Client overview

Our Client, a British multinational tobacco company, modernized its customer-owned processes by implementing a Core ERP system using a global template and a “Fit to Standard” approach. The transformation integrated into four existing and three new strategic Cloud Applications, creating a unified end-to-end process view.  

Key process areas like Record to Report (RtR), Source to Pay (StP), Market to Customer (MtC), Forecast to Plan (FtP), Market to Deliver (MtD), and Business Performance Management (BPM) were optimized for seamless alignment across markets and factories. 

Clearing the air: tackling SAP S/4 HANA performance challenges

We collaborated with our client to address performance engineering challenges within their SAP S/4 HANA systems. The key objectives were to:

  • Develop a strategy to performance engineer the S/4 HANA integrated systems, ensuring they support both global and local requirements.
  • Create a strategic plan to rigorously test and validate the performance of S/4 HANA systems using advanced performance testing tools.
  • Establish a baseline for newly integrated solutions such as SAP Build Work Zone, and SAP Business Technology Platform, ensuring they meet defined performance standards.
  • Ensure Core ERP and data flows align with Non-Functional Requirements while meeting regional implementation needs, without compromising on quality or performance.
  • Validate system configurations to align with production standards, using current market implementations as baselines for future market or factory rollouts.

Blazing the trail: strategic performance engineering planning for successful SAP S/4 HANA implementation 

To tackle the challenges, Qualitest developed a comprehensive performance engineering strategy aligned with program objectives: 

NFR elicitation workshops:  

Collaborated with business and technical SMEs to define performance-critical scenarios and non-functional requirements (NFRs), prioritizing business, and technical needs for future global growth. 

Strategic planning: 

 Developed a customized Level 1-4 strategy, setting clear program objectives and scope while outlining new technical implementations and establishing a baseline for future expansions. 

Engineering-led validation:  

Led a strategic methodology to validate SAP BWZ and SAP BTP configurations, ensuring performance alignment with expectations. 

Test tool selection & configuration:  

Implemented Tricentis NeoLoad to simulate Core ERP processes, automating a repeatable performance regression test suite with 25+ scripts and 10+ scenario variations for local & global markets. 

Execution & reporting:  

Conducted incremental component-level testing for each process and then focused on peak load testing (2x volumes), delivering key insights and recommendations for system performance optimization. 

Technology stack

  • SAP S/4 HANA
  • SAP Fiori UI
  • SAP Build Work Zone (BWZ)
  • SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP)
  • Azure, AWS
  • HANA DB

Tools utilized 

  • Tricentis Neoload 
  • App Dynamics 
  • Azure Monitor 
  • Lighthouse 
  • Qualitest internal SAP Monitoring Framework 
  • SAP Native Monitoring 

Key benefits: costs reduced by 50% and user experience optimized  

Proven performance:  

SAP S/4 HANA consistently met all SLAs, validating the success of our performance engineering across global markets. 

Significant savings:  

Partnering with Tricentis resulted in up to 50% cost savings on NeoLoad licensing, leveraging their expertise over other SAP-compatible tools. 

Strategic alignment:  

A comprehensive long-term strategy was implemented, aligning performance engineering with evolving market needs for the next four years. 

Enhanced user experience: 

Key insights optimized user roles and search conditions, improving system usability and end-user performance. 

Actionable insights:  

Billing system analysis uncovered critical performance issues, driving targeted system optimization. 

Critical bug fixes:  

Five major performance issues were identified, significantly improving system reliability and user experience. 

Continuous improvement: 

A thorough evaluation provided actionable insights, setting the stage for ongoing project enhancements. 

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