With SAP ECC support coming to an end by 2027, migrating to SAP S/4HANA is no longer just a technological option—it has become a strategic business decision. However, when planning the migration path, many companies face a common dilemma: should they choose the Greenfield model or follow the Brownfield approach?
 

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore in depth the differences between these two strategies, the pros and cons of each, the key decision factors, and of course, how Qintess can support your journey toward secure, efficient, and intelligent digital transformation.
 

What is the Greenfield approach?

Greenfield is essentially a new implementation of SAP S/4HANA from scratch. It offers the opportunity to redesign processes, rethink structures, eliminate inherited complexities, and adopt SAP's best practices.

By choosing this path, the company starts with a “blank slate,” building a new environment without being tied to ECC legacy constraints. This allows for reimagining workflows, cleaning up obsolete data, and reducing customizations that no longer add value.
 

What is the Brownfield approach?

The Brownfield approach is the technical and functional conversion of an existing SAP ECC system to SAP S/4HANA. The legacy system is preserved—including historical data, configurations, customizations, and existing processes—but adapted to the new S/4HANA architecture.

This is the ideal choice for companies that want to protect prior investments, maintain business continuity, and accelerate the transition with minimal disruption.

Greenfield vs. Brownfield: Direct Comparison

Here’s a clear comparison between the two approaches:

• Project Start
  • Greenfield: a new system from the ground up
  • Brownfield: reuse of the current environment
     
• Implementation Time
  • Greenfield: longer, due to process redesign
  • Brownfield: shorter, based on structured conversion
     
• Customizations and Historical Data
  • Greenfield: often eliminated or revised
  • Brownfield: preserved, with potential for optimization
     
• Cost
  • Greenfield: higher upfront investment, higher long-term ROI
  • Brownfield: lower initial cost, but may carry inefficiencies
     
• Operational Disruption
  • Greenfield: more disruptive short-term
  • Brownfield: smoother transition, less interruption
     
• Alignment with SAP Best Practices
  • Greenfield: strong alignment
  • Brownfield: depends on post-migration optimization effort
     

Key Factors in Choosing the Right Approach

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The choice between Greenfield and Brownfield depends on:

1. Complexity of the current ECC environment
    
2. Time constraints and need for continuity
    
3. Available budget
    
4. Digital maturity
    
5. Expectations for long-term business transformation
    

Ideal Use Cases

• Greenfield: A company that has grown through acquisitions, has disconnected processes, highly customized systems, and lacks standardization. Migration is an opportunity to reset the technology stack and build an efficient, modern environment.
   
• Brownfield: An organization with a mature SAP ECC implementation, structured data, and well-established processes that aims to minimize disruptions during digital transformation.
   

Pros and Cons

Greenfield – Pros:

• Full process redesign
• Easier alignment with SAP best practices
• Removal of obsolete customizations
• Efficiency and governance improvements

Greenfield – Cons:

• Longer project timeline
• Higher upfront cost
• Greater short-term disruption

Brownfield – Pros:

• Retains processes and data history
• Faster, less disruptive adoption
• Shorter learning curve

Brownfield – Cons:

• Possible carryover of inefficiencies
• Harder to fully align with modern SAP practices
• May require future optimization efforts
   

How Qintess Supports Your SAP Journey

Qintess understands that migrating to SAP S/4HANA is more than just a technical shift—it’s a strategic move with direct impact on competitiveness.

Our consultative approach helps you assess scenarios, conduct technical and strategic diagnostics, and define the safest, most efficient path for your organization.

We accompany your entire journey, from planning to post-go-live support, ensuring a smooth transition with measurable business outcomes.

👉 See also our article on Key differences between SAP ECC and S/4HANA
👉 Explore our SAP services at Qintess
 

Conclusion

Choosing between Greenfield and Brownfield is one of the most important decisions in the SAP S/4HANA migration process. Both are valid paths, as long as they align with your business reality, goals, and maturity.

No matter your choice, what matters most is having an experienced partner that knows the paths, understands the technology, and truly gets your business—like Qintess.

The time to act is now. 2027 is closer than it seems, and transformation begins with the first step: Greenfield or Brownfield?