For many SAP ECC customers, LE-TRA (Logistics Execution – Transportation) has been the backbone of outbound and inbound transportation processes for years. However, with SAP ECC reaching end of maintenance and SAP’s strategic focus shifting to SAP S/4HANA and SAP Transportation Management (SAP TM), organizations are increasingly planning their LE-TRA to SAP TM migration.
This blog explains why migration is necessary, key differences between LE-TRA and SAP TM, and practical migration approaches to help organizations plan a smooth transition.
Why Move from LE-TRA to SAP TM?
LE-TRA was designed for basic transportation execution tightly coupled with SD and MM. While it served well in the ECC era, it lacks the flexibility and advanced optimization capabilities required in modern, complex supply chains.
Key Drivers for Migration
- End of ECC maintenance and limited innovation in LE-TRA
- SAP TM is the strategic solution for transportation in S/4HANA
- Increasing need for:
- Transportation planning & optimization
- Carrier collaboration
- Freight cost management
- Real-time visibility and analytics
SAP TM supports end-to-end transportation processes and aligns with SAP’s Intelligent Supply Chain vision.
LE-TRA vs SAP TM: High-Level Comparison
Area LE-TRASAP TM Planning Basic Advanced planning & optimization Freight Costing Simple pricing Complex rate management Integration ECC-centric S/4HANA, EWM, GTS, IBP Execution Delivery-based Freight Order–based Scalability Limited High Strategic Roadmap Obsolete Actively enhanced
Migration Options from LE-TRA to SAP TM
SAP provides multiple approaches depending on system landscape and business complexity.
1. Side-by-Side Deployment
- SAP TM runs on separate SAP S/4HANA or SCM system
- LE-TRA continues in ECC temporarily
- Suitable for phased migration and risk reduction
Pros:
✔ Lower initial disruption
✔ Parallel run possible
Cons:
✘ More integration effort
✘ Higher landscape complexity
2. Embedded TM in S/4HANA
- SAP TM embedded directly in S/4HANA
- Recommended by SAP for new implementations
Pros:
Simplified architecture
Real-time data access
Lower total cost of ownership
Cons:
Requires S/4HANA readiness
Limited flexibility for very complex planning scenarios
3. Phased Functional Migration
Organizations often migrate in phases:
- Phase 1: Transportation execution
- Phase 2: Freight settlement
- Phase 3: Advanced planning and optimization
This approach helps manage change and user adoption.
Key Migration Challenges
1. Process Redesign
SAP TM is not a technical replacement for LE-TRA. Processes must be redesigned around:
- Freight Units
- Freight Orders
- Transportation Network
2. Data Migration
- Transportation lanes
- Business partners (carriers)
- Rates and contracts
- Locations and calendars
3. Change Management
End users accustomed to delivery-based execution need training on TM’s planning and execution concepts.
Best Practices for a Successful Migration
- Start with a fit-gap analysis between LE-TRA and SAP TM
- Do not replicate old processes blindly
- Clean up and harmonize master data early
- Involve business users from design to testing
- Run LE-TRA and TM in parallel during stabilization (if possible)
Business Benefits After Migration
Organizations that successfully migrate to SAP TM typically achieve:
- Reduced freight costs through optimization
- Improved carrier collaboration
- Better transportation visibility
- Scalable platform for future growth
- Alignment with SAP’s long-term roadmap
Conclusion
Migrating from LE-TRA to SAP TM is no longer optional—it is a strategic necessity for SAP customers planning their S/4HANA journey. While the migration requires careful planning and process transformation, the long-term benefits in efficiency, visibility, and scalability far outweigh the effort.
