In Part 2 of the latest Let’s Talk Cloud ERP podcast, host Jennifer Frank McGrory continues her chat with Bill Piotrowski and Chris Perry of IBM about IBM’s ambitious transformation journey as it modernizes its global operations with SAP S/4HANA. Over 18 months, IBM executed a complex migration using an innovative Rapid Discovery approach, combining selective data migration, automation, and AI-driven tools to streamline the process.
Led by IBM Consulting, the transition leveraged SNP’s Bluefield methodology, Smart Shift automation for code remediation, and Tricentis for rigorous testing. IBM also partnered with SAP Rise and IBM Power VS Cloud to ensure a scalable and high-performance infrastructure. The discussion highlights the importance of execution rigor, including multiple mock migrations and test cycles to mitigate risks.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into key lessons learned, including the need for a clear business-aligned strategy, automation-driven efficiencies, and strong partnerships. The episode serves as a guide for enterprises looking to modernize their IT landscapes, demonstrating how hybrid cloud, AI, and automation can accelerate transformation. Whether you’re an IT leader or a business executive, this episode provides actionable takeaways for a successful SAP S/4HANA migration and broader digital transformation.
Key Topics of Discussion:
- IBM’s Strategy for SAP S/4HANA Migration – How IBM aligned its transformation with its hybrid cloud and AI vision, emphasizing business value and agility.
- Rapid Discovery & Selective Data Migration – The innovative approach IBM used to streamline migration, leveraging SNP’s Bluefield methodology and AI-powered automation.
- Execution Rigor & Risk Mitigation – The importance of multiple mock migrations, testing cycles (using Tricentis), and automation (Smart Shift) to ensure a smooth transition.
- Hybrid Cloud & AI Integration – How IBM optimized its SAP landscape using IBM Power VS Cloud and SAP Rise, enabling scalability and performance improvements.
- Key Lessons & Best Practices – Actionable takeaways for enterprises planning an SAP S/4HANA migration, including automation strategies, execution best practices, and strategic partnerships.
Subscribe to The Let’s Talk Data Podcast
Connect With Bill Piotrowski
Connect With Chris Perry
Connect With Jennifer Frank McGrory
Don’t stop here – discover more:
Value Exploration Workshop - a hands-on gamified SAP S/4HANA Cloud simulation experience. SAP Cloud ERP Simulation, a Value Exploration Workshop
5 Minutes with....Glen Moffatt on The Renaissance of ERP: https://bit.ly/3Eeefvr
SAP has a Cloud solution for every organization, learn more: https://bit.ly/3NOkoln
North American Manufacturing Excellence Summit April 14-16: https://bit.ly/4hVy8bu
IBM Think Conference: https://bit.ly/4j1sZ2m
SAP Sapphire – Orlando and Madrid: https://bit.ly/4c7Dz5I
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.