software vendor. That independence lets us challenge scope, estimates and change requests from your integrator.

When should we involve Optinus?

Ideally before you select an integrator, so the business case, scope and governance are clear. We also step into running programmes that need to get back on track.

Do you work on brownfield and greenfield migrations?

Yes. We help you choose the right approach for your situation and lead the programme for both.

Do you work on-site?

Yes. We work on-site in the Netherlands and Belgium, and remotely or offshore where the programme needs it.

Plan a 30-minute call

Tell us where your SAP programme stands. You get an honest, independent view on the risks and next steps.

  • No sales pitch
  • Talk to an experienced consultant, not a sales rep
  • Independent from SAP, Microsoft and integrators
Michael AmbrozMichael AmbrozYour contact at Optinus

Planning an ERP change? Talk it through with Michael in a 30-minute call.

Plan a callor call +31 6 28 47 68 06
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