Last-mile services – how to conquer the future of retail.
SAP Business Suite.
Traditionally, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions were hosted on-premises, requiring significant infrastructure investment and IT maintenance. With the rise of cloud computing, SAP Business Suite has emerged as a modern, flexible, and cost-effective alternative. At the core of the new cloud-based SAP Business Suite is S/4HANA Public Cloud ERP, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution that allows businesses to access comprehensive ERP functionalities via the internet, eliminating the need for costly hardware and on-site management. Cloud-based systems offer Embedded AI, real-time data access, scalability, automatic updates, and robust security and compliance, making them ideal for businesses of all sizes. By leveraging cloud technology, organizations can enhance operational efficiency, improve collaboration, and maintain a competitive edge.
What is SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud?
SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud is a next-generation, cloud-based ERP solution at the center of the new SAP Business Suite designed to help businesses drive digital transformation with agility, scalability, and efficiency. As a fully managed SaaS offering, it provides organizations with a ready-to-use, continuously updated ERP system that supports industry best practices and intelligent automation. It’s the foundation of GROW with SAP, which facilitates cloud ERP adoption.
Industries thriving with ERP Public Cloud.
SMEs
Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) benefit from the lower upfront costs and scalability of public cloud ERP, enabling access to advanced ERP functionalities without significant capital investment.
Wholesale distribution
Public cloud ERP enhances inventory management with real-time visibility, streamlines supply chain coordination, and reduces operational costs by minimizing hardware and IT infrastructure needs. It also offers scalability to support business growth or seasonal fluctuations and improves customer service with faster response times.
Retail
The retail sector gains flexibility and real-time data access, optimizing inventory management, sales tracking, and customer relationship management.
Manufacturing
Manufacturers leverage public cloud ERP to streamline operations, improve supply chain management, and boost production efficiency.
Construction
The construction industry benefits from integrated project management and cost control features, linking financial data with project operations for better oversight and efficiency.
Simplify, grow, secure.
Key benefits of SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud.
Lower total cost
of ownership
No on-premises hardware costs
Subscription-based pricing for predictable expenses
Reduced need for maintenance and customizations
Subscription-based pricing for predictable expenses
Reduced need for maintenance and customizations
Faster implementation
and Time-to-Value
Pre-configured industry best practices
Quick and agile deployment
Simplified onboarding process
Quick and agile deployment
Simplified onboarding process
Scalability and
flexibility
Resources scale up or down as needed
Supports global and multi-region growth
Real-time adaptability for changing workloads
Supports global and multi-region growth
Real-time adaptability for changing workloads
Continuous innovation
Bi-Annual updates with new features
Embedded AI, machine learning, and RPA
Access to cutting-edge innovations
Embedded AI, machine learning, and RPA
Access to cutting-edge innovations
Enhanced
user experience
Modern, intuitive SAP Fiori user interface now embedded with Joule Co-pilot
Award-winning, easy-to-use design
Embedded AI and real-time analytics for better insights
Mobile-first design for productivity on the go
Award-winning, easy-to-use design
Embedded AI and real-time analytics for better insights
Mobile-first design for productivity on the go
Robust security
and compliance
Adheres to strict industry standards
Built-in compliance with regulations like GDPR and IFRS
Regular security updates
Built-in compliance with regulations like GDPR and IFRS
Regular security updates
Intelligent business
operations
Real-time data processing with the SAP HANA database
Predictive analytics and AI-powered tools
Integrated planning, execution, and analysis
Predictive analytics and AI-powered tools
Integrated planning, execution, and analysis
Integration with SAP Ecosystem
Connects seamlessly with SAP solutions like SuccessFactors, Ariba, and Concur
Streamlines HR, procurement, and expense management
API-based integration for third-party applications
Streamlines HR, procurement, and expense management
API-based integration for third-party applications
Sustainability and environmental responsibility
Tools for tracking sustainability goals
Optimizes energy and resource consumption
Optimizes energy and resource consumption
Focus on core
business
Offloads IT maintenance and infrastructure management
Ensures business continuity with built-in disaster recovery features
Ensures business continuity with built-in disaster recovery features
Primary advantages of Private Cloud ERP.
A private cloud ERP solution is especially beneficial for organizations seeking the flexibility of cloud infrastructure while retaining greater control over their system.
Existing SAP customers who want to move to Cloud ERP while retaining their company-specific enhancements can convert from ECC6 to the Private Cloud edition of Cloud ERP.
In the SAP Private Cloud model, on-premises functionality is hosted in a third-party data center. With this approach, customers leverage these established infrastructures instead of maintaining their own data centers. Additionally, infrastructure management is outsourced, reducing the operational burden on internal IT teams.
Another key benefit is the simplified cost structure. Unlike traditional on-premises ERP, where software and hardware are separate expenditures, the SAP Private Cloud combines both into a single subscription model, eliminating the need for a perpetual license.
