Glossary

What is SAP S/4HANA?

What is SAP S/4HANA?

SAP S/4HANA is SAP’s most advanced ERP solution, designed to replace SAP ECC. It centralizes core business functions such as finance, manufacturing, maintenance, and supply chain management on the powerful in-memory SAP HANA database.

Unlike ECC, S/4HANA enables real-time analytics, simplified data structures, and better integration with EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) and MRO systems.

Companies can deploy it on-premise, in the cloud, or as a hybrid, depending on their business needs. Combined with modern SAP Fiori applications, it provides a faster, more intuitive user experience for decision-makers.

For details about the legacy system, visit our glossary page on SAP ECC.

SAP ECC vs SAP S/4HANA

One of the most frequent questions asked by SAP users is how S/4HANA differs from ECC. The key difference lies in its architecture, speed, and integration capabilities. Below is a direct comparison:

  • Database
    • ECC: Works on multiple databases
    • S/4HANA: Runs only on SAP HANA (in-memory)
  • User Experience
    • ECC: Uses SAP GUI
    • S/4HANA: Uses modern Fiori apps
  • Deployment
    • ECC: Mainly on-premise
    • S/4HANA: Cloud, on-premise, or hybrid
  • Data Model
    • ECC: Complex, with aggregates
    • S/4HANA: Simplified, faster processing
  • Support
    • ECC: Support ends in 2027 (extended to 2030 with cost)
    • S/4HANA: Ongoing support and innovation

How Sharecat supports SAP S/4HANA migration

Migrating from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA is not just a technical upgrade — it’s a data transformation journey. Without accurate, standardized, and enriched data, the migration process can lead to delays, errors, and increased costs.

Sharecat Data Services ensures a smooth transition by focusing on data quality, consistency, and compliance:
• Cleansing and enriching master and spare parts data before migration
• Aligning data with international standards like ISO 8000 and E-Class Classification
• Structuring MRO and EAM data for full S/4HANA compatibility
• Supporting long-term maintenance with trusted, business-ready data

By partnering with Sharecat, organizations minimize downtime, improve operational reliability, and unlock the full potential of SAP S/4HANA.

Integrating SAP S/4HANA with EAM and MRO Systems

Integrating SAP S/4HANA with Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) and MRO systems bridges the gap between maintenance, operations, and finance.

It creates a single, unified data environment that improves asset visibility, procurement accuracy, and spare parts standardization.

Benefits of this integration include:
• Improved data accuracy and compliance
• Reduced inventory duplication and waste
• Real-time analytics for decision-making
• Streamlined maintenance planning

This connection ensures your EAM and ERP systems work together seamlessly — optimizing uptime, cost-efficiency, and data governance.