by Ignacio Ruiz de Eguilaz
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to set goals and plan improvements. For many businesses across the world, the best way to improve in 2021 is to replace legacy systems with modern technologies, such as SAP S/4HANA. This Intelligent ERP platform automates business processes, enables innovation and the creation of better customer and employee experiences.
Seidor is a founding member, and the largest, of the United VARs alliance which includes more than 50 of the world's leading SAP VAR (value-added reseller) partners. Seidor MENA is based in UAE and has been involved in hundreds of global SAP implementations.
We see 2021 as the year of recovery for many businesses, who will be fast-tracking their digital transformation. So, this year we expect to be moving a lot of our customers from the legacy system SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA.
If you are also planning your move to SAP S/4HANA, it is vital to select the right SAP partner. One who you can trust to deliver the outcomes you need and help you to identify the best solution and deployment model to achieve your business goals.
SAP has over 21,000 partners worldwide, each with unique experience in specific industries and regions. Most can provide ongoing maintenance and support services and help you extract maximum value from your investment in SAP technology as your organisation’s needs change.
To identify the best partner for your SAP S/4HANA implementation, we recommend that you ask them the following questions:
1. Do you have global capability combined with local knowledge?
Ask about their global footprint, whether direct or via a network such as United VARs. Ensure they have global capability and can provide local consultants in the countries you operate in. The ideal is an SAP partner who understands the language, culture and regulations of the local markets relevant to your planned SAP S/4HANA rollout.
2. Are you a stable, trustworthy company?
Request proof of their financial stability, relationship with SAP and ask if you can contact any of their customers for a better understanding of their expertise and service levels.
3. Do you understand my industry?
Ask for customer references for SAP S/4HANA implementation in the same industry as you. Ideally, they should be able to demonstrate successful projects in the same geographical regions too.
4. What is your innovation portfolio?
Wherever you are on your digital transformation journey, moving to SAP S/4HANA can facilitate your transformation into an Intelligent Enterprise. You need a partner who can take you on a journey of innovation, so ensure that they have expertise in advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and machine learning. We have an innovation and technological research centre, Seidor Labs in Spain, that develops innovative projects related to emerging technologies which is dedicated to innovation. Our customers know that we are getting to grips with emerging technologies before they are even aware of them.
5. Do you have SAP Qualified Partner Packages for conversions?
Look for a partner who has the framework and automation tools to speed up SAP implementations. United VARs members have SAP S/4HANA conversion packages which use a templated approach to offer defined project outcomes for a fixed price and timeframe. The packages offer full migration lifecycle support, from business assessment and data cleansing to go-live and support. They also have access to the worldwide United VARs Conversion Factory Network which enables you to get the technical migration done remotely, cheaper and faster, by experts who have done many conversions already.
6. Can we interview the team?
Interview the consultants and check their CVs to understand their individual knowledge and experience. Make sure the implementation team has the diversity and cultural fit to suit your organisation. Find out how the SAP partner develops their talent so you can be sure of their commitment to ongoing excellence. At Seidor MENA we select top graduates from the SAP YTP Program and offer internships to help them put theory into practice with real life challenges.
7. Do you provide change management services?
Successful digital transformation is about much more than technology migration. Transformation requires organisations to evolve and make changes to company culture. Check that the SAP partner can handle the people aspect of your move to SAP S/4HANA.
8. Can you provide 24/7 Global support?
Ensure that your SAP S/4HANA platform remains stable and operational in today's challenging business environment. Check that your chosen partner holds an SAP PCOE (Partner Center of Expertise) certification which will ensure a good quality of support and is a mandatory requirement to provide SAP services to customers. Seidor has successfully developed a Global Support Center covering 30+ Countries with 15 PCoE Support Offices which offer 24/7 support in 30 countries and in 6 languages.
9. Are you an SAP PartnerEdge Platinum Partner?
SAP’s most strategic and global partnership organisations attain platinum status by invitation only by the SAP executive board. Selecting an SAP platinum partner means you’re working with one of the most capable and trusted SAP partners. All members of United VARs enjoy the highest SAP status as Platinum Partners. They are among the leading solutions providers across the world, guaranteeing the best service and support for international roll-out projects, ERP optimisation projects and cross-border nearshoring.
About Author
Ignacio Ruiz de Eguilaz, Managing Director of Seidor MENA
Managing Director with +20 years demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Including the Software vendor side, customer side, and partner side. Last 16 years in the SAP business. International experience in the Middle East. Launch of several companies in the region.
About Seidor MENA
Seidor MENA is experienced in implementing complex and scalable projects in the MENA region, and globally along with other trusted implementation partners within the United VARs global network.
Seidor is a system integrator that provides end-to-end IT solutions. For thirty years it has provided local, regional, and global information and communications technology solutions across multiple industries. The company designs, implements, manages, trains and supports SAP technology solutions such as SAP Ariba, SAP S/4HANA, and SAP BI.
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