Hello Guys,
this is continuation blog for Migration cockpit series.
please check previous series:
1. Migrate your Data – Migration Cockpit / LTMC on SA… – SAP Community
2. LTMC / Migration cockpit Decommissioned? or replaced? | SAP Blogs
In this blog post, I would like to cover differences between approaches Direct Transfer vs File based transfer vs Staging based approach
1. Direct Transfer
2. File based transfer and
3. Staging based approach
First of all, Why do we need to go to Fiori for LTMC as we do have separate LTMC?
I tried to cover this topic here.
LTMC / Migration cockpit Decommissioned? or replaced? | SAP Blogs
Here’s a detailed comparison of LTMC Direct Transfer, LTMC File-Based, and Staging Table-Based Approaches with their pros and cons:
Feature
LTMC Direct Transfer
LTMC File-Based Approach
Staging Table-Based Approach
Data Input
Data is directly fetched from source systems
Uses Excel/CSV files as input
Uses database staging tables
Processing Speed
Fastest, as data flows directly
Slower due to file upload and processing
Faster as data is already in the database
Data Volume Handling
Suitable for large and real-time data loads
Suitable for small to medium data loads
Suitable for large data volumes
Data Transformation
Minimal transformation, mostly direct mapping
Limited transformation in Excel before upload
Allows complex transformations using SQL or ETL tools
Error Handling
Real-time error handling
Errors are displayed in logs after upload
Errors can be validated before migration
Reusability
Direct integration; no manual file handling
Files need to be uploaded manually each time
Staging tables can be reused for multiple loads
Automation
Fully automated
Requires manual upload via LTMC
Can be automated using scripts or programs
Dependency on User
Minimal manual intervention
Manual intervention needed for file preparation and upload
Less manual intervention once staging tables are set up
SAP Support
Uses direct connectors and APIs for migration
Supports standard LTMC templates
Supports standard & custom migration objects
Flexibility
Less flexible; predefined integrations
Less flexible as predefined templates must be followed
More flexible in terms of data modifications and validations
Best Use Case
Large data volumes, automated migrations
One-time or low-volume migrations
Complex data transformations and large data loads
Pros and Cons
Approach
Pros
Cons
LTMC Direct Transfer
Fastest method, minimal manual effort Real-time integration Best for large data loads
Less flexible for custom objects Limited transformation capability Requires well-prepared source data
LTMC File-Based Approach
Easy to use, requires only Excel/CSV Suitable for low/medium data volume Standard templates available
Manual effort needed for file preparation and upload Slower than direct transfer Error handling happens post-upload
Staging Table-Based Approach
Best for complex transformations Can handle large volumes of data Can be automated for repeated loads
Requires technical knowledge (SQL, ETL) Initial setup effort needed Slower if not optimized
Step-by-Step Guide for LTMC Direct Transfer Method in SAP S/4HANA
The LTMC (Legacy Transfer Migration Cockpit) Direct Transfer method allows real-time migration of master and transactional data from legacy systems to S/4HANA using predefined migration objects.
Step 1: Prerequisites
Before starting, ensure the following:
You have SAP S/4HANA system (LTMC is available from version 1610 onwards). You have the required authorizations to access LTMC. The source system (ECC or non-SAP system) is connected to S/4HANA. The required Migration Objects are available in LTMC.
Step 2: Open LTMC (Legacy Transfer Migration Cockpit)
Login to SAP S/4HANA.Open SAP GUI or Fiori Launchpad.In the SAP GUI, enter transaction code: LTMC and press Enter.This opens the SAP Migration Cockpit in a web browser.
Step 3: Create a Migration Project
Click on “Create” to start a new migration project.Enter the Project Name (e.g., “Material Master Migration”).Select Data Transfer Method → Choose “Direct Transfer”.Click Create to save the project.
Step 4: Select Migration Object
In the Migration Project, click “Add Migration Object”.Select the required Migration Object (e.g., Business Partner, Material, Vendor).Click “Confirm” to proceed.
Note: Migration Objects are predefined in SAP and contain mapping structures for data transfer.
Step 5: Define Source System for Direct Transfer
Click on “Define Source System”.Select the SAP ECC system or any connected legacy system.If the system is not connected, configure it via RFC (Remote Function Call).Click Save.
Step 6: Data Mapping & Selection
Click on the Migration Object you added earlier.SAP will display available data from the source system.Select the specific records that need to be transferred.Map Source Fields to S/4HANA fields (if required).
Step 7: Simulate Data Transfer
Click “Start Transfer” to run a simulation.Check for errors or warnings in the logs.If errors are found, fix them in the source system or adjust mappings.Repeat the simulation until no critical errors exist.
Step 8: Execute Data Migration
Click “Migrate Data” to start the final transfer.The system transfers data in real-time.Monitor the progress and logs for any errors.If migration is successful, SAP will display a confirmation message.
Step 9: Validate Data in S/4HANA
Check the migrated data using transaction codes (e.g., BP for Business Partners, MM03 for Materials).Verify record counts and data accuracy.Perform any necessary post-migration adjustments.
Step 10: Complete the Migration
Once the migration is successful, mark the project as completed.Download the migration logs and reports for documentation.
Advantages of LTMC Direct Transfer
Fast & Real-Time – No file handling required. Minimal Manual Effort – Directly extracts data from the source system. Predefined Migration Objects – Reduces the risk of errors. Automatic Data Mapping – SAP handles most mappings.
