Stabilising SAP Access at Scale During an S/4HANA Transformation
A global health and hygiene products manufacturer was in the middle of an SAP S/4HANA pilot when significant issues emerged around user authorizations. The existing authorization concept was not scalable, leading to widespread segregation of duties (SoD) conflicts and difficult role maintenance.
6
European Countries
14
Experts
4000+
Users Live
The Challenge
The internal maintenance team struggled to keep up with frequent changes and user assignments, and the pilot environment no longer met compliance requirements. Without intervention, the authorization model would have become a major risk as the S/4HANA rollout expanded.
Our Approach
s4access was engaged to redesign the SAP authorization concept to better support both compliance and operational needs. We designed a customer-specific S/4 authorization and SoD concept, built around simplified and clearly structured SoD roles.
Rather than replacing everything at once, the new model was introduced in a phased manner. Existing pilot users were retrofitted step by step, allowing business operations to continue without disruption. Once validated, the new SAP authorization concept was rolled out in multiple deployment waves across six European countries.
The engagement started in 2024 and continues today, with a dedicated team of approximately 14 specialists supporting the customer.
Results and Impact
Stable and scalable model
A robust authorization model now supports the customer’s complex S/4 landscape.
4,000+ users live
Over 4,000 users are already successfully operating under the new concept.
High quality delivery
In the most recent go-live, less than 5% of defects were related to authorization issues.
Faster response times
More controlled change process for role maintenance and quicker support.
Pragmatic solutions
Solutions tailored specifically to the customer's unique environment and needs.
Strategic advisor
Continued support as a trusted advisor shaping long-term SAP security architecture.
Customer Feedback
The customer has appreciated the structured approach to streamlining their authorization concept, as well as the quality and speed of delivery. s4access continues to support the customer not only operationally, but also as a trusted advisor.