IT transformation is often born of necessity. A recent study of senior business leaders and IT decision makers conducted for NTT DATA Business Solutions found that organisational adjustment was the most frequent motivation, followed by the introduction of new technologies or business models.
When asked what would have happened had an IT transformation not taken place, 36% of those surveyed cited incompatibility with new technologies, while 32% said that process adjustments would have become more difficult.1
“It’s a basic fact that most organisations don’t stand still,” says Andy Steer, VP & Chief Partner Officer for NTT DATA Business Solutions. “They’re challenged by changes in their customer base, changes in the economy, and changes in the wider world. So, all organisations have to adjust, and that means the processes that run inside the organisation need to be refreshed and sometimes revolutionised.”
For many enterprises, moving from their existing SAP ERP solution to the cloud-based RISE with SAP presents an opportunity for change; to not just lift and shift existing processes and data, but to create a platform that supports new capabilities and innovation.
RISE with SAP offers the reduced TCO and enhanced visibility and flexibility of the AWS cloud platform, but the more transformative benefits could have even more impact in the long term.
The migration process is a chance to look at existing systems and processes and see how they could be streamlined, removing old and unnecessary customisations that add complexity without adding value. It’s also a chance to take advantage of the new capabilities that SAP’s technology and the AWS platform provide.
“Think of it in terms of moving to a new house”, says Steer. “It’s not just about moving your existing living arrangements to a bigger space with different rooms in a different layout, but seeing how you can use that extra space and new facilities to change the way you live for the better.” By moving to the AWS cloud and harnessing the AI technologies supported by the new platform, enterprises can boost productivity and efficiency through automation, or harness data to explore new business models.
Making the most of such opportunities isn’t always straightforward. NTT DATA’s research highlights a lack of in-house expertise as the biggest single barrier to transformation. One significant strength of RISE with SAP is being able to work with a validated SAP partner, such as NTT Data Business Solutions, to not just manage a smooth migration, but go further. NTT DATA’s consultants can work with the in-house IT team to analyse and streamline existing systems, optimise RISE with SAP, and take advantage of the advanced tools and features built into the AWS cloud platform.
“To continue the house analogy, we don’t just come in and, like a removal firm, move your furniture,” says Steer. “We’re more like an interior designer and a lifestyle coach, helping you get maximum value from your new investment. We can come in and study your organisation, and help you understand, either through workshops or through immediate lightbulb moments, where AI and new innovations can help.”
You can find out more about how NTT DATA Business Solutions could help you migrate and modernise by watching their on-demand Webinar. Visit https://uk.nttdata-solutions.com/talking-sap-on-aws-registration-page-on-demand.