SAP CRM Functionality Added to S/4HANA – Did SAP Just Strike Gold

1. SAP CRM Functionality Added to S/4HANA – Did SAP Just Strike Gold? The introduction of S/4HANA in the last quarter of 2016 brought immense improvements into the SAP business suite. S/4HANA reduces exception management for various routine transactions with the help of machine learning and predictive capabilities. For the longest time, S/4HANA has been enabling workforces to streamline operations and the innovations can only be expected to build up, adding new functionalities and capabilities to the already robust platform. SAP’s latest release puts the enterprise business suite yet another step ahead, adding CRM functionality on top of other delta innovations and more advanced attributes. Its latest release (S/4HANA 1709) is set for September 2017, and will only be available on the 2.0 platform, which means that lower versions will have to upgrade to HANA 2.0 in order to take advantage of the unique upgrades:  S/4HANA CRM comes with FPS01 of the 1709 release, which basically extends consolidation in LOB sales and service. This release also provides CRM with additional functionalities such as service request and order confirmation, interaction center with business partners, as well as pricing and billing.  In terms of transportation management, the latest SAP release continues with the same type of consolidation as the 1610 version, designed to improve supply chain execution and transportation management. Integration between EWM and TM process optimizes shipping functions and ensures data harmonization for better tracing and tracking of materials internally and while in transit.  Commodity management is another notable added feature, especially for businesses whose core operations rely on efficient commodity management functions. The new release extends pricing to a powerful commodity pricing engine, which enables formula-based procurement and sales according to the pricing engine.  Also included as an integral part of S/4HANA 1709 is commercial project management, which was only available as an add-on in the previous version.  Finally, the latest version also includes advanced variant configuration, which is further enhanced with a new engine, Fiori UI configurator, simulation environment, improved algorithm, embedded analytics, and more precise restrictions for an optimized performance of end-to-end functionalities. SAP has truly struck gold with its latest S/4HANA release, providing innovative solutions for all kinds of verticals across industries, ranging from automotive businesses to utility services, oil and gas companies, and even retail businesses. Examples of potential benefits of these innovations include better enterprise search, more efficient meter reading and bulling, integrated product and revenue accounting, and omnichannel management, among many others.