SAP S4/HANA Implementations in 2026
To beat the 2027 SAP ECC deadline, enterprises are shifting from large 50-person teams to Dual Expert teams. This lean approach reduces implementation time from years to weeks.
Happy Thursday, everyone!
Let’s face it - life is too short not to enjoy the journey!
Too often, things seem too serious when we zoom in too close on deadlines. It is important to remember that harmony comes from balance - whether in our professional or personal lives, we are the architects of these experiences.
My first piece of advice for you today: Ensure every journey you start is enjoyable. In the SAP ecosystem, we have officially entered the "Squeeze Play" of 2026. With the 2027 ECC deadline now less than 24 months away, the atmosphere has shifted from exploration to execution at any cost. But your goal shouldn’t just be to reach the finish line; it’s to make your project truly successful. Remember: The journey to SAP S/4HANA is more than just a technical migration.
To navigate this 2027 countdown, you need a team that reflects your business’s true needs.
1. How do Dual Experts speed up S/4HANA Public Cloud implementations?
Just last week, news broke of a record-breaking S/4HANA Public Cloud implementation completed in an incredibly short timeframe - faster than many thought possible for an enterprise environment. This destroys the myth that ERP projects must take years.
How was this achieved? Definitely not through a massive team of narrow specialists. It was through a precision pod of dual experts > Case Citation: Ahlstrom (Jan 2026) proved that a lean, multi-skilled expert team outperforms siloed specialists by focusing on horizontal business flows rather than individual modules.
My Tip: For 2026, don’t build a team of 50. Small, agile teams are outperforming large ones because they communicate in real-time. By applying best practices from the beginning, you establish a solid foundation that prevents wasting time and resources.
2. Sizing the Adventure: Modular vs. Lean
The size of your project team should reflect your business’s needs and timeline expectations. Avoid the risk of oversizing the team - it often leads to more meetings and less doing.
- For SMEs: A lean team of 6–7 experts is often the sweet spot for speed and clarity.
- For Large Enterprises: Use a modular approach. Organize teams into specialized modules. This allows for focused expertise, with every component handled effectively, while a central team oversees the entire project like a strategic Compass.
3. Essential Roles for Your S/4HANA Implementation Project
Define your roles early to ensure everyone knows their part in the journey. Here are some of the most important roles to me (and don’t forget, with the user, for the user):
- The Technical Lead (Architect): The ultimate owner. They must question everything: data models, integration complexity, and delivery methods. They understand the cycle from migration to support.
- The Business Process Consultant: The functional expert who ensures all KPIs are considered during solution design and works with the customer business owners in establishing a stable ground for the future business processes within the organization
- The SAP Developers: The engine room. Once discovery wraps up, they must work closely with the Technical Lead to ensure seamless integration.
Key Takeaways:
- Define Roles Early: Establish clear responsibilities within your dual experts.
- Understand Team Size: Modular for enterprise, lean for mid-market. Avoid the Army trap.
- Embrace Collaboration: Encourage ongoing communication to adapt and improve.
You might also be interested in some of my last newsletters:
- Are Your Processes Sabotaging Your ERP Implementation?
- Why 70% of ERP Implementations Struggle (It’s Not the Software)
Facing the 24-month countdown? Book a Call for more information about S4/HANA Implementation, before you hire a 50-person team!
Best,
Borislav Minkov and TEAM Novarto (Your Digital Transformation Partner)
