W H I T E PA P E R

CIO guide to
SAP S/4HANA
and MuleSoft
Be more prepared and increase
ROI with integration.
Contents

03 Introduction

05 1 Understanding SAP S/4HANA Transformation

06 2 Data Integration and SAP S/4HANA Transformation

• Data Migration
• Data Synchronization
• Analytics and Reporting
• Cloud Integration
• Data Security and Compliance
• Composable Enterprise

09 3 Why is this important?

• Ensure Data Quality and Integrity
• Enable Real-time Decision-Making
• Enhance Business Agility
• Maximize ROI on SAP S/4HANA Investment
• Strengthen IT Governance
• Manage Complexity
• Meet Business Objectives

12 Conclusion

13 Explore Additional Resources

Introduction
CIOs and IT leaders are no longer just responsible for managing IT
infrastructure — they are strategic leaders tasked with driving digital
transformation initiatives that can propel their organization into the

INTR ODU CTION

future. One such initiative that has gained prominence recently is the
migration to SAP S/4HANA, SAP’s next-generation enterprise resource
planning (ERP) suite.

ERP systems are integrated software solutions that help organizations

manage and streamline various business processes, including finance,
human resources, supply chain, and more. They provide real-time
visibility, improve efficiency, enhance data accuracy, and support informed
decision-making, ultimately increasing productivity and competitiveness.

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While there are numerous ERP solutions, SAP S/4HANA provides
next-gen capabilities in business continuity and compliance and advanced
features for improved efficiency. Implementing a new solution to your
organization’s digital ecosystem is particularly challenging, as mistakes can
disrupt operations and hinder growth. Adopting a trusted ERP solution
sets your business up for success and promotes an efficient and adaptable
digital estate.
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SAP is a leading enterprise resource planning ERP software provider that

forms the backbone of many businesses’ core processes. Integrating SAP
holds immense value for organizations seeking to streamline operations,
enhance data consistency, and drive efficiency. While SAP integration can
be accomplished point-to-point — MuleSoft offers a robust and flexible
solution to connect SAP to all other systems and enable data and process
synchronization across the enterprise.

With MuleSoft, organizations can achieve a unified view of their data,

INTR ODU CTION

enhance customer experiences, and accelerate digital transformation
initiatives — including SAP S/4HANA. By adopting MuleSoft, organizations
can create agile digital ecosystem capabilities and democratize innovation
in an increasingly interconnected business landscape. The MuleSoft
Anypoint Platform is an integration and API management solution that
empowers organizations to connect systems, applications, and data
for seamless digital transformation. This integration is instrumental in
preparing customers for their SAP S/4HANA transformations.

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This whitepaper explores the critical aspects of SAP S/4HANA migration
and the fundamental importance that data integration plays in ensuring
a successful and value-driven transition. As an IT leader, you are at the
forefront of this journey, and this whitepaper will help inform thinking for
your transformation journey.

W W W. S A LE S F O R C E. C O M
 1
Understanding SAP S/4HANA

U NDE R S TANDING S AP S / 4 HANA TR ANS F OR MAT ION

Transformation
SAP S/4HANA represents a seismic shift in how organizations manage their business
processes and data. It can be deployed on-premises or in-cloud to streamline
operations, enhance user experience, and provide real-time insights for better decision-
making. The transition to SAP S/4HANA signifies a departure from traditional ERP
systems that can no longer keep pace with the demands of modern businesses.

The urgency to migrate to SAP S/4HANA stems from several factors:

→ End of Support for SAP ECC: SAP has announced that it will end support for its ECC
(ERP Central Component) system by 2027.

→ Digital Transformation: In a digital-first world, businesses need real-time data and

insights to remain competitive. SAP S/4HANA offers capabilities like machine learning,

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predictive analytics, and in-memory computing, allowing organizations to harness data
for innovation and growth.

→ Improved User Experience: SAP S/4HANA features a modern and intuitive user
interface, making it more accessible and user-friendly. This enhances employee
productivity and user satisfaction.

→ Streamlined Processes: The platform simplifies and streamlines business processes,

reducing complexity and increasing efficiency across the organization.

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Connecting SAP S/4HANA with an organization’s entire ecosystem is essential to

improve customer experiences, comply with regulations, promote innovation, and stay
competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment. It transforms S/4HANA from
an isolated system into a central hub that empowers the organization to thrive and
adapt to changing business dynamics. Solving for data integration will foster better
preparedness for your SAP S/4HANA and mitigate risk associated with brittle point-to-
point integration.
 DATA INTE GR ATION AND S AP S / 4 HANA T R ANS F OR MAT ION
2
Data Integration and SAP
S/4HANA Transformation
Data is the lifeblood of any organization, and its accurate and seamless use between
systems is critical to the success of a SAP S/4HANA transformation.

