By Arun Natesan, Chief Architect at JDC Group
Preparing for a confident go-live.
With system build and configuration complete, the second half of the Realize Phase focuses on validation, enablement, and final preparations. This is where your implementation shifts from a technical setup to an operationally ready solution—tested, trusted, and supported.
This is the fifth post in our SAP Activate blog series, where we guide you through the lifecycle of an S/4HANA Cloud implementation using best practices and proven methods.
Realize Phase Part 2 – Why It Matters
This phase is about ensuring that your system meets business expectations, your people are ready to adopt the solution, and your organization is technically and operationally prepared to go live.
Objective: Validate the solution, train users, and finalize all go-live prerequisites to ensure a smooth transition into production.
Key Activities in Realize – Testing, Training & Readiness
- Comprehensive Testing
Thorough testing verifies the system’s functionality, performance, and reliability.
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- User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Business users test end-to-end processes to confirm the solution meets operational needs
- Integration Testing: Ensures seamless data flow across all connected systems
- Performance Testing: Validates system behavior under expected and peak loads
Testing is not just IT-focused—it requires involvement from business stakeholders to truly validate the solution.
- User Enablement and Training
Well-prepared users are key to post-go-live success. Invest early in enablement.
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- Build tailored training content by role and process area
- Leverage SAP Enable Now, in-app guidance, or e-learning platforms
- Conduct formal training sessions and hands-on labs
Identify super-users early—they will champion adoption and act as first-line support during Hypercare.
- Final Data Migration & Mock Cutovers
Data migration activities intensify in this phase with repeated mock runs and validations.
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- Perform mock cutovers to simulate go-live data migration and identify gaps
- Validate completeness and accuracy of data loads
- Refine cutover checklists and finalize roles/responsibilities
Every mock cutover is a rehearsal. Treat it with the same discipline as go-live day.
- Cutover and Support Planning
Your transition into production needs both precision and planning.
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- Define a cutover plan with step-by-step execution
- Establish a command center with clear escalation paths
- Set up the help desk and support channels for business continuity
A well-staffed support model during the first weeks is crucial for rapid issue resolution.
- Go/No-Go Readiness and Risk Review
A Go/No-Go decision isn’t just about technical completeness—it’s about readiness across the board.
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- Review readiness checklist (solution, people, data, support)
- Validate risk mitigation strategies and fallback plans
- Confirm leadership approval for production move
Make the decision objective. Use predefined success criteria—not gut feeling.
Deliverables of Realize Phase Part 2: Training & Testing
- Completed UAT and signed-off test scenarios
- Trained user base with access to training materials
- Executed and documented mock cutovers
- Finalized cutover runbook and support plans
- Go/No-Go checklist approved and signed off
Key Takeaway: Confidence Comes From Preparation
Part 2 of the Realize Phase ensures that your ERP system isn’t just built—it’s battle-tested, your users are trained, and your support structure is ready. A successful go-live hinges on what you accomplish here.
This is the fifth post in our SAP Activate series, where we guide you through the lifecycle of an S/4HANA Cloud implementation using best practices and proven methods.
Up Next: Deploy Phase
In post 6, we’ll dive into the Deploy Phase—where all the preparation comes to life. It’s about executing the cutover, going live, and supporting operations in the crucial early days. Stay tuned!
Click here to read the previous part of this series – the Realize Phase, Part 1.
Click here to read the next part of this series – the Deploy and Run Phases.