This step-by-step guide should help you perform LTMC Direct Transfer efficiently. Let me know if you need further details! 
Hello Guys, this is continuation blog for Migration cockpit series.please check previous series:1. Migrate your Data – Migration Cockpit / LTMC on SA… – SAP Community2. LTMC / Migration cockpit Decommissioned? or replaced? | SAP Blogs In this blog post, I would like to cover differences between approaches Direct Transfer vs File based transfer vs Staging based approach1. Direct Transfer2. File based transfer and 3. Staging based approachFirst of all, Why do we need to go to Fiori for LTMC as we do have separate LTMC?I tried to cover this topic here.LTMC / Migration cockpit Decommissioned? or replaced? | SAP BlogsHere’s a detailed comparison of LTMC Direct Transfer, LTMC File-Based, and Staging Table-Based Approaches with their pros and cons:FeatureLTMC Direct TransferLTMC File-Based ApproachStaging Table-Based ApproachData InputData is directly fetched from source systemsUses Excel/CSV files as inputUses database staging tablesProcessing SpeedFastest, as data flows directlySlower due to file upload and processingFaster as data is already in the databaseData Volume HandlingSuitable for large and real-time data loadsSuitable for small to medium data loadsSuitable for large data volumesData TransformationMinimal transformation, mostly direct mappingLimited transformation in Excel before uploadAllows complex transformations using SQL or ETL toolsError HandlingReal-time error handlingErrors are displayed in logs after uploadErrors can be validated before migrationReusabilityDirect integration; no manual file handlingFiles need to be uploaded manually each timeStaging tables can be reused for multiple loadsAutomationFully automatedRequires manual upload via LTMCCan be automated using scripts or programsDependency on UserMinimal manual interventionManual intervention needed for file preparation and uploadLess manual intervention once staging tables are set upSAP SupportUses direct connectors and APIs for migrationSupports standard LTMC templatesSupports standard & custom migration objectsFlexibilityLess flexible; predefined integrationsLess flexible as predefined templates must be followedMore flexible in terms of data modifications and validationsBest Use CaseLarge data volumes, automated migrationsOne-time or low-volume migrationsComplex data transformations and large data loadsPros and ConsApproachProsConsLTMC Direct Transfer Fastest method, minimal manual effort Real-time integration Best for large data loads Less flexible for custom objects Limited transformation capability Requires well-prepared source dataLTMC File-Based Approach Easy to use, requires only Excel/CSV Suitable for low/medium data volume Standard templates available Manual effort needed for file preparation and upload Slower than direct transfer Error handling happens post-uploadStaging Table-Based Approach Best for complex transformations Can handle large volumes of data Can be automated for repeated loads Requires technical knowledge (SQL, ETL) Initial setup effort needed Slower if not optimized Step-by-Step Guide for LTMC Direct Transfer Method in SAP S/4HANAThe LTMC (Legacy Transfer Migration Cockpit) Direct Transfer method allows real-time migration of master and transactional data from legacy systems to S/4HANA using predefined migration objects.Step 1: PrerequisitesBefore starting, ensure the following: You have SAP S/4HANA system (LTMC is available from version 1610 onwards). You have the required authorizations to access LTMC. The source system (ECC or non-SAP system) is connected to S/4HANA. The required Migration Objects are available in LTMC.Step 2: Open LTMC (Legacy Transfer Migration Cockpit)Login to SAP S/4HANA.Open SAP GUI or Fiori Launchpad.In the SAP GUI, enter transaction code: LTMC and press Enter.This opens the SAP Migration Cockpit in a web browser.Step 3: Create a Migration ProjectClick on “Create” to start a new migration project.Enter the Project Name (e.g., “Material Master Migration”).Select Data Transfer Method → Choose “Direct Transfer”.Click Create to save the project.Step 4: Select Migration ObjectIn the Migration Project, click “Add Migration Object”.Select the required Migration Object (e.g., Business Partner, Material, Vendor).Click “Confirm” to proceed.Note: Migration Objects are predefined in SAP and contain mapping structures for data transfer.Step 5: Define Source System for Direct TransferClick on “Define Source System”.Select the SAP ECC system or any connected legacy system.If the system is not connected, configure it via RFC (Remote Function Call).Click Save.Step 6: Data Mapping & SelectionClick on the Migration Object you added earlier.SAP will display available data from the source system.Select the specific records that need to be transferred.Map Source Fields to S/4HANA fields (if required).Step 7: Simulate Data TransferClick “Start Transfer” to run a simulation.Check for errors or warnings in the logs.If errors are found, fix them in the source system or adjust mappings.Repeat the simulation until no critical errors exist.Step 8: Execute Data MigrationClick “Migrate Data” to start the final transfer.The system transfers data in real-time.Monitor the progress and logs for any errors.If migration is successful, SAP will display a confirmation message.Step 9: Validate Data in S/4HANACheck the migrated data using transaction codes (e.g., BP for Business Partners, MM03 for Materials).Verify record counts and data accuracy.Perform any necessary post-migration adjustments.Step 10: Complete the MigrationOnce the migration is successful, mark the project as completed.Download the migration logs and reports for documentation.Advantages of LTMC Direct Transfer Fast & Real-Time – No file handling required. Minimal Manual Effort – Directly extracts data from the source system. Predefined Migration Objects – Reduces the risk of errors. Automatic Data Mapping – SAP handles most mappings.This step-by-step guide should help you perform LTMC Direct Transfer efficiently. Let me know if you need further details! Read More Technology Blogs by Members articles
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