We’ve reached a point where most SAP customers have at least started thinking about S/4HANA. But the reality is that the market is still very split.
Recent industry reports show that:
Around 30–35% of organisations have completed or are close to completing their S/4HANA transformation.
Roughly 40–50% are mid-transformation, either in the design, build or deployment phase.
And anywhere between 20–30% are yet to begin their journey in any meaningful way.
In other words, while momentum is building, there’s still a large proportion of the market either playing catch-up or stuck in the early planning stages.
This is the window where decisions around the right system integrator, governance and resourcing strategy will make or break success.
The difference between transformation success and failure
Having supported numerous clients across Europe and North America on complex S/4HANA programmes, the pattern is clear. Success isn’t just about choosing the software, it’s about building the right delivery structure around it.
1. Selecting the right System Integrator (SI)
Your SI is effectively your delivery partner, but not every partner is right for your business. Many organisations default to the biggest name in the market, assuming scale equals certainty. The reality is often the opposite. Larger SIs are typically managing multiple competing priorities, which means diluted focus and less flexibility.
The best results often come from bespoke consultancies - teams who are big enough to deliver, but small enough to care. They bring proven capability without the bureaucracy, and they work with you, not for you.
2. Establishing proper programme governance and assurance
Strong governance is non-negotiable. You need clear ownership and decision-making structures. Without this, projects drift and your costs will rise. Governance keeps the SI accountable, ensures alignment between business and IT and provides the transparency needed to make decisions quickly and confidently.
3. Having experienced Business Relationship Managers in place
The role of Business Relationship Managers (BRMs) is often underestimated. They’re the link between the business and technical delivery teams, translating operational needs into clear requirements and keeping focus on the “why”. When you have strong BRMs, change is managed effectively and the transformation stays anchored to business value.
4. The critical role of external contractors
S/4HANA programmes require deep expertise across every workstream, from data migration and testing through to change management and cutover. The challenge is, no internal team or SI can realistically cover every area at the level required.
This is where specialist contractors come in. They give you:
The ability to scale your team up or down based on project phase
Access to niche skills that are hard to hire permanently
Contractors work for you, representing your interests and helping hold the SI accountable
More cost-efficiency than relying solely on SI resources
Why partnering with a specialist recruitment firm makes the difference
Working with a recruitment partner who truly understands SAP delivery isn’t a luxury, it’s a competitive advantage.
At Conexus, we’re not generalists. We specialise in building SAP and S/4HANA delivery capability, both through contractors and permanent hires, across more than 20 countries.
Here’s what that means for our clients:
Global reach with local knowledge – we connect you to local, native-language experts across EMEA, the US and beyond.
Continuity of resource – we ensure key project knowledge stays intact, even if individuals change.
Greater control – independent contractors represent your interests, giving you visibility and leverage over your SI.
Cost-effective flexibility – you scale resources as needed without the long-term cost of full-time SI teams.
How Conexus adds value
If you’re currently planning or delivering an S/4HANA transformation, we can help you in three key ways:
Connecting you to the right SI – We introduce you to consultancies with the right blend of capability, focus and culture.
Providing highly skilled contractors – Specialists who’ve already delivered on major S/4 programmes, available globally.
Building long-term capability – Supporting you with permanent hires to ensure knowledge transfer and sustainable internal capability post go-live.
Whether you’re mid-programme or still in the planning phase, we’ll help you make the right strategic decisions to de-risk delivery and maximise value.
Ready to strengthen your S/4HANA programme?
If you’d like to benchmark your current delivery setup, discuss resource strategy, or simply get an external view, we offer a free consultation for organisations at any stage of their S/4 journey.
Let’s talk about how Conexus can help you achieve a smoother, more cost-effective and better-governed S/4HANA transformation.
Email me: connor.wall@conexusdx.com
Call me: +44 (0) 7854 244 744 / +34 937 374 287