How to Use the SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit for Smooth Data Transfer

As organizations across Africa work to move from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA within the 2027 support window, it is important to consider the role of data. The success of any SAP S/4HANA implementation depends on the effective and efficient transfer of data from the existing system into S/4HANA.

To assist in the challenging task of data migration, SAP has developed an impressive tool called the S/4HANA Migration Cockpit, which facilitates smooth, secure, and structured data transfer.

In this blog post, we will explain what the Migration Cockpit is, the main features, how data can be migrated, the benefits of using it, and the steps for companies (especially those in Africa) to use their Migration Cockpit as part of their S/4HANA migration journey.

What is the SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit?

The SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit (LTMC, or Fiori App) is an integrated migration tool used to migrate master data and transactional data from SAP ECC or non-SAP systems into S/4HANA. It is part of SAP's standard offering and does not require additional licensing; it is therefore essential for companies looking to economically migrate their legacy system.

The cockpit provides:

• Predefined migration objects, such as customers, vendors, G/L accounts, and materials.
• Mapping functionality between legacy data and the new S/4HANA structure.
• A guided, automated interface to facilitate the data validation, transformation, and import process.

In summary, its overall objective is to reduce manual effort and human error and provide consistency throughout the migration process.

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Approaches Supported by the Migration Cockpit

The tool is available for different migration scenarios depending on how you are approaching your journey to S/4HANA:

Greenfield Implementation (Creation of a New System)

Utilized when building a new S/4HANA system from the ground up.
Data is migrated selectively (e.g., only master data or only open items are moved).

Brownfield Conversion (System Conversion)

Utilized when converting your existing ECC system to S/4HANA.
The data exists mostly intact, aside from needing to check compatibility.

Bluefield (Hybrid Transitions)

Utilized when companies migrate data selectively—keeping some data behind, and redesigning business processes.
The Migration Cockpit can effectively facilitate these times as a phased, modular transfer of data.

Methods of Data Transfer Using the Migration Cockpit

Depending on your system landscape and the scale of your migration, there are three primary data migration options:

1. File-Based Data Migration

Uses Excel or CSV templates for data upload.
Most applicable to smaller organizations or specific modules (finance or procurement).
Quick and easy, but involves manually handling data.

2. Staging Table Method

Best for larger organizations.
First loads data into a staging table in the S/4HANA database.
Has improved performance to automate the bulk data migration.

3. Direct Transfer

Best when migrating from SAP ECC to S/4HANA, during which there is a similar data structure.
Provides a direct extraction and transformation from ECC into S/4HANA with little manual process.

Each method is designed for a particular purpose, and organizations will often consider which aspects of each method are relevant to their project.

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Step-by-Step Guide for Using the Migration Cockpit in SAP S/4HANA

Step 1: Access the Migration Cockpit

You can access the migration cockpit through one of the following options:

• The “Migrate Your Data” application within the SAP Fiori launchpad, or
• Using transaction code LTMC if you are on older releases that are on-premise.

Step 2: Create a New Migration Project

Select “Create” to initiate a migration project.
Decide on how you’d like to transfer (file upload/staging/direct transfer).
Indicate the migration project name and migration object (e.g., Customer Master).

Step 3: Download the Migration Template

The Migration Tool offers a pre-set Excel template for each migration object.
Populate the template with data from the legacy system using the field mapping.

Step 4: Upload and Validate Data

Upload the finished Excel spreadsheet to the Migration Cockpit.
Perform a validation check to identify and resolve issues such as missing fields, incorrect data types, and inconsistent mappings.

Step 5: Simulate the Migration

Simulate before the actual transfer takes place.
A simulation tests the process on a copy of the data—safe for validating without changing live data.

Step 6: Proceed with Data Migration

Once validated, proceed with the data migration step.
Monitor the process and logs to ensure successful completion.

Step 7: Validate Data Migration

Provide evidence that the migrated data matches the original data source.
Run reports or reconciliation tools to confirm consistency of balances, master data, and transactional data.

Best Practices for a Smooth Migration

• Prepare Data Before Migration
• Conduct Trials in Sandbox Environments
• Include Client Stakeholders
• Use Migration Object Documentation
• Check Logs Regularly
• Look at Incremental Migration

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Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• High Volumes of Data: Implement the staging table method to optimize performance.
• Data Mapping Challenges: Involve technical and business teams early to align data models.
• Legacy Custom Fields: Leverage SAP's enhancement framework to extend migration objects.
• Lack of Expertise: Work with certified SAP consultants (such as Prompt Edify) to guide and support.

Why African Businesses Should Use the Migration Cockpit

Many African companies across cities like Harare, Lagos, and Nairobi, operating in industries such as manufacturing, mining, finance, and agriculture, have vital data integrity and compliance obligations.
The SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit enables these companies to migrate in a controlled way while maintaining critical business data and moving forward with digital transformation with low risk and low interruption.

Conclusion: Simplify Migration, Empower Growth

Migrating to SAP S/4HANA is more than a system move; it is a strategic move towards agility, efficiency, and intelligent enterprise features.
By adopting the SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit, African companies can feel confident that their data migration will be a seamless, transparent, and value-driven process and secure a future-ready ERP landscape.