With SAP’s decision to end standard support for ECC by 2027 and end extended support by 2030 SAP customers now fall into two broad camps: those choosing to remain on ECC for as long as possible, and those preparing for or already executing their move to S/4HANA, primarily via SAP Cloud ERP Private (RISE).
Each path presents its own challenges, risks, and opportunities. The similarities may be surprising.
SAP customers staying on ECC do so for one simple reason: the system works, and there is no compelling business case to upgrade.
However, there are a couple of limitations.
With end-of-life imminent, SAP has made it clear there will be no further innovation for ECC customers, so SAP customers will need to look elsewhere.
Fortunately, third parties and other add-ons offer modernisation opportunities without the typically high price tag. User experience, process automation, and, dare I say, AI innovations can all be achieved without SAP-developed innovation.
Then, remaining on a legacy system suits those who like familiarity, but not those who like working with newer technology and the latest and greatest.
ECC customers will therefore face ongoing challenges related to efficiency, resource constraints, and the resulting operational risk.
However, operations automation offers a practical way to reduce reliance on scarce SMEs, minimise human error, and lower running costs. Once again, there are many opportunities to automate with a myriad of SAP-certified third-party add-ons.
Customers who move to S/4HANA are typically doing so via SAP Cloud ERP Private. SAP’s cloud model shifts customers into a shared‑responsibility framework, unfamiliar territory for customers.
Many remain uncertain about what they still own, which creates risk.
Often entering into agreements with a false expectation, many SAP customers find themselves responsible for far more than they anticipated. SAP’s own roles & responsibilities documentation, SKU lists, and deliverables are unclear.
Although the operating system tasks and activities are managed by SAP in the new model, most operational tasks sit firmly within the customer’s remit, but without the same degree of control.
This is where automation opportunities arise.
Things like basis automation, automated security monitoring, observability, process automation, test automation, change and transport management, and much more can be layered over an SAP Cloud ERP to deliver cost-effective, reliable, operational outcomes. Providing the controls necessary to minimise operational risk in an environment where control is otherwise reduced.
Whether an SAP customer remains on ECC or transitions to S/4HANA, automation opportunities remain equally valuable.
On ECC, automation provides stability, cost reduction, and an opportunity to modernise an otherwise static ERP.
In an S/4HANA cloud environment, automation delivers the reduced resource requirement initially anticipated, greater control, and reduced risk.
Either way, whether on S/4HANA or ECC, continuing to rely on SMEs, manual processes, and the inevitable downtime required to maintain and manage SAP ERP systems misses the opportunities automation offers.
Leg Up Software is an expert in SAP IT operational and infrastructure software automation solutions.
We understand the landscape of SAP operations and infrastructure automation solutions, have excellent relationships with most third-party software vendors, and can negotiate an evaluation process that best suits your circumstances and budget.
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