Author: Mike Rübsamen, 2Bits

"Digitization is not ready for series production in many companies," is the result of a DSAG survey of member companies. Purchasing is also affected by this.

Those who switch to S/4 have to deal with a new interface technology: SAP Fiori. With special frameworks, Abap experts still don't need to leave their familiar development environment.

The new SAP licensing policy around indirect use is also causing trouble in purchasing. Those who do not want to switch to S/4, but replace the classic SAP SRM with an external solution, are confronted with rising, often uncontrollable costs.

The new SAP product and licensing policy puts purchasing IT to a stress test. "Fewer functions versus more costs" - is this the alternative between an S/4 migration and an external procurement solution?

In purchasing, service procurement is considered the supreme discipline. However, the SAP standard is not sufficient for seamless digitization of collaboration with suppliers.

There seems to be no way around Ariba or S/4 Hana in SAP-based purchasing. However, there are attractive alternatives for responding to the requirements of digitization in the short term.