E_S4CON_2601

An SAP S/4HANA conversion changes the application software, underlying data structures, and technical dependencies of an existing ERP system. E_S4CON_2601 focuses on the planning and execution decisions that make this transition technically viable. The SAP Certified – SAP S/4HANA Conversion and SAP System Upgrade credential is relevant to SAP Basis administrators and technical consultants responsible for system maintenance, release upgrades, conversion activities, and operational verification.

Maintenance Planner, Readiness Check and Simplification Items

Technical preparation begins with understanding the installed software components and the requirements of the target release. SAP Maintenance Planner uses system information to determine compatible software packages, evaluate add-on dependencies, and generate the stack XML required by the update procedure. An unresolved component compatibility issue can affect the feasibility of the entire upgrade.

SAP Readiness Check helps identify conversion implications, including relevant simplification items and custom development concerns. The Simplification Item Check examines technical and data consistency requirements that must be addressed before conversion proceeds. Candidates should distinguish these assessment activities from the actual software update and understand how their findings influence project scope.

Software Update Manager and Database Migration Option

Software Update Manager, commonly called SUM, performs the technical update and conversion activities. Its Database Migration Option, or DMO, can combine database migration with the software transition when the source system requires a move to SAP HANA. The appropriate procedure depends on the source environment, target architecture, and downtime constraints.

For E_S4CON_2601, important technical relationships include:

• Maintenance Planner output and the software archives required for the SUM procedure.
• Database migration, application conversion, and changes to the SAP S/4HANA data model.
• Downtime optimization techniques and their impact on system resources and rehearsal requirements.
• System copy characteristics, data volume, and the reliability of upgrade runtime estimates.

A successful rehearsal should provide evidence about individual processing phases, not merely an overall completion time. Production data volumes, installed components, and operational dependencies affect the accuracy of cutover estimates.

SPDD, SPAU and Custom Code Compatibility

Custom developments and modifications require particular attention during a release change. SPDD supports adjustments to modified ABAP Dictionary objects, while SPAU addresses repository modifications. ABAP Test Cockpit checks help identify custom code affected by changes in SAP S/4HANA.

Technical consultants must also assess whether custom objects remain necessary. Usage analysis and standard replacement functionality can reduce the amount of code requiring adaptation. Adjustment transports, development-to-production sequencing, and change freezes help maintain consistency across the system environment.

Post-Conversion Activities and Business Validation

Completion of the technical update does not establish that all business processes operate correctly. Follow-on activities may include application configuration, authorization checks, interface verification, data reconciliation, and testing of adapted custom programs. Monitoring and software maintenance practices remain important after production release.

Study E_S4CON_2601 by connecting preparation findings to execution decisions and post-conversion checks. A web-based practice test runs in the browser with nothing to install, while downloadable PDF questions and answers can be printed and annotated for offline revision. Focus particularly on the differences between a software upgrade, an SAP S/4HANA system conversion, and a database migration, since each introduces distinct technical responsibilities.