For existing SAP customers, a major advantage is the ability to perform a Brownfield conversion, migrating their current system into the Private Cloud environment while maintaining existing configurations and data. In contrast, SAP’s Public Cloud requires a Greenfield implementation, meaning businesses must start from scratch with a new system deployment.
More control and customi-
zation.
Private cloud ERP enables organizations to have greater control and customization, making it particularly suitable for industries with strict regulatory requirements, such as Life Sciences. It currently offers more functionality and supports a wider range of localized versions across different countries. Additionally, organizations have more control over system updates, which is essential for companies requiring a validated system to maintain compliance.
However, public cloud ERP solutions have significantly evolved, now offering near parity in functionality with private cloud options. Public cloud platforms also provide extensive flexibility for extensibility, allowing businesses to customize their systems based on their specific needs.
Public Cloud vs. Private Cloud.
A quick comparison.
1
Aspect
Infrastructure
Public Cloud
Hosted by third-party providers (usually SAP), shared among multiple users
vs.
Private Cloud
Dedicated to a single organization,
on-premises or hosted
on-premises or hosted
2
Aspect
Cost
Public Cloud
More cost-effective, pay-as-you-go model
vs.
Private Cloud
Generally, more expensive due to dedicated resources and longer implementation timescales
3
Aspect
Scalability
Public Cloud
Highly scalable with virtually unlimited resources
vs.
Private Cloud
Scalable but may require significant investment
4
Aspect
Maintenance
Public Cloud
Managed by the cloud provider with two automated updates a year
vs.
Private Cloud
Managed by the organization or a third-party provider – upgrades are optional.
5
Aspect
Accessibility
Public Cloud
Accessible over the internet but with robust security in place
vs.
Private Cloud
Accessed through a private network
6
Aspect
Security
Public Cloud
Standardized security measures managed by SAP
vs.
Private Cloud
Customizable security measures
7
Aspect
Control
Public Cloud
Less control over infrastructure
vs.
Private Cloud
More control over infrastructure
Aspect | Public Cloud | Private Cloud |
|---|---|---|
Infrastructure | Hosted by third-party providers (usually SAP), shared among multiple users | Dedicated to a single organization, on-premises or hosted |
Cost | More cost-effective, pay-as-you-go model | Generally, more expensive due to dedicated resources and longer implementation timescales |
Scalability | Highly scalable with virtually unlimited resources | Scalable but may require significant investment |
Maintenance | Managed by the cloud provider with two automated updates a year | Managed by the organization or a third-party provider – upgrades are optional. |
Accessibility | Accessible over the internet but with robust security in place | Accessed through a private network |
Security | Standardized security measures managed by SAP | Customizable security measures |
Control | Less control over infrastructure | More control over infrastructure |
Seamless cloud transformation with Westernacher.
At Westernacher, we specialize in product-based ERP, helping businesses with complex or high-volume product portfolios manage their supply chains efficiently. With decades of experience working with both large and mid-market companies, we bring deep industry expertise to your digital transformation journey. We believe in a partnership approach – our goal is not just to configure a system, but to leave a legacy of capability, empowering your business for long-term success.
Beyond
implementation.
We don’t just implement ERP solutions – we deliver a full digital transformation service. Our approach scales to your industry, combining business strategy, enterprise architecture, and IT alignment. At the application level, we offer Time-to-Value Baseline Activation Packages, specifically designed for public cloud deployments in targeted industries. These packages deliver a fixed-scope implementation at a reduced cost within approximately three months, ensuring rapid and effective adoption.
Tailored training and ongoing support.
Our dedicated global Cloud ERP practice ensures your team is empowered through comprehensive training and self-enablement programs, customized to meet your specific needs.
Business-driven implementation for faster Time-to-Value.
Our approach is always business-first, ensuring that your ERP transformation aligns with your strategic objectives. We leverage a “core foundation” methodology – going live quickly with essential functionality and introducing new innovations in a structured second phase. This ensures faster ROI while maintaining flexibility for future growth.
Custo
mized approach for maxi-
mized efficiency.
Our approach adapts to the size and complexity of each customer and project. We begin with digital transformation strategy and architecture discussions, scaling our approach based on your specific needs.
For product implementations, we leverage the SAP Activate Methodology, aligning with SAP standards while re-using accelerators for efficiency. Our dedicated Change Management team ensures smooth solution adoption, securing a strong return on investment.
We provide clear guidance on SAP Best Practices and the Fit-to-Standard approach, while integrating insights from five years of hands-on experience with GROW and RISE projects, as well as decades of expertise in broader SAP implementations.
As recognized experts in product-based businesses, we understand the unique challenges of supply chain, warehousing, and transportation management, ensuring that our solutions meet industry-specific requirements.
Cloud ERP Insights.
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