Recorded live from the Next Generation Enterprise Architect Forum at SAP, Newtown Square. Kristen Scheffler, Vice President of Customer Engagement for SAP North America, joins Abigail Allman for a compelling discussion on transitioning from SAP ECC to S/4HANA, shedding light on both the fears and opportunities this move presents. Many businesses grapple with the daunting prospect of change, often shackled by the mantra of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Kristen shares her journey from Business Objects to SAP leadership, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement and utilizing existing resources within SAP to their fullest potential. Her insights into the evolving world of customer interactions will have you rethinking the way you connect in today's digital age.

We explore the critical balance between technological upgrades and business functionality improvements, encouraging companies to see beyond the technicalities and envision a future with enhanced capabilities. The looming end of mainstream maintenance for SAP ECC highlights the urgency of planning a seamless transition to S/4HANA. With the SAP Customer Evolution Kit offering invaluable tools like Process Insights Discovery Edition, Kristen assures listeners that it's not too late to prepare for this pivotal change. The importance of strategic collaboration between IT and business units shines through our conversation, as we stress the need for alignment in the face of organizational transformation.

In a personal and inspiring segment, Kristen opens up about her experiences as a woman in the predominantly male realm of enterprise tech. Her journey from feeling overlooked to confidently asserting herself underscores the value of having allies and mentors. We discuss the significance of speaking up constructively and fostering an inclusive environment where contributions are recognized regardless of gender. As we wrap up, the power of networking through platforms like LinkedIn and ASUG surfaces as a key tool for industry connection, leaving listeners ready to embrace new opportunities with open arms.

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