SAP S/4HANA is an enterprise resource planning software that has undergone several updates and versions over the years. From its initial release in 2015 to the latest S/4HANA Cloud, this guide will take you through the history of SAP S/4HANA versions and highlight the most important features.
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What is SAP S/4HANA?
SAP S/4HANA, also known as SAP Business Suite 4 SAP HANA, is a modern business suite built entirely on the SAP HANA in-memory platform. It offers a state-of-the-art user experience through SAP Fiori and can be deployed on-premise, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment.
Overview of SAP S/4HANA Versions
SAP S/4HANA platform was first launched in 2015 and is not just another upgrade of R/3 but a completely new platform created with the latest technologies to cater to the demands of today’s businesses.
SAP S/4HANA is the next generation Business Suite, but it is not another new version of R/3. It is a new code with new data model.
– SAP
It is designed to help businesses streamline their operations and make better decisions by providing real-time data and insights. Since its initial release, SAP S/4HANA has undergone several updates and versions, each with its own set of features and benefits. The latest version, S/4HANA Cloud, is a cloud-based solution that offers even more flexibility and scalability for businesses of all sizes.
Let’s get deep dive into different SAP S/4HANA versions and the key innovation highlights.
SAP S/4HANA Finance 1503
The SAP Simple Finance add-on for SAP Business Suite powered by SAP HANA includes the SAP Accounting and SAP Cash Management products. It is later renamed SAP S/4HANA Finance. SAP S/4HANA Finance 1503 introduced the Unified General Ledger (U-GL). It combines the formerly distinct components Financial Accounting (FI) and Controlling (CO) into a single pool of business-relevant data.
This single source of truth puts togethere all accounting-relevant transactions and makes them easily accessible to all relevant application components, including Financial Accounting (General Ledger), Controlling, Asset Accounting, and Material Ledger.
SAP S/4HANA 1511
SAP S/4HANA 1511 was the first version of SAP S/4HANA and was released in November 2015. It introduced several new features, including a simplified data model, real-time analytics, and a modern user interface. It also included the ability to run on SAP HANA, a high-performance in-memory database that allows for faster data processing and analysis.
The optimized data model for logistics with Business Partners (BP) and Material Ledger (ML) was introduced with SAP S/4HANA 1511.
SAP S/4HANA 1610
SAP S/4HANA 1610 was released in October 2016 and introduced several new features and enhancements. One of the key features was the introduction of SAP Fiori 2.0, a new user interface that provided a more intuitive and personalized experience for users. It also included new industry-specific solutions, such as the SAP S/4HANA Finance for Cash Management solution, which helped businesses manage their cash flow more effectively.
In addition to the above, it also offers improved analytics capabilities, enhanced supply chain management, and embedded Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling (PP/DS), advanced ATP (aATP), and better integration with other SAP solutions.
Overall, SAP S/4HANA 1610 provided businesses with even more tools to streamline their operations and make better decisions.
SAP S/4HANA 1709
SAP S/4HANA 1709 was released in September 2017 and brought even more features and benefits to businesses. One of the key features was the introduction of SAP CoPilot and Geo Framework, a digital assistant that uses artificial intelligence to help users complete tasks more efficiently.
With SAP S/4HANA 1709, Transportation Management (TM) was embedded and Commercial Project Management (CPM), Portfolio and Project Management (PPM), Production Engineering & Operations and Financial Closing Cockpit (FCC) were added. New Migration Cockpit and Advanced Variant Configuration were also
It also included enhancements to the SAP Fiori user interface, making it even more intuitive and customizable. Other features included improved financial planning and analysis capabilities, enhanced project management tools, and better integration with other SAP solutions. Overall, SAP S/4HANA 1709 continued to build on the success of previous versions and provided businesses with even more tools to drive growth and innovation.
SAP S/4HANA 1809
The fourth iteration of SAP’s next generation ERP system, SAP S/4HANA 1809, was made available to customers in September of 2018. Leveraging machine learning capabilities to augment ERP processes, rethinking the way business gets done, and bringing innovation in all LoB and Industry solutions.
With SAP S/4HANA 1809, some of the key innovations include Group Reporting, Central Procurement with Central Contract and Central Purchasing were added. Embedded Service Management with eliminated middleware, Intelligent Accrual Management and Manufacturing and Demand-Driven Replenishment.
Support for hypersclares like AWS, GCP, Azure and Alibaba Cloud is also introduced for SAP S/4HANA deployment.
Overall, SAP S/4HANA 1809 continued to build on the success of previous versions and provided businesses with additional features to drive growth and innovation.
