Strategically Moving to the Cloud

Shaping the Future with RISE with SAP

photo: Loh Services/Jasper Ehrich

RISE with SAP is far more than just a migration—it’s a strategic combination of AI, automation, the SAP Business Technology Platform, and SAP S/4HANA Cloud. RISE projects can act as a true catalyst for transformation, driving innovation, efficiency, and fresh thinking. That’s why Loh Services made a conscious decision to go with RISE—with the goal of laying the foundation for a future-ready, cloud-based data strategy.

The Challenge

As the central shared services provider for an internationally operating corporate group, Loh Services consolidates key cross-functional departments such as controlling, finance and accounting, IT, and HR. Until recently, the business warehouse (BW) and ERP/HCM systems of the affiliated companies still operated in a traditional on-premises environment. However, with mainstream maintenance for BW 7.5 and ERP 6.0 scheduled to end in December 2027, the pressure to act grew—driving the push to build a modern, future-proof IT landscape.

By moving to the cloud, Loh Services’ leadership expected not only cost benefits in operations but also increased flexibility and the ability to innovate. Following successful pilot projects, the majority of applications were slated for phased migration to the cloud.

After completing the ERP migration for one of the companies supported by Loh Services, the next step was transitioning the HCM solution for Loh Services, followed by the group-wide migration of the business warehouse to the cloud.

We were impressed by the dedication of our project contacts—it went far beyond what we expected. Our initial experience with the migration has been very positive, and we’re confident we’ve laid the optimal groundwork for the next stages of our cloud transformation.

Maik Hofer, Head of IT TB Basis Operations, Loh Services

The Solution

Loh Services chose to migrate using RISE with SAP. What convinced them was the all-in-one service offering and the clearly structured, guided transition methodology. The project team included SAP contacts as well as consolut, a longtime partner supporting the SAP Basis landscape for the group.

consolut handled all pre- and post-migration tasks and interface adjustments, while SAP managed the technical migration.

Preparing the BW system was particularly time-consuming due to the large number and complexity of interfaces. The HCM system also had to be transitioned from a two-tier system landscape (development and production) to a modern three-tier landscape with a dedicated test system.

Both the ERP system and the business warehouse were already running on a HANA database, eliminating the need for extensive data preparation. consolut was able to create direct system backups. However, the HCM system required data preparation for HANA and interface adjustments before it could be migrated.

SAP migrated the systems step-by-step into a sandbox environment where all functions and applications were thoroughly tested. After successful testing, the actual migrations were carried out. SAP also handled the technical transition into the private cloud and supported the go-lives. Thanks to close coordination within the team, the new systems were handed over to Loh Services on schedule after just six months.

About Loh Services

photo: Loh Services/Jasper Ehrich

Founded in 2000, Loh Services is the central shared services organization of the globally active Friedhelm Loh Group, headquartered in Haiger, Hesse. In 2024, the group generated revenue of €3.1 billion. Loh Services supports and advises the group’s individual companies, focusing on critical interface functions with operational business units—including controlling, finance and accounting, IT, and HR.

The Result

The successful migration to the cloud marks a major milestone in Loh Services’ digital transformation.

By switching to RISE with SAP, Loh Services was able to scale back much of its own hardware infrastructure. Operating costs decreased, as hosting, maintenance, and system operations are now managed directly by SAP—significantly reducing the need for additional support. Another key win for Loh Services: enhanced data security and availability. Backup and recovery processes are now automated and safeguarded by SAP, minimizing data loss risks and reducing recovery times.

On the application side, migrating BW has laid the foundation for numerous optimizations. Integrating SAP Analytics Cloud with the new BW/4HANA system has already improved reporting and opens the door for a range of future data-driven innovations across the group’s companies.

The successful pilot migrations of SAP BW, ERP, and HCM have built strong confidence in the cloud approach—planning for the next migration phases is already underway.

Advantages of the RISE Migration

The Business Warehouse architecture has been modernized. Thanks to SAP BW/4HANA, performance and availability have significantly improved. Access is now possible at any time, from any location, and across the entire group.

BW/4HANA in the cloud provides the foundation for data-driven applications and the use of AI in subsidiaries — ensuring long-term competitiveness and growth.

SAP largely takes over the operation of the cloud-based BW, reducing the need for additional support. This leads to cost savings and relieves internal IT staff.

Business Value

Foundation for group-wide cloud migrations

Significant cost savings in operations and maintenance

More flexible IT infrastructure enhances innovation capacity

Contact

Germany
Volker Güldenpfennig
Partner & SAP Basis Architect