S/4hana Cloud Upgrade Schedule: A Comprehensive Overview On Cloud Releases

Companies must leverage every advantage they possess in order to remain competitive in the current dynamic business landscape. An example of a powerful technological tool is SAP S/4HANA Cloud, which, when combined with modern tools like its latest version, may help firms stay competitive.

Although the word “release management” may appear sophisticated in the context of SAP systems, it essentially denotes the process of efficiently organizing a sequence of meticulously planned updates and upgrades. One could perceive it as a journey, where each subsequent release brings us closer to a technological utopia. In this post, I will demonstrate the procedural details of the SAP S/4HANA Cloud quarterly release upgrading. The capacity to readily accept and collaborate with change holds greater significance than any quantity of data or code.

S/4hana Cloud Upgrade Schedule can improve operations, boost productivity, and provide your company a competitive advantage. However, not all organizations are comfortable with the idea of upgrading, and even fewer know how to leverage the benefits and create an upgrade timetable that works for them. We will examine both sides of upgrading, with S/4HANA cloud as an upgrade process, including the benefits of upgrading and planning an upgrade schedule that maximizes your company’s potential!

At our company, we understand the significance of keeping pace with technology’s rapid evolution. That is why we are dedicated to providing accurate information regarding SAP S/4HANA Cloud updates and their impact on business processes. This article will cover details regarding their cycle and benefits, how it could transform them, and other areas.

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Understanding S/4hana Cloud Upgrade Schedule

The objective of SAP S/4HANA Cloud Releases is to provide your organization with access to the most advanced functionalities by introducing the latest discoveries and advancements. By utilizing the updated cycle, one can remain current and benefit from features that are perpetually enhanced. In order to differentiate and underscore the importance of every release, a unique version number, such as “2208,” shall be allocated to it.

SAP S/4HANA Cloud Releases

SAP S/4HANA Cloud, a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, enables organizations to enhance operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. According to the new update cycle, releases will occur biannually, specifically in February and August. These releases will be named after the year and month in which they are issued. One example of a release label for products launched in 2022 is “2208(YYMM)”.

New SAP S/4HANA Release Strategy

There have been seven upgrades to SAP S/4HANA 1511 since it was first released. The release dates are set for 1610, 1709, 1800, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The most current version of SAP S/4HANA, scheduled for delivery in October 2023, is often considered the best release in terms of compatibility with older software versions and next-generation technologies.

New versions of SAP S/4HANA, comprising two Features Package Stacks (FPS), are released annually by SAP, all the way up to SAP S/4HANA 20. The current version of SAP S/4HANA switches to a two-year release cycle when three or more feature packages are added. You’ll get updates every two years instead of annually.

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The release of SAP S/4HANA 2023 will mark a significant milestone in the system’s evolution. Businesses can achieve their maximum potential by optimizing their operations, expanding their service offerings, and sharing best practices with both present and prospective clients.

Customers can enhance the process of upgrading and managing their S/4HANA configurations by transitioning to SAP S/4HANA 2023. Due to the improved environment facilitating the transfer to cloud computing, firms can continue to advance their products without any disruptions.

New SAP S/4HANA Maintenance Strategy

Beginning January 1, 2023, and ending December 31, 2025, customers will have the option to extend maintenance for SAP S/4HANA 1709, SAP S/4HANA 1809, and SAP S/4HANA 1909, as well as relevant add-ons. Bypassing the time-consuming and costly intermediate upgrade, users of these versions can go straight to SAP S/4HANA 2023.

Normal maintenance coverage will now last 7 years instead of 5 years starting with SAP S/4HANA 2023.You are offered an enticing deal because SAP has pledged to use the SAP S/4HANA platform until 2040 and has improved their support for SAP Business Suite 7. Customer business processes may be optimized, investments can be protected, and innovation’s full potential can be harnessed by adopting this strategy.

