SAP Integration Challenges: Why You Need the Right Talent in Place

Integrating SAP into business operations can provide transformative benefits. However, despite its potential, SAP integrations can present numerous challenges that may hinder a company’s ability to fully leverage its capabilities.  

The success of an SAP integration largely hinges on the quality of the talent and team managing the project. When businesses have the right people in place, they can overcome these SAP integration challenges and unlock the true value of their investment. 

Below, we outline common SAP integration challenges and what talent is best suited to overcome them. 

6 Common SAP Integration Challenges

Complexity

One of the biggest challenges with implementing SAP is its complexity. SAP systems cover a broad range of business functions, from finance and supply chain management to human resources and procurement. Each system and module are intricately interconnected, making SAP integration a highly sophisticated undertaking that demands a deep understanding of both its business processes and the technology. 

Having a team of specialized SAP consultants and developers is crucial to navigating this complexity. A team with deep expertise in the specific SAP system being implemented can ensure that the system is configured to meet the unique needs of the business without compromising on functionality. These experts understand how to streamline workflows and processes and integrate legacy systems with SAP, making sure data flows seamlessly across various departments. 

Further, experienced SAP talent can help avoid unnecessary customizations and focus on utilizing standard SAP functionalities wherever possible, ensuring smoother integration and user adoption, as well as fewer disruptions during future upgrades. 

Data Migration

Data migration is another significant challenge during SAP implementation. Businesses often have to move large volumes of data from disparate sources—such as older ERP systems or CRM systems—into SAP. The risk of data loss, duplication, or errors during this process can lead to operational inefficiencies and delays. 

A team of data migration specialists can address these challenges by creating a detailed data migration strategy. These professionals are adept at data mapping, extraction, cleansing, and validation, ensuring that only accurate and relevant data is transferred to the new system. Their expertise can prevent disruptions by ensuring data integrity and minimizing the risk of costly mistakes.  

Additionally, a solid talent pool can assist with establishing proper data governance frameworks and maintaining documentation to facilitate future audits and system enhancements. 

Change Management

SAP integration introduces significant changes in the way employees interact with business systems. As such, resistance to change is one of the most frequent barriers companies face. End-users, particularly those accustomed to legacy systems, may struggle to adapt to new workflows, which can slow down adoption and reduce overall productivity. 

The key to overcoming this challenge is effective change management and that requires the right leadership and communication skills. Having a team of leaders who are not only SAP experts but also skilled in communication and change management is critical. These professionals can build a comprehensive change management strategy that includes end-user training and ongoing support during the transition. 

Engaging employees early on in the integration process and offering hands-on training helps ensure that users are comfortable with the new system. This helps reduce resistance and promotes a smoother, more positive adoption experience. 

Customization and Configuration

Businesses often face challenges when configuring or customizing SAP to meet their specific needs. While SAP offers a wide range of customization options, excessive or incorrect customization can lead to increased costs, extended project timelines, difficulty in maintaining the system over time, and so on. 

Having a balanced team that includes both technical and functional SAP experts is essential when it comes to customizations and configuration. Functional consultants understand the business requirements and can recommend ways to configure SAP in line with those needs, without over-customizing. Technical consultants, on the other hand, can manage the more complex customizations when necessary, ensuring that they are done correctly and efficiently. 

By working together, these professionals can keep the project on track and reduce the need for significant rework in the future. 

Integration with Existing Systems

Integrating SAP with other legacy or third-party systems can be one of the most technically challenging aspects of an SAP implementation. Different systems may use various data formats or protocols, and SAP needs to interface seamlessly with all these systems to ensure smooth business operations. 

Bringing on skilled integration architects and interface developers is vital for overcoming these technical hurdles. These individuals are responsible for designing the integration architecture that will connect SAP with other systems within the business, and they are skilled at developing interfaces using middleware solutions like SAP PI/PO. Their expertise in building robust, scalable integrations ensures that the data flows smoothly between systems, mitigating the risk of costly downtime and ensuring that business processes remain uninterrupted. 

Time and Budget

Large-scale SAP integration projects often experience delays and cost overruns due to their complexity and the unforeseen challenges that arise during implementation, as mentioned above. Without the right project management team, companies can quickly find themselves over budget or behind schedule. 

A seasoned SAP project manager can help keep the integration on track, as they have experience managing large ERP implementations and are skilled at developing detailed project plans and timelines. They also know how to anticipate and manage risks, ensuring that the project stays on course. 

Additionally, SAP project managers can act as business translators, serving as a bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders and ensuring that communication is clear so that expectations are set, and issues are addressed promptly. 

Next Steps 

SAP integration is a complex and often daunting task, but with the right talent in place, businesses can overcome these challenges and realize the full potential of their SAP investment. Specialized SAP consultants, data migration specialists, change management professionals, integration architects, and project managers all play critical roles in ensuring a successful implementation. By assembling a skilled and well-rounded team, businesses can navigate SAP integration challenges with agility. 

For help finding your dream team, contact BCTG today.