By David Townshend EY Global Power & Utilities SAP Leader

In an energy market defined by uncertainty , the prospect of shifting to SAP S / 4HANA may seem like yet another challenge . But the right approach to upgrading can help accelerate transformation and build a more intelligent , agile organization for the future .

The cliches about 2020 being the year of vision may generate eye rolls , but for energy and resource companies , the message hits home . The disruptive forces sweeping the industry — including decarbonization , digitization , cost pressures and empowered customers — are not new but their pace is quickening .

At the same time , energy and resource companies must move forward in migrating to the new SAP S / 4HANA software release . While for some , the prospect is daunting , many are reframing the challenge as a valuable opportunity . The powerful insights and connectivity delivered through S / 4HANA combined with a forward-looking business view can help them reshape into intelligent , agile organizations — if they take the right approach .