More details in the SAP note 3246630 Extended maintenance is available to SAP S/4HANA 1709, SAP S/4HANA 1809 and SAP S/4HANA 1909.

How to Prepare From SAP S/4HANA Cloud Updates

Every SAP S/4HANA Cloud release will include a wide range of enhancements and new features that will help businesses improve their processes and achieve better results in business. A few of the most significant features and enhancements companies can anticipate from the SAP S/4HANA Cloud release include:

AI-powered features:

SAP S/4HANA Cloud releases will utilize AI-powered capabilities to aid businesses in automating routine tasks, decrease errors made in manual processes, and boost the quality of their decisions.

Specific to the industry

Every release will include specific features for each industry to help companies meet the needs and requirements of their field.

Improved user experience

SAP S/4HANA Cloud releases will concentrate on improving the users’ experience by making it simpler and more user-friendly for users to finish their work.

An SAP S/4HANA Cloud Cloud upgrade schedule is as is:

February March is updated to the most recent release on the first weekend following the RTC date. August The Production and Starter systems are updated, starting at the end of the third weekend following the RTC date.

RTC is a shorthand for the word “release,” which refers to a Train Cycle, which is the period that lasts for six months when SAP introduces updates and new features for S/4HANA Cloud. The first weekend in each RTC cycle is an opportunity for maintenance, during which SAP makes system updates.

Customers using a 3-system environment (Quality Production, Quality, and Starter) will need to take steps to prepare for the upgrade. The steps comprise:

Test their data and applications in the quality system to make sure the applications and data are fully compatible with the latest version.
Moving any data altered or added in the past since the last upgrade into the production system.
Instructing their users about the new capabilities and functions of the latest release.

SAP offers the following number of resources to assist customers through the process of upgrading which include:

Upgrade Guide: This document gives complete instructions on upgrading the S/4HANA Cloud.
Update FAQ: This guide provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the process of upgrading.
Support for Upgrades: SAP offers support to customers in need of assistance with the process of upgrading.

You can go to SAP’s website for more details on SAP’s S/4HANA Cloud upgrade schedule. SAP website. Here are additional details on the upgrade procedure:

The process of upgrading is generally completed within two weeks.
During the upgrade, users can no longer access their S/4HANA Cloud account.
SAP will offer customers prior notice of the schedule for upgrades.
Customers with any queries regarding the upgrade procedure should contact SAP support.

This SAP S/4HANA release schedule for 2023 is as below:

Release 2023 – October 2023
Feature Pack 1 for Release 2023 – April 2024
Feature Pack 2 for Release 2023 – October 2024
Feature Pack 3 for Release 2023 – April 2025
End of Mainstream Maintenance for Release 2020 – October 2025
Each version will now be supported for seven years following release, up from five years in earlier editions, starting with SAP S/4HANA 2023.
Longer productive duration for users, increasing return on investment.
Addresses security and technical issues.
Introduces new functionality or features.
Requires regular updates.

SAP customers Customers are given greater freedom and chance to optimize their systems through SAP’s latest S/4HANA version maintenance plan. This empowers them to develop more intelligent and streamlined enterprises.The main characteristics are as follows:

SAP S/4HANA 2023 Release Cycle

Two-year release cycle.
Extended maintenance period to 7 years.
Releases include 1709, 1809, and 1909.

A SAP or SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud subscription includes free extended maintenance.

Conclusion

To ensure optimal system performance, it is necessary to regularly upgrade the system, stay updated with relevant information, thoroughly test updates, collaborate with a knowledgeable SAP partner, and utilize the resources offered by SAP Learning Hub. The advanced technology provided by SAP S/4HANA Cloud can optimize company processes, enhance efficiency, reduce costs, increase financial results, and elevate search engine rankings.

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S/4hana Cloud Upgrade Schedule: A Comprehensive Overview on Cloud Releases

Understanding S/4hana Cloud Upgrade Schedule