What is Phase 0, and Why is it Important?
- James
- Nov 9, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 19, 2024
Think Phase 0 Matters?
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Right now, the SAP industry faces a defining moment with organisations preparing for a business-wide transformation.
It all begins with Phase 0 — the critical foundation that sets the stage for transformational success.
Phase 0 is the strategic planning phase of an SAP transformation. It minimises migration risks, sets clear business objectives, and ensures business readiness across scope, resources, budget, and timeline. Securing stakeholder commitment strengthens vision, enhancing long-term business-wide investment.
Key elements of Phase 0 include:
- Stakeholder Education:
Educating stakeholders and programme sponsors on SAP S/4HANA's new capabilities, advantages, and potential risks.
- Business Case Development:
Building a solid business case with clear benefits, costs, and timelines.
- Data Readiness:
Ensuring data is accurate, cleansed, complete, and ready for migration.
- Explore Alternative Options:
Exploring alternative ERP systems and cloud computing to make an informed choice.
With the December 2027 deadline for SAP ECC support, organisations need a clear plan to move forward.
Phase 0 provides a roadmap that addresses:
- Key Business Objectives and Strategic Motivators
- Explored Alternatives
- Financial Assessment and Investment Evaluation
- Implementation Plan and Preferred Approach
- End-State Framework and Proposed System Structure
- Transition Approach and Adaptation Plan
- Consistency within the Operating Framework
Independent Expertise Matters
Simply put, Phase 0 should focus on education and planning, not sales.
JPS Resourcing Limited connect organisations with independent experts who offer an unbiased perspective, assess business-readiness, and deliver insights to build a strong business case.
They make it possible for businesses to:
- Identify Gaps in current systems.
- Provide Realistic Roadmaps with timelines and cost estimates.
- Make decisions with confidence using accurate data, not assumptions.
- Direct your focus onto priority critical areas, avoiding unnecessary diversions and repetitive work
- Establish a strong business case with set objectives and targets
- Reduce Costs and Risks through proper preparation.
SAP Transformations need the Right people, in the Right place, and the Right time !
Phase 0 is the foundation for a successful SAP S/4HANA journey. Investing in this stage ensures time saved, risks minimised, and confidence built in transformation decisions.
👉 Let’s educate, plan, and prepare—ensuring a smooth journey to SAP S/4HANA.
Reach out if I can help you further.
Think Phase 0 matters? Comment, like, or share!




I completely agree; companies often don't spend enough time in this phase. I would also emphasize the importance of incorporating Target Operating Model (TOM) design here. Establishing clear strategic operating model principles and a high-level service design is crucial for successful implementations and achieving strategic objectives. While ERPs have the potential to transform organizations, they too often become focused on "just getting it implemented" with plans to revisit in later phases, which can undermine long-term success.