Innovation Versus Secrecy

It is also worth noting that SAP has a dedicated research budget and a team of highly skilled professionals who are actively exploring the future of ERP. However, the company has not yet provided any updates regarding developments in SAP's IT labs. This lack of transparency is a double-edged sword. Without news about future products, SAP risks losing its position as the global ERP market leader. However, the lack of transparency from SAP means that there is also a lack of discourse about future ERP trends. In short, both the SAP community and SAP itself are maintaining a low profile and taking a cautious approach.

Some perhaps malicious tongues in the SAP community have expressed the view that SAP has numerous development departments but no research department. Consequently, there are numerous applications for product adaptations and improvements, but no department for unconventional experiments or open-ended trials. SAP consistently plans for the further development of existing products. A defined workflow exists for members of the German-speaking SAP User Group (DSAG) to submit defects and new functions for existing products. Typically, these development requests are initially discussed and reviewed by the DSAG committees before being forwarded to SAP. This process is a well-established one between DSAG and SAP.

It is challenging to exert influence on the development of ERP products outside the DSAG SAP community. A significant number of customers and partners are exploring the possibility of conducting in-house developments based on SAP Abap. The forthcoming releases of CAP (SAP Cloud Application Programming), RAP (RESTful Application Programming) and Steampunk (including embedded Abap) will open up new possibilities in the coming years. To that end, E3 Magazine is organizing a Steampunk and BTP Summit on March 5 and 6, 2025 in Heidelberg. A new ecosystem for ERP modifications could emerge around the Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), allowing users to take control of ERP innovation. Steampunk and BTP Summit on March 5 and 6, 2025 in Heidelberg. A new ecosystem for ERP modifications could emerge around the Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), allowing users to take ERP innovation into their own hands.

SAP is not inclined to relinquish its position in the ERP add-ons and modifications market. The partner program will eventually serve as a platform for modifications and enhancements, potentially offering both sales and control capabilities. It is unclear to what extent SAP partners are willing to share their findings with SAP regarding their own innovations. Due to SAP's lack of communication, a stalemate may soon emerge.

A review of other industries reveals a greater openness and communication around innovation and new developments. For instance, Lotus recently presented a car study and simultaneously announced that the particular sports car would never be produced in a certain configuration. It was intended as a think tank, an object for demonstration, and as an aid to discourse on possible forms of mobility. Currently, there is no known ERP model beyond S/4 that partners and customers could discuss in the SAP community. The platform for an ERP discourse on the future is missing.

The example of the Lotus sports car clearly shows how important a broad discourse with the public can be. Secrecy seems counterproductive, as many suggestions and further ideas from a community are then lost.