An S4Hana transition should be seen as a motivator for using data analytics not a hinderance

The Need for Compliance Doesn't Stop to Transition

 

In today's rapidly evolving global trade landscape, businesses are facing increasingly complex regulatory environments and compliance challenges. Trade compliance departments play a crucial role in ensuring that companies adhere to all applicable laws and regulations, mitigate risks, and maintain ethical business practices. One powerful tool that can significantly aid trade compliance teams in their efforts is data analytics, as leveraged in SEIA's PERCEIVE Risk Cognition Solution. By identifying red flags and managing risks proactively, data analytics can help companies stay ahead of compliance issues.

 

However, some organizations may be tempted to postpone the implementation of such tools until their S4HANA transition is complete. This article will discuss the reasons why waiting to implement a data analytics tool is not necessary or advisable, and how having such a tool in place can support the transition while maintaining usability during the integration of old and new systems.

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How can SEIA support before or during an S4Hana transition?

 

1. Continuous Risk Management and Compliance Enhancement:

Delaying the implementation of a Risk Cognition Solution can leave the organization unaware of potential compliance violations and unnecessary risks, especially as during a transition period the standard IT processes may not run as smoothly. In addition, as an S4HAna process can require an extensive amount of time at an organisation, compliance can't wait for transition. At SEIA we ensure a seamless integration of both the old and new systems so that the perception from trade compliance remains clear and unimpeded. By implementing such a tool early on, the organization can strengthen its compliance program and demonstrate a commitment to ethical conduct even during the transition period.

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2. Smooth S4HANA Integration:

Transitioning from the old system to S4HANA can be a complex and time-consuming process. If the trade compliance department waits until the transition is complete, it may find itself grappling with a significant gap in the usability of compliance tools or appropriate data. On the other hand, by implementing a data analytics tool beforehand, the compliance team can ensure that the tool is fully compatible with both the legacy and S4HANA systems. This foresight will facilitate a seamless integration process, minimizing disruptions and enhancing the efficiency of the compliance team during and after the transition.

 

3. Early Detection of Data Discrepancies:

Data migration and transformation during the S4HANA transition can lead to data discrepancies and errors. Waiting to implement a data analytics tool until after the transition may result in missed red flags and compliance issues due to inaccurate or incomplete data. However, by utilizing data analytics before the transition, the compliance team can proactively identify and resolve data discrepancies, ensuring a more accurate and reliable compliance process during the transition and beyond.

 

4. Improved Decision-making and Strategic Planning:

Data analytics tools provide invaluable insights into trade patterns, customer behavior, and supply chain dynamics. By harnessing these insights early on, the trade compliance department can make informed decisions, adapt strategies, and optimize compliance processes during the S4HANA transition. Integrating data analytics with the new system will also enable the team to leverage advanced analytics capabilities provided by S4HANA, enhancing risk management and compliance efforts further.

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But what about the burden on our IT Resources? 

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At SEIA, we understand that in-house IT teams are often overburdened and understaffed, especially if they are managing an S4Hana transition. That is why we carry the burden of our implementations and ensure that while they can maintain transparency, the work from internal IT teams is kept to a bare minimum, usually about 2 person days total for the duration of the project. 

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In today's highly regulated business environment, trade compliance is of utmost importance to ensure ethical operations, maintain a good reputation, and avoid costly penalties. Implementing a data analytics tool for red flag identification and risk management is a critical step in supporting the compliance department and the organization as a whole. Waiting until the completion of the S4HANA transition may leave the organization vulnerable to compliance risks, data discrepancies, and operational inefficiencies. By adopting a data analytics tool early on, the trade compliance department can seamlessly integrate it with both the old and new systems, ensuring continuous risk management, enhanced decision-making, and an unbroken usability experience throughout the transition and beyond. Embracing data analytics for trade compliance is not just a necessity; it is an opportunity for businesses to stay competitive, compliant, and future-ready.

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SEIA Solutions

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At SEIA we can support your company at every stage of a transition to S4 HANA. Depending on your IT environment prior to the transition we can offer different solutions from a one-time data-driven assessment, to seamless live-integration with both the old and new systems through SEIA's PERCEIVE to ensure that your risk management never misses a beat.

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Interested in learning more about SEIA and S4 HANA? Reach out to us today!

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What if I don't have S4 HANA, can I still use SEIA? Absolutely! We would love to discuss how SEIA can suit your environment.