Migration cockpit Direct Transfer vs File based transfer vs Staging based approach

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! 🚀

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