CLOUD-ENABLED SAP S/4HANA TRANSFORMATION FOR ENTERPRISE DIGITALIZATION UNDER SAUDI VISION 2030

Abstract

Cloud-enabled SAP S/4HANA transformation has become a strategic pathway for enterprises seeking faster decision making, higher transparency, and scalable digital operations in Saudi Arabia. This review examines how migration from fragmented legacy ERP landscapes to SAP S/4HANA Cloud can support enterprise digitalization under Saudi Vision 2030. The paper synthesizes academic studies, official Saudi digital transformation material, SAP documentation, market reports, and implementation case evidence published between 2020 and 2025. It argues that S/4HANA contributes most strongly when it is treated not only as a technical upgrade, but as a business transformation program involving clean data, standardized processes, fit-to-standard design, governance, cybersecurity, and workforce adoption. The review identifies five interlinked value domains: real-time financial visibility, supply-chain resilience, compliance automation, platform-based innovation, and AI-enabled analytics. It also highlights implementation risks including custom-code debt, integration complexity, data residency, skill shortages, user resistance, and benefit leakage. A conceptual framework is proposed to connect cloud ERP capabilities with Vision 2030 priorities such as digital government, private-sector competitiveness, local content development, and institutional efficiency. The study contributes a Saudi-specific review model and practical migration roadmap for executives, consultants, policymakers, and researchers.