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SAP installation · Lesson

Migration

Quick answer

After migration, validate data completeness and integrity, confirm the system starts and performs, and check integrations reconnect.

Key takeaways

  • For moving to HANA, SAP’s Database Migration Option (DMO) of the Software Update Manager performs the database migration and (for…
  • Migrations move large volumes of data, so downtime minimisation (near-zero downtime options), data validation, and performance of…
  • Database migration (heterogeneous system copy), e.g. moving from a traditional database to HANA.
  • Watch out: No rehearsal runs before the real migration.

Kinds of migration

  • Database migration (heterogeneous system copy), e.g. moving from a traditional database to HANA.
  • S/4HANA conversion, which combines database migration with application conversion.
  • Platform/cloud migration, moving the system to new infrastructure or the cloud.

The DMO approach

For moving to HANA, SAP’s Database Migration Option (DMO) of the Software Update Manager performs the database migration and (for conversions) the software update in one optimised, restartable procedure, minimising downtime and risk compared with separate steps.

Data and downtime

Migrations move large volumes of data, so downtime minimisation (near-zero downtime options), data validation, and performance of the export/import are central concerns. Multiple rehearsal runs in non-production are standard to nail timing and catch issues.

Verify

After migration, validate data completeness and integrity, confirm the system starts and performs, and check integrations reconnect. Never treat the first migration attempt as the real one, rehearse.

Common pitfalls

  • No rehearsal runs before the real migration.
  • Skipping data validation post-migration.
  • Underestimating downtime, plan minimisation options.

Want to learn this properly?

Our live, instructor-led SAP Training covers this hands-on, with real projects and a certification path.

Check your understanding

  1. Which statement is true of Migration?

    • A. For moving to HANA, SAP’s Database Migration Option (DMO) of the Software Update Manager performs the…
    • B. IDoc-based integration uses SAP’s intermediate documents for robust, asynchronous, high-volume document…
    • C. SAP IBP (Integrated Business Planning) is SAP’s cloud supply-chain planning solution, demand, supply…
    Show answer

    A. For moving to HANA, SAP’s Database Migration Option (DMO) of the Software Update Manager performs the…

    Covered in the “The DMO approach” section of this lesson.

  2. Which of these also applies to Migration?

    • A. Learning features, not the end-to-end process.
    • B. Designing the COA hastily, it constrains reporting for years.
    • C. Migrations move large volumes of data, so downtime minimisation (near-zero downtime options), data…
    Show answer

    C. Migrations move large volumes of data, so downtime minimisation (near-zero downtime options), data…

    Covered in the “Data and downtime” section of this lesson.

  3. Which part of the Learn SAP curriculum covers Migration?

    • A. SAP SD
    • B. SAP installation
    • C. SAP integration
    Show answer

    B. SAP installation

    This lesson sits in the SAP installation section of the Learn SAP course.

Frequently asked questions

What does the term Migration refer to in SAP?

Migration in SAP usually means moving a system to a new database or platform, most importantly migrating to SAP HANA as part of an S/4HANA move, but also OS/DB migrations. It is a specialised, well-tooled process with real risk if done casually.

What changed for Migration in S/4HANA?

Database migration (heterogeneous system copy), e.g. moving from a traditional database to HANA. S/4HANA conversion, which combines database migration with application conversion. Platform/cloud migration, moving the system to new infrastructure or the cloud.

What is worth remembering about Migration in practice?

After migration, validate data completeness and integrity, confirm the system starts and performs, and check integrations reconnect.

What tends to go wrong with Migration?

No rehearsal runs before the real migration. Skipping data validation post-migration. Underestimating downtime, plan minimisation options.
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