Is Kyndryl’s Data Transformation Suite for SAP the Model for Future ERP Migrations?

Is Kyndryl’s Data Transformation Suite for SAP the Model for Future ERP Migrations?

Analyst(s): Brad Shimmin
Publication Date: April 25, 2025

Kyndryl has introduced its Data Transformation Suite for SAP Solutions to accelerate and simplify enterprise migrations to SAP S/4HANA Cloud. Drawing from its 18-month ERP modernization journey, the suite reduces the need for third-party tool dependencies, minimizes migration risk, and is tailored for complex transformation scenarios.

What is Covered in this Article:

  • Kyndryl introduced the Data Transformation Suite for SAP S/4HANA Cloud migrations.
  • The suite is based on Kyndryl’s 18-month ERP modernization project via RISE with SAP.
  • Kyndryl’s offering supports the full lifecycle: profiling, blueprinting, transformation, validation
  • Data Transformation Suite for SAP Solutions reduces the need for third-party tools, decreases manual setup, and minimizes disruption risk
  • The solution targets complex cases like mergers, divestitures, and multi-source data estates

The News: Kyndryl has unveiled the Data Transformation Suite for SAP Solutions. This new offering builds on the company’s consulting and data services to speed up and simplify customer transitions to SAP S/4HANA Cloud. The suite provides full modernization lifecycle support (i.e., profiling, blueprinting, transformation, and validation) while minimizing the risk of data loss or disruption and reducing the need for third-party tools.

The launch is grounded in Kyndryl’s transformation project. This firsthand experience informed the creation of customer-ready solutions tailored to various transformation complexities.

Is Kyndryl’s Data Transformation Suite for SAP the Model for Future ERP Migrations?

Analyst Take: Kyndryl’s new Data Transformation Suite for SAP Solutions is a case study on turning internal transformation experience into external value. The suite is the direct outcome of Kyndryl’s 18-month ERP modernization journey, designed to deliver scalable, repeatable results for enterprises navigating the transition to SAP S/4HANA Cloud. In a market where ERP migrations are often plagued by cost and time overruns, operational risks, and tool sprawl, Kyndryl’s vertically integrated approach – backed by its lessons learned – marks a notable development that should capture the attention of SAP customers, particularly those struggling to modernize their ERP investments.

A Proven Foundation from Internal Execution

Kyndryl’s credibility with this offering stems from its decision to build the suite based on its SAP transformation. The company decoupled from IBM’s legacy stack post-spinout and began its ERP modernization via RISE with SAP in 2023. Over the course of 18 months, the firm developed a hands-on understanding of the architectural, operational, and data management challenges involved. This process was not theoretical and involved iterative testing, as many as 50 ledger revisions by the finance team to streamline accounting data. These hard-earned insights are now embedded in the suite’s core methodology, from data profiling to transformation execution, making the offering grounded and field-validated.

Purpose-Built for Migration Pain Points

The suite addresses longstanding ERP migration challenges such as data fragmentation, manual operational efforts, and system integration risks. By automating each phase of the migration lifecycle (blueprinting, analysis, transformation, and validation), Kyndryl removes the reliance on external tooling while also shrinking the timeline and reducing disruption risk. This matters particularly in enterprise environments where downtime and data corruption can carry high costs. The suite is tightly integrated with Kyndryl Consult, enabling tailoring for specific customer scenarios and configurations. Through Kyndryl Consult, customers can also gain clear cost-saving potential through reduced manual intervention and faster project completion.

Deep Alignment with SAP’s Cloud Strategy

Since forming a partnership with SAP in 2021, Kyndryl has continuously expanded its SAP capabilities. The firm is now a designated RISE with SAP delivery partner and has contributed to the SAP Business Transformation Center. The new suite reinforces Kyndryl’s position in this ecosystem, especially as SAP continues nudging customers toward cloud-based ERP ahead of SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) support sunset, now scheduled for 2027. The offering is engineered for complex scenarios, including mergers, divestments, and multi-system consolidations, where prebuilt playbooks are insufficient. Kyndryl’s alignment with SAP’s trajectory strengthens its role as a go-to services partner for enterprises confronting multi-dimensional ERP transitions.

What to Watch:

  • Kyndryl’s ability to replicate its internal S/4HANA migration success across diverse enterprise environments will be key to the suite’s broader adoption.
  • Minimizing third-party tools may raise concerns among IT teams that rely on specialized software for migration flexibility and control.
  • Large-scale migrations involving complex legacy architectures or regulatory constraints could test the limits of Kyndryl’s automated approach.
  • Organizations nearing SAP ECC end-of-support deadlines may face pressure to accelerate cloud ERP transitions using preconfigured services like Kyndryl’s.

See the complete press release on the launch of Kyndryl’s Data Transformation Suite for SAP Solutions on the Kyndryl website.

Disclosure: The Futurum Group is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.

Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of The Futurum Group as a whole.

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Author Information

Brad Shimmin

Brad Shimmin is Vice President and Practice Lead, Data and Analytics at Futurum. He provides strategic direction and market analysis to help organizations maximize their investments in data and analytics. Currently, Brad is focused on helping companies establish an AI-first data strategy.

With over 30 years of experience in enterprise IT and emerging technologies, Brad is a distinguished thought leader specializing in data, analytics, artificial intelligence, and enterprise software development. Consulting with Fortune 100 vendors, Brad specializes in industry thought leadership, worldwide market analysis, client development, and strategic advisory services.

Brad earned his Bachelor of Arts from Utah State University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Brad lives in Longmeadow, MA, with his beautiful wife and far too many LEGO sets.

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