S4HANA

SAP S/4HANA is SAP's next-generation enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite, designed to run only on the SAP HANA in-memory database. Introduced in 2015, it represents a redesign of SAP's Business Suite with a focus on real-time processing, simplified data structures, and streamlined user experiences. The product is marketed as the core ERP for the SAP ecosystem.

S/4HANA uses a simplified data model that reduces data redundancy and eliminates aggregates, enabling faster transactional processing and real-time analytics. It includes the Universal Journal in Finance (ACDOCA), CDS-based data modeling, embedded analytics, and the SAP Fiori user experience. It can leverage SAP's Analytics Cloud and the SAP Business Technology Platform for extensions and integration.

It is available as on-premise and cloud offerings (S/4HANA On-Premise and S/4HANA Cloud, including public and private cloud options). Migration paths include brownfield (system conversion) from SAP ERP or ECC and greenfield (new implementation). SAP provides tools such as the S/4HANA Migration Cockpit and the SAP Activate methodology for project delivery.

The suite covers core ERP areas such as Financials, Controlling, Asset Management, Sales and Distribution, Materials Management, Production Planning, and Plant Maintenance, with industry-specific and cloud extensions. It supports real-time analytics, streamlined processes, and integration with external systems and SAP solutions across procurement, manufacturing, supply chain, and project management.

As a cloud-first strategy, SAP positions S/4HANA as the central platform for intelligent enterprise applications, with ongoing feature releases and integration with SAP's ecosystem (BTP, SAC).