Logically, when migrating, the focus initially lies on the core activities of an organization and how their configuration and data will be shaped in the new SAP environment.
As the process progresses, financial objects (Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Statement, and possibly Work in Progress) are only considered later.
There is often little urgency, as people tend to think, “This will probably be handled by the standard SAP Migration Cockpit.” Sometimes this is true, but in many cases, the Migration Cockpit proves insufficient.
Standard SAP Module
The Migration Cockpit is part of the free standard functionality within SAP.
SAFI migration software is an external software package.
Copy Administration ‘As-Is’ Transfer
The SAP Migration Cockpit covers basic conversion (with a simple “from-to” conversion instead of an “if-then” logic). This is why it is often referred to as a copy of the current administration. Everything is transferred, with no option for exclusions or similar adjustments.
SAFI migration software can also handle this, but in terms of cost-effectiveness, it may not be the first choice for this specific use case, despite its user-friendliness.
Data Assurance and Pre-Validation Reports
The SAP Migration Cockpit is known to occasionally freeze when processing large data volumes, requiring meticulous effort to identify which parts still need to be transferred. Since everything is transferred ‘as-is’ (as a copy), we can assume that—if uninterrupted—everything has been migrated. Testing (as a control measure) is then performed first (on totals) in the test environment.
SAFI Migration Software generates a validation report after the transformation process and before the upload, regardless of the dataset size. It provides a clear “from-to” translation report, flags mismatches in the transformation, and performs completeness checks on counts and totals. The software is designed to handle large datasets exceeding 1 million records without interruptions or crashes.
Handling Complex Data Structures with Templates
The Migration Cockpit transfers data ‘as-is,’ creating a direct copy with potentially simplified “from-to” conversions.
SAFI Migration Software offers extensive flexibility through Excel formulas, which can be integrated into templates. This allows for easy testing of different scenarios and seamless switching between business units.
Advanced Data Transformation
The Migration Cockpit provides only very limited transformation capabilities.
SAFI Migration Software enables advanced analyses, comparisons, merges, enrichments, and exclusions during the data transformation process using familiar Excel formulas. The data can be transformed to meet the requirements of new recording and reporting needs.
Phased Migration
The Migration Cockpit does not support phased migration.
SAFI Migration Software offers a valuable feature through its flexibility and template-based approach: migrating balances in phase 1 to get the new system operational faster. Where necessary, detailed data can be loaded later in phase 2 (offset against the balances). This approach ensures that unnecessary historical data is neatly consolidated, prevents unnecessary depletion of number ranges, and saves on cloud storage costs.
Low-Code / No-Code Tailor-Made Customization
The Migration Cockpit does not offer customization options.
SAFI Migration Software combines the freedom of Excel formulas with the robustness of workflow automation. This allows you to transform and migrate data flexibly without relying on an ABAP programmer or an often-overloaded IT department.