--- title: Data Archiving & Decommissioning — VMG Labs --- [![](https://vmglabs.com/hubfs/vmg-site/assets/logo-full-mono-white.png)![VMG Labs](https://vmglabs.com/hubfs/vmg-site/assets/logo-full.png)](https://vmglabs.com/) Services [Industries](https://vmglabs.com/industries) [Partners](https://vmglabs.com/partners) Company [Insights](https://vmglabs.com/insights) [Schedule a call](https://vmglabs.com/contact) On this page - [Clean core](https://vmglabs.com/services/data-archiving#sec-clean-core) - [Data tiers](https://vmglabs.com/services/data-archiving#sec-data-tiers) - [The business case](https://vmglabs.com/services/data-archiving#sec-the-business-case) - [What we deliver](https://vmglabs.com/services/data-archiving#sec-what-we-deliver) - [The journey](https://vmglabs.com/services/data-archiving#sec-the-journey) ![](https://vmglabs.com/hubfs/vmg-site/assets/web/server-rack.jpg) [Home](https://vmglabs.com/) · Data Archiving Data Lifecycle # Reduce HANA cost. Accelerate the *migration.* Shrink the HANA footprint, speed the S/4HANA migration, and retire legacy systems with a deliberate data lifecycle strategy. Clean Core ## Archiving is the missing half of *clean core* Most SAP landscapes carry years, sometimes decades, of business data in their operational databases. In S/4HANA every gigabyte of in-memory data carries a premium, and high volumes slow key processes, complicate integrations and raise downtime risk. A clean-core strategy already invests in custom code remediation, extension decoupling and standard process adoption. Clean code without clean data is only half the job. Archiving enforces residence and retention policies so only active operational data stays in the core, while history moves to governed, cost-effective storage that remains searchable and auditable. You already have the tools you need. What most programs lack is a plan to execute against. Data Tiers ## The right data in the *right place* 01 ### Hot tier · S/4HANA in-memory Active data that needs real-time processing: open orders, current fiscal year postings, active master data. This is where in-memory performance justifies the cost. 02 ### Warm tier · Native Storage Extension Less frequently accessed data that still needs reasonably fast retrieval, such as closed fiscal years used for comparative reporting. 03 ### Cold tier · Archive and cloud storage Historical data on lower-cost platforms such as AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage or Google Cloud Storage, with governance, encryption and access controls. 04 ### Decommission · Retire legacy systems Extract required data from retired ECC or legacy systems into a governed repository, then shut the system down. Infrastructure cost and attack surface drop immediately. The Business Case ## Quantifiable *benefits* 40–60% Typical HANA sizing reduction when inactive records move to warm and cold tiers 30% Faster cutover windows from a smaller footprint to convert and validate 100% Of infrastructure, patching, licensing and monitoring removed for decommissioned systems Strategic Advantages ## Beyond *storage savings* ▲ ### Lower total cost of ownership Reduced HANA licensing, no legacy maintenance, and storage spend optimized across tiers. ▲ ### System performance Smaller tables mean faster queries, shorter backup and restore cycles, and more predictable behavior under load. ▲ ### Enforced compliance Retention and destruction policies that satisfy GDPR, local tax rules and industry audit requirements. ▲ ### Migration readiness A leaner data footprint speeds S/4HANA conversion and reduces cutover risk. ▲ ### Clean core alignment Data residence policies complement code remediation for a clean S/4HANA core. Why It Works ## Why VMG’s *approach works* ### Architecture-led strategy We start with your data landscape, retention obligations and transformation roadmap, not with tools or a generic template. ### Deep SAP archiving expertise SAP ADK, ILM, HANA NSE and the wider stack. We know how to build governed archive access that keeps the core clean. ### Modern integration patterns Archived data is exposed through SAP BTP services and lightweight apps, not custom ABAP reports bolted onto the core. ### Pragmatic delivery Start with the highest-impact archiving objects and decommissioning candidates, prove value, then expand. What We Deliver ## Components of our *delivery* ### Data tiering and archiving Move inactive financial documents, completed sales orders, historical material movements and closed HR records to warm and cold tiers, with governed, searchable access for auditors and business users. ### System decommissioning Extract legally required data from retired ECC, BW or satellite systems into a dedicated repository and shut the legacy infrastructure down. ### Migration readiness Archive or purge inactive data before S/4HANA conversion to reduce migration volume, shorten cutover and avoid surprises in testing. ### Archive access apps Fiori-based search and retrieval built on BTP, RAP or CAP, giving users governed access to archived data without touching the S/4HANA core. The Journey ## Your journey to *optimized data management* 1 Weeks 1–2 Technical analysis and preparation 2 Weeks 3–6 Archiving implementation 3 Ongoing Monitoring service 4 Periodic Archiving strategy review Step 1 · Weeks 1–2 ### Technical analysis and preparation We analyze the system (database type and version, code page, modules in use) and table volumes to find the largest tables, identify archiving objects, define residence and retention periods, and calculate the expected volume reduction. The output is a project plan with scope, reduction targets, performance strategy, archiving workflows and risk analysis. ← Previous Next step → A focused, results-driven approach that delivers tangible value within weeks, not months or years. Start a conversation ## Planning your SAP move? *Talk to us.* Tell us about your landscape, your challenges, and your timeline. We'll match the right senior consultants to your engagement. 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