Data Migration
The first step in a S/4HANA transformation is data migration from legacy systems
to the new platform. Data migration involves data extraction, transformation, and
loading (ETL), ensuring that it retains its quality, integrity, and consistency. Data must
be standardized, mapped to S/4HANA data structures, and transformed to align with
the new system’s requirements.

MuleSoft enables organizations to:

→ Extract data from any system, database, and application inside and outside the

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organization

→ Transform data into the desired format

→ Load data into SAP S/4HANA while adhering to data loading best practices

Data Synchronization
After data is migrated to SAP S/4HANA, ensuring ongoing data synchronization between
the new ERP system and other enterprise systems is essential. This includes your Salesforce
CRM, supply chain management (SCM), and human capital management (HCM) systems.
W W W. S A LE S F O R C E. C O M

MuleSoft allows you to:

→ Synchronize data in real time or batches between SAP S/4HANA and other systems

→ Perform automatic data updates to maintain consistency and accuracy across systems

→ Seamlessly integrate with third-party applications and services to support end-to-end

processes
 DATA INTE GR ATION AND S AP S / 4 HANA T R ANS F OR MAT ION
Analytics and Reporting
SAP S/4HANA’s strength lies in its ability to provide real-time analytics and reporting.
However, to fully leverage these capabilities, data must be fully integrated and
accessible. Data from various sources, including external data sets, must seamlessly
integrate into SAP S/4HANA analytics engine.

MuleSoft integration for analytics empowers organizations to:

→ Access a 360-degree view of business performance through integration inside and

outside of Salesforce

→ Combine transactional data from SAP S/4HANA with external data for deeper insights

Cloud Integration
Cloud integration becomes pivotal for organizations adopting cloud or hybrid

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environments alongside their SAP S/4HANA transformation, as it connects on-premises
systems to SAP S/4HANA and other cloud-based applications and services.

Cloud integration offers advantages such as:

→ Scalability and flexibility to accommodate changing business needs

→ Support for a diverse ecosystem of cloud applications, including software-as-a-service

(SaaS) solutions

→ Centralized control and monitoring of cloud integrations

W W W. S A LE S F O R C E. C O M

MuleSoft provides pre-built connectors and adaptors for popular cloud services
and applications such as Salesforce, AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and SAP-
certified connectors for SAP ECC & SAP S/4HANA. At the same time, our robust API
management capabilities enable exposing and managing APIs for cloud services. This
approach allows organizations to create, publish, secure, and monitor APIs, whether
hosted in the cloud or on your premises.
 DATA INTE GR ATION AND S AP S / 4 HANA T R ANS F OR MAT ION
Data Security and Compliance
Data integration isn’t solely about moving data — it’s also about ensuring data security
and compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and industry-specific standards.
Effective data integration tools provide encryption, access controls, and audit trails to
protect sensitive data during transit and at rest.

Meeting compliance requirements through data integration is essential for:

→ Avoiding legal and financial penalties

→ Safeguarding customer and employee data

→ Upholding an organization’s reputation and trustworthiness

MuleSoft prioritizes data security and compliance by offering robust features

and practices, including:

→ Data encryption, identity management, and access controls to safeguard sensitive

information during transit and at rest

→ Industry-specific regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA, through configurable security

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policies and audit trails to enable compliance

→ Role-based access ensuring only authorized personnel can access and manage
integration resources

→ Security protocols and patches to address vulnerabilities, maintaining a solid

commitment to data security and compliance for organizations of all sizes

Composable Enterprise
As business needs change, organizations must be able to adapt to changes in the
marketplace to deliver innovative solutions quickly. They must be able to deliver
W W W. S A LE S F O R C E. C O M

functionality across a heterogeneous IT landscape as new business opportunities arise.

Gartner recently stated the best practice is to develop a composable enterprise that
creates value with building blocks independent of vertical applications such as ERP,
CRM, and so on. MuleSoft’s API-led connectivity approach delivers on this need with
fully composable APIs, making it easy to produce new IT capabilities in a secure fashion
without increasing overall complexity across the digital estate.
 DATA INTE GR ATION AND S AP S / 4 HANA T R ANS F OR MAT ION
3
Data Integration and SAP
S/4HANA Transformation
As an IT leader, your role in overseeing the transformation to SAP S/4HANA is pivotal.
You are responsible for the technological development and advancement across the
organization, all while ensuring IT initiatives align with business objectives.
Understanding the importance of data integration within this context is essential for
the following reasons:

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W W W. S A LE S F O R C E. C O M
 DATA INTE GR ATION AND S AP S / 4 HANA T R ANS F OR MAT ION
Ensure Data Quality and Integrity
Data integration is the linchpin that safeguards data quality and integrity during
transformation. Poor data quality can lead to incorrect reporting, operational
disruptions, and compliance risks. By championing data integration practices, you
can assure stakeholders that data remains accurate and reliable throughout the
transformation process.