SAP S/4HANA 1909
SAP S/4HANA 1909 is the 5th release of S/4HANA digital core released on September 1909 with more 5th ware of innovations in all lines of business (LoB) and increased integration of SAP S/4HANA and SAP Analytics Cloud.
| Release to Customer(RTC) | General Availability | End of Mainstream Maintenance |
| 20 September 2019 | 20 September 2019 | 31 December 2024 |
In this release new processes like Predictive Material Requirements Planning (MRP), Product Compliance, Stockroom Management were introduced.
Group Reporting now addresses inter-company reconciliation and matrix consolidation, and financial planning with SAP Analytics Cloud. The new Universal Allocation functionality to improve the operational setup and execution of allocations and also the enhanced integration between extended warehouse management and production processes.
SAP S/4HANA Oil and Gas Industry innovations such as Joint Venture Accounting (JVA) provides a simplified reconciliation process and will have a single source of truth.
SAP S/4HANA 2020
The 6th release of SAP S/4HANA digital core of the intelligent enterprise is SAP S/4HANA 2020 and released on October 2020 during tough times (COVID-19). With the introduction of a new release strategy, the name changes to the year of release, hence SAP S/4HANA 2020, bringing innovation and intelligent scenarios in every Line of Business.
| Release to Customer(RTC) | General Availability | End of Mainstream Maintenance |
| 7 October 2020 | 7 October 2020 | 31 December 2025 |
Enhanced Sales billing process with preliminary billing documents to increase customer satisfaction, and improvements in Treasury Management and Financial Accounting led to a more straightforward payment configuration and increased treasury operation efficiency. Lean service integration between SAP Ariba guided buying and SAP S/4HANA to reduce transactional costs and manual efforts.
Learn more: What's New in SAP S/4HANA 2020
SAP S/4HANA 2021
| Release to Customer(RTC) | General Availability | End of Mainstream Maintenance |
| 13 October 2021 | 13 October 2021 | 31 December 2026 |
Learn more: What's New in SAP S/4HANA 2021
SAP S/4HANA 2022
The SAP S/4HANA 2022 release highlights a variety of innovations across different areas such as artificial intelligence, data to value, digital transformation, industry-specific solutions, cross-components like master data, and more.
| Release to Customer(RTC) | General Availability | End of Mainstream Maintenance |
| 20 October 2022 | 20 October 2022 | 31 December 2027 |
The release focuses on empowering businesses with intelligence and sustainability.
- The SAP S/4HANA 2022 release is the eighth consecutive release for SAP’s digital core, offering 873 new innovations across various categories.
- Artificial Intelligence in SAP S/4HANA helps streamline repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus more on creative and critical thinking.
- Data to Value emphasizes translating data into value for organizations to make informed decisions and generate new ideas.
- Digital transformation in SAP S/4HANA focuses on next-generation business processes to drive change and efficiency.
- Industry 4.0 advancements in SAP S/4HANA include innovations in extended warehouse management, warehouse robotics, and more.
- Digital age user experience enhancements in SAP Fiori provide easier integration and a more intuitive user interface for users.
- Cross-component improvements in master data maintenance focus on data management and system migration capabilities.
- Retail, oil and gas, and utilities industries benefit from specific innovations tailored to their unique challenges and requirements.
- The SAP Community provides additional resources, including blogs, webinars, and release information, for further exploration.
SAP S/4HANA 2023 (New)
The latest SAP S/4HANA version is released on October 2023.
| Release to Customer(RTC) | General Availability | End of Mainstream Maintenance |
| 11 October 2023 | 11 October 2023 | 31 December 2030 |
SAP S/4HANA Cloud
SAP S/4HANA Cloud is the latest version of SAP’s flagship Cloud ERP software, designed specifically for cloud deployment. It offers a range of features and benefits, including real-time analytics, machine learning capabilities, and a simplified user interface. One of the key benefits of SAP S/4HANA Cloud is its ability to integrate with other SAP solutions, such as SAP SuccessFactors and SAP Ariba, allowing businesses to streamline their operations and improve efficiency.
Other features of SAP S/4HANA Cloud include enhanced financial planning and analysis capabilities, improved project management tools, and support for multiple languages and currencies. Overall, SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a powerful and flexible solution that can help businesses of all sizes to drive growth and innovation.
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Conclusion
SAP S/4HANA is designed to drive instant value across lines of business and industries with the ultimate sophistication: simplicity. Businesses were able to streamline their operations and make better decisions based on real-time data.
