How Cloud, AI and automation can boost ERP migration and unlock the value of data
Migrating enterprise resource planning (ERP) can pose significant challenges for organisations. As well as cost and resource pressures, there is also the possibility of unexpected outcomes.
In fact, as many as two-thirds of ERP projects fail, with inadequate planning, poor data management and badly defined requirements among the main causes.1
Given these statistics, it is understandable that companies might defer ERP migration plans. But that is not an option either.
Migration no longer a luxury
Modern ERP-leading business applications, such as SAP, can dramatically improve productivity and decision making across an organisation by integrating various business functions like finance, human resources, procurement, and sales.
Furthermore, in addition to the immediate advantages, there are also long-term benefits associated with cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI).
Jayaprabhakar Jagadeesan, Solution Architect with TCS’ Cloud Business Unit, stated,
“The latest technologies are increasingly being deployed on the cloud, so migrating an organisation’s existing systems to the cloud is vital for futureproofing and maintaining competitive advantage.” He added, “Businesses should move to the cloud to leverage advantages of emerging technologies like AI and automation.”
But while companies accept the need to migrate, they remain concerned about the potential pitfalls. Success involves minimizing impact and ensuring that everything goes according to the plan from the beginning. And that is where cloud and AI are having a transformative impact.
Streamlining the process
Automation and Generative AI (GenAI) can streamline the cloud migration process at every stage. For example, it can conduct analyses of an organisation’s existing architecture, data, and usage patterns. And then make recommendations to enhance decision-making, ensuring the final structure of the migrated system is suitable and fit for purpose.
AI can optimize and automate tasks within the migration process that were previously performed by teams, potentially reducing challenges like siloing and coordination issues.
Once the migration itself is complete, AI performs monitoring tasks to ensure everything is running smoothly. Additionally, AI also enhances the quality of data processing within the cloud.
In one instance, TCS reduced a client’s ERP cloud migration time by 50%, while maintaining quality and accuracy. For organizations, this translates to enhanced efficiency, optimized processes, and minimized downtime.
Jayaprabhakar added: “We undertook a cloud migration and conversion project, transitioning from Oracle to HANA for a client’s extensive SAP estate. Typically, this process would take 10 to 12 months. However, by leveraging our automation technologies and tools, we successfully completed the entire project within six months.”
As generative AI and automation technologies continue to advance, experts at TCS are offering an increasingly robust array of solutions. Tejaswini Deshmukh, Solution Architect with TCS’ Cloud Unit, stated: “We utilize tools such as Microsoft Azure Cost Management and solutions like TCS FinOps Transformation for Cloud, which aid in effective cost analysis and optimization. This enables us to achieve a good return on investment for our customers.”
Precious company data
One potential challenge of migration is maintaining data integrity. So once the ERP migration process is complete, it is essential to ensure data redundancy, improved availability, and performance. There are tools available like Microsoft Azure Monitor for SAP Solutions to help centrally collect and visualize data from the Azure SAP Infrastructure. The technology – underpinned by cloud and AI – helps address the pressing need for more efficient and cost-effective ERP migration solutions for business.
Learn more: TCS and Microsoft Cloud: Driving Business Transformation
