S/4HANA in record time: Stadtwerke Saarbrücken Netz AG shows how it’s done

The project was completed precisely as planned from the outset. This success was driven by technical excellence, strong project partners, and close collaboration with Natuvion.

“We supported the project with targeted technical consulting on the Natuvion Data Conversion Suite, weekly coordination meetings, and structured health checks. However, the successful completion was above all thanks to the migration team’s excellent knowledge of Natuvion DCS and their highly effective use of the tool.”

Oana Bacila, Consultant Technical Support, Natuvion GmbH

First-class project management, organization, and expertise

A project of this scale requires a clear structure and efficient decision-making processes. Under the leadership of INTENSE AG as general contractor and Hochfrequenz Unternehmensberatung GmbH as a key project partner, a strong team was established together with the project members from Stadtwerke Saarbrücken. The team combined in-depth expertise with strategic management and fast, decisive decision-making. Clear governance structures between the general contractor and the client provided the foundation for effective and trusting collaboration.

“Predictability does not come from tools alone, but from sound governance and shared responsibility. In Saarbrücken, we demonstrated that even complex SAP S/4HANA for Utilities transformations can be implemented reliably when all parties work together in a structured, closely integrated, and trusting manner.”

Marc Heirich, Project Manager SAP S/4HANA for Utilities, INTENSE AG

Data migration: dual leadership structure for maximum efficiency

The targeted staffing approach proved particularly valuable in the critical data migration stream. A dual leadership structure for the sub-project ensured a clear division of organizational and technical responsibilities on the service provider side.

While the organizational lead was responsible for project management and coordination, the technical lead focused entirely on implementing the complex data migration and meeting the requirements of the business departments. This allowed both roles to dedicate sufficient time and attention to their respective areas of responsibility and make the most of their individual strengths.

A key factor in the project’s success was extensive experience with SAP IS-U and the SAP S/4HANA for Utilities master data model, combined with a deep understanding of the underlying processes. This combination of technical expertise and process knowledge across the entire project team was crucial to managing the migration with precision and implementing it efficiently.

Precise migration: When technology meets expertise

From a technological perspective, the Natuvion Data Conversion Suite (DCS) formed the backbone of the migration of the complex IS-U data landscapes. However, even the best tool only delivers its full potential when combined with the right methodology and intelligent use. During the three test migrations, it was above all the close cooperation with the experts from the Natuvion team that made the difference.

“I have never experienced such a high level of professional and technical expertise, both among the consultants and, above all, on the customer side, as I did in this project.”

Hannes Cramer, Senior Consultant, Hochfrequenz

Rather than addressing technical challenges in isolation, the team worked with an extremely close coordination cycle. Urgent questions were resolved immediately during established weekly meetings, while the critical phase of the second test migration was continuously secured through daily check-ins and the direct implementation of Natuvion best practices. The smooth execution of the final cutover was also the result of extensive performance tests and analyses carried out by the project team together with Natuvion ahead of the planned go-live scenario. 

“Through the Natuvion SAFEGUARD program, we had access to a pool of experts at all times. In particular, the close support during the second test migration and the performance optimizations really moved the project forward.”

Björn Bokelmann, Sub-Project Manager Migration, Hochfrequenz

A mix of expertise as the key to success

The success of the project was based on a unique combination of expertise: a high level of technical competence throughout the project environment combined with in-depth business knowledge. This combination was the decisive factor in ensuring that requirements in the migration context were not merely discussed theoretically, but could be assessed from a technical perspective and implemented immediately. For other utilities, this approach provides a compelling example of how migrations can be made predictable and efficient.

“Key factors behind this outstanding achievement were the clear objectives we established for the project, consistent and transparent monitoring of project progress, the respectful way in which everyone involved interacted, and open communication among all project participants. Last but not least, the outstanding expertise and high level of commitment demonstrated by the entire project team were crucial, despite the ongoing additional workload resulting from day-to-day operations and regulatory adjustments to the legacy system.”, says Dr.-Ing. Thomas Klein, Head of Information management, Stadtwerke Saarbrücken Netz GmbH.

“Meeting deadlines is no coincidence,” the project team concludes. The key to success in the data migration was the early integration of the tool provider, service providers, and customer into a closely coordinated working model. This enabled risks to be identified and eliminated at an early stage, while unexpected findings could be addressed effectively.

Outlook: Moving forward together towards the TENTAC platform

For INTENSE AG and Hochfrequenz, the success at Stadtwerke Saarbrücken does not mark the end, but rather the beginning of an even closer partnership. The trusting collaboration established during the successfully completed project will continue as part of a long-term cooperation.

A central element of this shared future is the continued development of INTENSE’s TENTAC platform, into which both companies will contribute their respective expertise.
While the new SAP S/4HANA for Utilities system in Saarbrücken now serves as a stable foundation for future innovations, the partnership between INTENSE and Hochfrequenz demonstrates how modern collaboration models can accelerate the transformation of the energy sector and contribute to successful outcomes.

The “perfect landing on the Saar” thus serves as a blueprint for future joint projects – and potentially as an inspiration for the industry as a whole.