Future-proof thanks to modularity

SAP's clean core strategy will prove to be an advantage for user companies in the long term. High maintenance costs, complex update processes and impaired system stability in the face of diverse customizations are now a thing of the past. At the same time, the Clean Core presents customers with new challenges. They now have to analyze exactly which adjustments to their SAP system are still necessary and which can be replaced by standard processes.
In addition, the compatibility of existing software solutions with SAP S/4 Hana must be checked - a critical aspect, especially for companies that rely on workflows, document management or industry-specific solutions. Vendors must be able to provide clean-core compliant software integration of their solutions to ensure a seamless transition.

BTP as a key component

To separate standard and custom processes, SAP uses its own Business Technology Platform (BTP) as a tool for individual additional developments. Of course, other site-by-site platforms can also be used, provided they are compatible with the official SAP interfaces. However, the BTP offers specific advantages over them: close integration with the SAP world, uniform look and feel.
The use of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and IoT at the BTP is already impressive and will continue to develop rapidly.
SAP already provides many useful services there, for example for analyses, data management or online trading. In particular, invoice workflows can be completely digitized, automated and connected to third-party systems - a significant support for topics such as e-invoicing and modern billing processes.

Approach for public and private cloud

The clean core strategy is not only relevant for public cloud users, but also for private cloud users in particular. SAP is pursuing the concept of companies switching from individualized ERP systems to a standardized private cloud as a first step. Although customizations are still possible there, they are already in line with the clean core philosophy. The next logical step is then to migrate to the public cloud, where the SAP system is operated in the clean core by default and no longer allows custom developments. In this architecture, individual extensions are to be implemented via SAP BTP. Many companies are currently relying on the private cloud as an operating model for S/4. Nevertheless, it makes sense to set the course for a long-term strategy now, as sooner or later all customers will probably have to move to the public cloud. SAP has announced maintenance for S/4 until 2040, but it is unclear what will happen after that. Companies should therefore plan early in order to be future-proof and prepare for a gradual migration to the public cloud.

New certification provides security

To guarantee that software solutions are compatible with the clean core strategy, SAP introduced a new certification at the end of 2024. It will be issued for solutions that do not require any adjustments to the core system, only use officially approved SAP interfaces and are compatible with SAP's cloud-first architecture in the long term. The Clean Core certification is set to replace the previous certificates for SAP-integrated solutions by 2026. Companies planning a migration to S/4 can use it as a guide to identify compatible solutions. One example is the xSuite Group, which was the first invoice workflow manufacturer to receive this certification for its software. Many companies are still hesitant to introduce S/4 Hana - despite the long-term benefits. There are many reasons for this: while large corporations often have the necessary resources for a comprehensive migration, medium-sized companies have to carefully weigh up whether the effort is worth it. Especially for smaller companies with rather lean ERP requirements, switching to S/4 seems like an expensive mammoth project. SAP therefore needs to communicate the benefits more clearly and make the switch easier. One solution could be standardized public cloud offerings that can be flexibly expanded via BTP. With the steadily growing number of solutions from SAP, partners and customers, more and more companies could benefit from S/4 Hana without having to make large investments.

Two solutions for BTP

For example, the xSuite Group has already established two solutions on SAP BTP: its invoice workflow xSuite Invoice and its supplier portal xSuite Business Partner Portal. With the clean-core certification of the invoice workflow, it thus supports SAP user companies willing to switch to S/4 Hana or the public cloud in the long term.

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