Enable Real-time Decision-Making

SAP S/4HANA real-time capabilities are a game-changer for businesses, allowing
them to make informed decisions based on up-to-the-minute data. Effective data
integration ensures that this real-time data is available and accessible when needed.
As a result, your organization can seize opportunities, respond to challenges, and
adapt swiftly to changing market dynamics.

Enhance Business Agility

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Successful data integration supports agility across the business by enabling the
rapid data exchange between systems. When data flows seamlessly between SAP
S/4HANA, external applications, and partner systems, your organization can pivot,
scale, and innovate more efficiently. This agility is crucial in a world where business
landscapes evolve rapidly and customer expectations are higher than ever.

W W W. S A LE S F O R C E. C O M
 DATA INTE GR ATION AND S AP S / 4 HANA T R ANS F OR MAT ION
Maximize ROI on S/4HANA Investment
SAP S/4HANA represents a significant investment, and its success hinges on the quality
and accessibility of data. Data integration ensures that your organization maximizes its
ROI on this investment by harnessing the full potential of SAP S/4HANA features and
capabilities.

Strengthen IT Governance
Data integration is a critical component of IT governance. Establishing robust data
integration practices demonstrates a commitment to data security, compliance, and
best practices. Establishing a strong approach to governance fosters trust among
stakeholders and helps create a culture of data stewardship within the organization.

Manage Complexity
Large-scale transformations like the move to SAP S/4HANA can be complex endeavors
involving numerous systems, stakeholders, and data sources. Effective data integration
simplifies this complexity by providing a unified approach to data movement,

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transformation, and synchronization.

Meet Business Objectives

Ultimately, the success of a SAP S/4HANA transformation project is measured by its
ability to achieve business objectives. Data integration plays a central role in ensuring
that the project delivers on its promises — whether it’s improving operational efficiency,
enhancing customer experiences, or unlocking new revenue streams.
W W W. S A LE S F O R C E. C O M
Conclusion
The transition to SAP S/4HANA is a transformative journey that demands meticulous
planning, precise execution, and a clear vision of how data integration fits into the
larger picture. As an IT leader, you are responsible for orchestrating the transformation’s
technical aspects and championing the strategic importance of data integration.

CONCL U S ION
By recognizing the critical role that data integration plays in ensuring data quality, real-
time decision-making, and business agility, you can guide your organization toward a
seamless and value-driven transition to SAP S/4HANA. Doing so will empower your
organization to thrive in an era where data is the lifeblood of competitive advantage and
digital innovation.

The value of using MuleSoft to connect SAP S/4HANA to all other systems, partners,
customers, suppliers, etc. extends beyond just integration — it lies in preparedness and risk
mitigation. MuleSoft’s integration capabilities provide a strategic advantage in ensuring
a well-prepared and risk-mitigated environment for SAP S/4HANA transformations.
Seamlessly connecting SAP S/4HANA to the entire organizational ecosystem ensures data

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consistency, streamlined workflows, and real-time insights, all of which are essential for
preparedness. Moreover, MuleSoft’s robust security features and compliance measures
enhance data protection and regulatory adherence, contributing significantly to risk
mitigation.

This holistic approach empowers organizations to confidently embark on their SAP

S/4HANA journey, knowing that data integration and security challenges are effectively
addressed, ultimately leading to a smoother, more successful transformation and
ongoing operational excellence. W W W. S A LE S F O R C E. C O M
Explore Additional Resources

E XP L OR E ADDITIONAL R E S OU R CE S
C O N TAC T U S

Learn how MuleSoft can help your team increase

productivity, democratize innovation, and ultimately
create exceptional customer experiences.
Get connected

WEBINAR

MuleSoft: Easing The Pains of SAP

S/4HANA Transformations
See how customers are easing the pains of SAP
S/4HANA transformations with MuleSoft.

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MuleSoft customers in action

Explore how organizations like Bayer, AT&T, and UCSF
have used MuleSoft Anypoint platform to integrate
systems to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
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W W W. S A LE S F O R C E. C O M
Salesforce, the global CRM leader, empowers companies of every size and industry to digitally transform
and create a 360° view of their customers. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM),
visit Salesforce.com.

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For more information please visit Salesforce.com, or call 1-800-No-Software.

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