From APO to future-proof production planning - seamlessly to ePP/DS

Secure replacement of SAP APO-PP/DS in S/4HANA – full planning continuity, lower risk, reduced IT complexity.

The challenge: Ensuring operational safety until 2030 despite APO cancellation

Many companies postpone the switch from APO-PP/DS due to technical complexity, scarce resources and the risk of functional losses or interruptions. Without a defined path to ePP/DS, support and operating costs increase (separate system alongside S/4), the architecture continues to age and IT lifecycle plans fall behind schedule.

Our solution: A seamless transition from APO to embedded PP/DS

cbs enables the risk-minimised replacement of SAP APO-PP/DS with a structured transition to SAP ePP/DS in the existing S/4HANA architecture – with a focus on uninterrupted planning.

The proven methodology (target picture, solution design, system setup, testing, cutover, go-live, hypercare) ensures full functional coverage, reduces complexity and minimises implementation effort. Existing integrations and user interfaces are largely retained and training is limited to what is necessary.

Strategic added value through expert knowledge

cbs enables a seamless transition to embedded PP/DS within S/4HANA, eliminating the need for a standalone APO system and avoiding future cost increases.
cbs ensures uninterrupted planning continuity during the changeover through a proven methodology and a focus on minimising disruption.
cbs includes an analysis of the optimisation potential in the migration planning so that companies can improve their processes after the go-live without delaying the migration.

Focus on customer benefits

4 to 6 months average project duration until go-live

Fast, predictable transition to ePP/DS with proven cutover

Through a tried-and-tested four-phase procedure with defined test and hypercare steps.

Up to -0.5 FTE IT expenditure

Elimination of separate APO system maintenance and interface maintenance

ePP/DS is embedded in the S/4 core, which means less integration and admin work.

Seamless transition

Planning continuity without loss of functionality – minimised downtime and change impact

A consistent data and interface concept, comprehensive end-to-end tests and a targeted hypercare phase ensure the stability of the first complete planning cycle.

ePP/DS offers a next generation APS planning solution that improves process efficiency, flexibility and integration capability compared to APO-PP/DS.

Lennard Kampf, Manager SAP ePP/DS, cbs

Success Stories

Tube manufacturer

APO replacement in the S/4 template

Migration from APO-PP/DS to ePP/DS incl. customised alternatives for gATP functionalities (successor available in newer releases); end-to-end integration with EWM, MES and QPPD/SET. Near-zero downtime big bang, 1:1 process functionality without major go-live bugs

Trailer manufacturer

Migration APO (DSC) to ePP/DS

Transfer of detailed/sequence planning and multi-mix planning (iPPE) to ePP/DS as part of the S/4 transformation; customisation of CIF enhancements; integration with SAP Digital Manufacturing (MES) Cloud. Result: Sustainable planning & control integrated into the S/4 landscape.

Beverage bottling

ePP/DS in existing S/4 IBP

Embedding ePP/DS in S/4 with existing IBP: continuous production & procurement to reduce storage space, JIT procurement of packaging, automated, exception-based planning with customer-specific alerting and scheduling.

Start sustainable production planning

Replace APO securely: In up to 4 months to ePP/DS in S/4 with seamless cutover. You realise less IT effort and full planning continuity with cbs.

Process model & Project approach

cbs Fast Value: From API to future-proof SAP ePP/DS in 4 steps

As-Is Assessment

Process/function recording, system architecture, recording and evaluation of current pain points.

Solution Design

Fit-gap analysis, design of to-be processes & integration/data flows, definition of successor functions.

System Setup

Customising & transferring developments to ePP/DS, creating migration & cutover concept, integration tests.

Testing, Cutover, Go-Live & Hypercare

Uer Acceptance Test (UAT) & training, productive system environment, stabilisation & monitoring of the first full planning cycle.

Accompanied by the cbs Fast Value Methodology: Achieve measurable results based on best practices and holistic expertise in just 4 - 6 months.

Efficiency and reliability in production planning and scheduling with SAP ePP/DS

From reactive ad hoc planning to stable, forward-looking processes.

Why cbs?

Methodology M-cbs

Our M-cbs method is designed for the complex challenges of company-wide change projects. M-cbs is our DNA.

From strategy to execution

With cbs, you have a partner at your side who combines strategic thinking with operational excellence. We provide you with holistic support – from the initial definition of objectives through to sustainable anchoring in your systems and processes.

End-to-End Operational Excellence

Thanks to our end-to-end expertise along the entire value chain – from design to operate, we put your data in the right context, create process clarity and enable well-founded decisions at all levels. In doing so, we combine a deep understanding of processes with state-of-the-art technology – for real impact instead of mere concepts.

Manufacturing

More info & downloads

Our in-depth content offers you practical insights into how you can future-proof your capacity planning with Embedded PP/DS. You will also find in-depth material on resilient production processes, sustainable supply chains and the strategic use of modern SAP technologies along the entire value chain.

Project Mgmt

Change Mgmt

Efficiency and reliability in production planning and scheduling with SAP ePP/DS

Sustainable Supply Chain & Manufacturing

Arrange a personal demo appointment

Kontakt

Your contact

Michael Hertel

Member of the Executive Board

Consulting Director

Practice Sustainable Supply Chain & Manufacturing