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The move to SAP S/4HANA is a decisive step for companies to modernize and optimize their business processes. In addition to the numerous advantages that the introduction of SAP S/4HANA provides, it also comes with a number of challenges – for example with regard to roles and authorizations. We provide an overview of why authorization management is so fundamental when switching to SAP S/4HANA, what specific challenges are associated with it and what long-term benefits companies can expect.
10 tips for your authorization management in SAP S/4HANA
SAP S/4HANA has consequences for authorization management
Authorization management plays a central role in ensuring the integrity, confidentiality and availability of company data. SAP S/4HANA not only changes the technological ERP basis, but also the way in which authorizations are managed. Companies need to ensure that their employees have the right access rights to perform their tasks effectively while minimizing potential security risks.
The migration to SAP S/4HANA creates certain challenges and tasks with regard to authorization management. These include revising and adapting existing authorization structures, identifying and eliminating outdated or overly extensive access rights, ensuring compliance and adhering to applicable data protection and security regulations.
Apps instead of transactions
The previous transactions are being replaced by apps in SAP S/4HANA. This is not done on a one-to-one level, but on the basis of business aspects. Accordingly, it is necessary to adapt the authorizations – and not just once during the migration. This is because with every new release of SAP S/4HANA, new apps may be added for which authorizations must be assigned.
A role-based authorization structure makes it possible to assign authorizations based on the roles and responsibilities of the users. This ensures that users can only access the functions and data that are relevant to their respective role.
New functionalities and potential risks
SAP S/4HANA offers a variety of new functions and technologies that have an impact on authorization management. For example, improved analysis and reporting functions, extended SoD controls and the need to align front-end and back-end authorizations require adjustments.
To identify potential risks related to authorization management when migrating to SAP S/4HANA and to close security gaps, companies should comprehensively analyze their current authorization structures, implement security guidelines and best practices, and conduct training and education for users.
Benefits of effectively managed authorizations in SAP S/4HANA
Effectively managing authorizations in SAP S/4HANA can deliver a wide range of benefits, including increased security, improved compliance, increased efficiency and productivity, and better control over company data. By consistently addressing and overcoming the challenges in the area of authorization management, companies are able to take full advantage of SAP S/4HANA and strengthen their competitiveness in the long term. As business requirements and processes can change over time, it is necessary to regularly review and update authorizations to ensure that they still meet current requirements.
Overall, authorization management is of considerable importance for the success and security of a company when switching to SAP S/4HANA. Those who consider and consistently address the necessary to-dos in the area of authorization management directly as part of the SAP S/4HANA implementation will ensure a smooth transition and can use SAP S/4HANA productively to its full extent from day one.
