Migration from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA for a European Logistics Provider

A leading European logistics provider set out to upgrade its aging SAP ECC system and unlock new operational capabilities. This case study shows how a smooth migration to SAP S/4HANA helped modernize processes and prepare the business for future growth.

ACBaltica worked with a major European logistics and warehousing provider to migrate from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA 2021 (on-prem) – a transformation that modernized daily operations, introduced new logistics capabilities, and laid a strong foundation for future digital initiatives.

Customer

The customer is a long-established logistics company operating terminals and warehouses within one of Europe’s largest ports and across the region. Their operations involve significant volumes of storage, handling, and transportation activities – all historically supported by SAP ECC.

As the business evolved, ECC could no longer offer the flexibility or modern functionality they required, particularly in areas like inventory accounting and warehouse management. Migrating to SAP S/4HANA allowed them to stay fully supported by SAP while unlocking capabilities essential for their next stage of growth.

Challenge

The company set out to migrate from SAP ECC 6 EHP4 to SAP S/4HANA 2021 on premises with several priorities in mind:

• Preserve business-critical logistics and financial processes

• Introduce new functionality unavailable in ECC 

• Prepare the system for an upcoming SAP EWM implementation

• Maintain seamless integrations with external systems for truck tracking, safety, and workforce management

Before migration could begin, all four systems (Sandbox, Development, Quality, Production) required a mandatory EHP upgrade due to the low existing version. This added about two weeks per system – but because the work was executed in parallel, the overall timeline remained unchanged.

Solution

ACBaltica delivered a full SAP S/4HANA system conversion, ensuring stability, transparency, and alignment with the customer’s long-term IT strategy.

Project timeframe: October 2021 – May 2023

Key elements of the solution

System-by-system migration

All four environments – Sandbox, Development, QA, and Production – were converted to SAP S/4HANA 2021.

Custom code adaptation

ABAP custom developments were analyzed and adjusted to meet S/4HANA requirements, removing outdated logic and ensuring compatibility.

Fiori enablement

Modern Fiori applications were configured to give users faster access to daily tasks and more intuitive workflows.

Training and enablement

ACBaltica produced training materials and supported internal teams throughout validation, testing, and post-migration adoption.

Integration alignment

The new S/4HANA environment was reconnected to essential logistics applications, including truck-tracking systems and solutions from providers such as Zetes and Rombit.

EHP upgrade prior to migration

All systems were first upgraded to the required enhancement package level, significantly reducing technical risk during the conversion.

Go-Live

The go-live was executed over a single weekend. The system went offline on Friday and was fully operational on Monday morning.
During hypercare, ACBaltica resolved minor issues quickly, ensuring a stable start to the new environment.

Results and benefits

The logistics provider successfully transitioned to SAP S/4HANA 2021, gaining a modern, stable, and scalable ERP landscape.

Key outcomes:

• Smooth go-live with predictable weekend downtime

• Consistent migration across all four systems

• Updated and optimized custom code base

• A fresh and intuitive user experience through SAP Fiori

• Reliable integrations with truck-tracking and workforce systems

• Immediate readiness for SAP EWM implementation

• Access to new functionality unavailable in ECC (e.g., improved inventory accounting)

Today, the customer operates on a future-proof ERP platform – ready to support advanced warehouse management, automation, and continued digital innovation.

Why choose ACBaltica for SAP S/4HANA conversion

ACBaltica combines deep SAP expertise with a practical, business-focused approach. Our team not only executes the technical migration but also helps companies understand how to get real value from SAP S/4HANA – both immediately and long term.

Our strengths:

• Proven experience in SAP ECC → SAP S/4HANA conversions across various industries

• Certified SAP consultants with hands-on migration and integration expertise

• Balanced approach that covers both technical requirements and business processes

• Flexible testing and implementation strategies tailored to each customer’s landscape, constraints, and priorities

• Clear communication and guidance, ensuring every step – from preparation to hypercare – is transparent and manageable

With ACBaltica, customers receive a reliable, well-structured, and future-oriented S/4HANA transformation that minimizes risk and maximizes long-term benefits.