Client Background:

Client: Globally Diversified Mining and Metals Company
Industry: Mining & Metals
Global Operations: Australia, Southern Africa, South America, and beyond
Legacy ERP: SAP ECC 6.0 on a non-HANA database
Target Platform: SAP ECC 6.0 on SAP HANA (Suite on HANA)

The Challenge

1. Custom Code Compatibility

• Legacy Z-programs used outdated, non-HANA-optimized patterns.
• Outdated practices (e.g., redundant SELECTs, inefficient loops) risked performance issues

2. SPDD/SPAU Reconciliation

• Many standard SAP objects had been altered via OSS notes and custom changes.
• These modifications required thorough review to avoid conflicts with SAP upgrade paths
  and ensure HANA compatibility.

3. Heterogeneous ABAP Code Base

• Lack of standardized coding guidelines resulted in varied implementations, requiring code refactoring for HANA readiness.
• Comprehensive code scans were needed to identify and remediate non-compliant code segments.

The Objective

The project aimed to migrate the company’s SAP ECC system from a traditional non-HANA database to SAP HANA, leveraging in-memory computing to improve performance and enable real-time analytics. The transition also focused on future-proofing custom developments through:

• Comprehensive SPAU/SPDD reconciliation to ensure alignment with SAP standards.
• Extensive custom code remediation using the ABAP Test Cockpit (ATC) to achieve HANA compatibility and prepare the system for a future S/4HANA migration

Scope:

Remediated: 12,000+ HANA Impacting Objects
Completed: 3,000 + SPDD / SPAU adjustments.
Eliminated: 900+ Critical code risks.

The Solution

1. Pre-Migration Analysis and Planning

Custom Code Assessment using ATC:

• Executed HANA readiness checks using ATC (using the variant S4HANA_READINESS).
• Identified critical performance bottlenecks, including outdated Open SQL syntax and inefficient data access patterns.
• Prioritized remediation efforts based on business impact and system performance risk.

Migration Worklist Formation:

• Developed a mapping document that related ATC findings with the necessary remediation steps.
• Established clear ownership and timelines for addressing critical issues across the ABAP code base.

2. SPDD Phase (Data Dictionary Adjustments)

Reconciliation of Data Dictionary Objects:

• Reviewed prior modifications to standard SAP tables and data elements.
• Accepted SAP-delivered changes and re-applied critical custom fields using append structures and extension includes.
• Maintained a detailed SPDD reconciliation log to track changes and reduce future upgrade conflicts

3. SPAU Phase (Repository Object Adjustments)

Repository Code Alignment:

• Used transaction SPAU to analyze and resolve differences between SAP standard objects and customer modifications.
• Preserved essential business logic by selectively reapplying custom changes.
• Leveraged standard enhancement frameworks (e.g., BADIs) to retain functionality without directly modifying SAP code.

4. ATC-Driven Code Remediation

Systematic Code Refactoring:

• Analyzed ATC results to pinpoint non-HANA-compatible code (e.g., SELECT *, inefficient joins, and nested loops).
• Applied automated quick fixes using Eclipse ADT to modernize legacy syntax with HANA-optimized patterns.
• Established a rigorous review process to ensure refactored code met performance, quality, and compliance standards.

Developer Enablement:

• Delivered focused training on HANA best practices to ABAP developers, promoting consistency and a seamless transition across the codebase.

5. Post-Migration Validation and Go-Live

Comprehensive Testing:

• Executed a thorough regression testing plan across core business processes, including inventory management, production orders, and financial reporting.
• Conducted performance benchmarking on key Z-reports and transactions, resulting in significant performance improvements.

Stakeholder Sign-Off:

• Facilitated review sessions with business process owners to validate system stability and ensure all critical functionalities met performance expectations.

Expected Benefits