In the course of a company’s life, it may be necessary to deal with major changes, such as relocating locations, building new plants, renewing equipment fleets or IT systems, and even changing ERP. There are several approaches to managing these transformations, but thanks to the gradual standardization of databases, protocols, and infrastructure, the brownfield approach is gaining popularity. Let’s learn more about this method and its best practices.

The three main approaches to systems migration

In the context of a migration of information systems in general and ERP in particular, there are three main approaches: greenfield, bluefield and brownfield.

These approaches differ in methodology, scope and impact on the existing IT infrastructure.

Distinguishing them briefly, we will then focus on the brownfield approach to better understand the reasons for its high adoption rate.

  • Greenfield. It provides for a total migration of existing IT infrastructure and ERP systems, starting from scratch with a completely new installation. It is ideal for companies wishing to rethink their processes without constraints, but requires significant resources and a profound change in organizational culture.
  • Bluefield. Suitable for heterogeneous ecosystems, this approach involves a modular migration. Data and systems are transferred selectively, allowing the company to keep some existing configurations and migrate only the necessary modules, reducing time and cost.
  • Brownfield. Focuses on converting and upgrading existing infrastructure without deep structural intervention. It represents a win-win solution for companies seeking an ERP migration or change with minimal disruption to operations. It allows data and configurations to be transferred directly to the new system, reducing the complexity of the migration and keeping key processes intact. This approach is becoming increasingly applicable due in part to the nature of modern infrastructures that are increasingly modular and less and less monolithic. An API-based service, for example, can be migrated very easily, especially when compared to older legacy systems.

Best practices for successful migration with the brownfield approach

Properly implementing a brownfield project requires a detailed technical plan, especially because of the expectation this mode generates. Below are the most effective best practices for a successful migration.

Resource planning and process mapping

Involve key IT functions and business decision makers early on to define clear objectives, map existing processes, and analyze current system configurations. Analyzing system configurations in advance helps identify any customizations that may require specific interventions. For example, in an SAP S/4HANA context, the team should have a clear understanding of the existing data structure and any incompatibilities with the new system.

Compatibility testing and infrastructure assessment

Verify the compatibility of the current infrastructure with the target system by evaluating performance, storage capacity, and network resilience. Detailed pre-migration helps avoid surprises during the upgrade. Testing and simulation platforms, e.g., SAP Readiness Check, help identify any incompatibilities and predict down-time, for more effective and realistic planning.

Data management: cleaning and consolidation

One of the most sensitive activities in a brownfield system migration is data management. Before transferring data to the new system, it is advisable to sanitize the database to remove obsolete or redundant data. Data should be consolidated and optimized to fit the structure of the new system, thus reducing the risk of errors. Again, modern systems facilitate this transition considerably, both through increased input ingestion capacity and the emergence of increasingly standardized ways of storing and organizing.

In any case, this is a transition that requires close collaboration between IT and business data managers to ensure that the new system maintains business continuity through as painless a transfer as possible.

Planning conversion steps and minimizing down-time

Brownfield is often chosen by companies that cannot afford extended interruptions. For example, gradual conversions can be planned to meet their needs. Progressive roll-out strategies allow migration to be done in stages, avoiding a single extended outage. In addition, migration on weekends or during business downtime is another best practice for minimizing downtime and ensuring continuity of core processes.

Real-time automation and monitoring tools

By using automation tools, the margin for error during migration can be reduced. Solutions such as SAP Landscape Transformation simplify the process by automating repetitive tasks and minimize potential disruptions. In addition, the implementation of real-time monitoring tools makes it possible to detect any anomalies immediately after the transfer and reduce the reaction time to any unforeseen events.

Staff training and change management

Although the brownfield approach reduces the impact of change on users, it is critical to invest in staff training and the adoption of change management strategies. It is necessary for people to understand and appreciate the new features and differences from the previous system. Targeted training and ongoing support will help integrate the system into the business workflow and reduce the learning curve.

Compliance and safety management

Brownfield migrations present a challenge from a security perspective, as they retain many of the original configurations that require ongoing controls. One must ensure that the new ERP system meets the latest security standards and is protected against cyber threats. During migration, it is advisable to conduct security audits and verify that critical data are managed according to compliance regulations.

Why is the brownfield approach being increasingly adopted?

The brownfield approach is an advantageous solution for companies seeking a rapid, sustainable and low-impact IT systems migration. With the ability to maintain established processes and reduce downtime, it is particularly well suited for companies that need to migrate quickly or address an ERP change without deeply altering the existing IT infrastructure. However, successful migration requires careful planning that does not overlook any of the details suggested in these best practices.

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