Successful Test Automation in SAP S/4HANA Migration: Case Study of a Leading CPG Manufacturer
Customer Profile
A leading South Korean manufacturer of household and personal care products, producing various brands of detergents, oral care products, and cosmetics.
Industry: Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturing (household products, cosmetics, etc.)
Size: A major domestic manufacturer with multiple business sites across South Korea and international markets
Business Challenges
During its migration from SAP ECC to S/4HANA, the company encountered significant challenges due to the complexity of its distribution structure.
Complex Distribution Channel Structure
Diverse Distribution Channels: Over 20 different distribution channels including large retailers, e-commerce platforms, home shopping networks, convenience stores, and H&B stores
Channel-Specific Integration Methods: Each channel required different interface methods, including EDI, APIs, and batch processing
Complex Ordering Patterns
Diverse Ordering Methods: Ranging from monthly fixed orders (with returns) to one-time bulk orders and frequent small-quantity orders, with variations by channel
Seasonal/Special Cases: Additional complexity arose from month-end, quarter-end, and seasonal promotions
Testing Complexity
An IT Systems Manager at the household goods manufacturer stated:
“Each distribution channel has its own unique ordering characteristics. When including seasonal promotions and special cases, we were dealing with tens of thousands of variations. It was impossible to test all patterns manually.”
Solution: Implementation of Test Automation
To address these challenges and ensure a stable migration to S/4HANA, the company adopted PerfecTwin's test automation solution
Comprehensive Data Test Automation
Complete Reproduction of S/O Data from Over 20 Distribution Channels: Automated testing using actual order data including retailer company codes, order/delivery information, order unit/price information, etc.
Interface DB Usage: Built automated test scenarios using real interface messages from the existing ECC environment
Data Migration Validation
Detection of Various Master Data Errors: Pre-emptively identified and corrected various data errors in sales outlets, customers, materials, partner credit information, etc. that could occur during migration
Business Logic Difference Validation: Verified business logic differences between ECC and S/4HANA, particularly in returns processing and discount applications
Results and Benefits
The implementation of PerfecTwin resulted in significantly improved test efficiency and stability during migration.
Dramatically Improved Testing Efficiency
A SAP Project Manager at the company commented:
“After implementing PerfecTwin, we eliminated the need for weeks of manual testing. We can now automatically validate every channel's ordering pattern in a fraction of the time.”
Key Achievements
Reduced Testing Time: Over 90% time savings compared to manual testing
Expanded Test Coverage: Comprehensive testing of all distribution channels and ordering patterns
Improved Data Accuracy: Identification of data mapping errors and exception cases that would be difficult to discover manually
Ensured Business Continuity: Prevention of major distribution channel integration issues after migration
Conclusion
This case highlights the critical role of test automation in large-scale ERP transitions, especially for CPG companies with complex distribution networks. For organizations facing diverse order flows and integration methods, a solution like PerfecTwin ensures robust testing, accurate data migration, and smooth go-live transitions.
