SAP BTP combines Clean Core with individual processes

Now, with the switch to S/4HANA, the focus is on cloud first and clean core, i.e. a largely untouched SAP core. The SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) is intended to resolve this contradiction. It is used to develop, provide and scale new applications in the cloud. Add-on solutions on the BTP can therefore be easily connected to SAP S/4HANA, while the SAP system remains 100% in the clean core.

The term "clean core" refers to the practice of minimizing adjustments and modifications to the core ERP system, such as SAP S/4HANA. The reduced complexity is intended to ensure its stability, reliability and agility. Automated upgrades and the avoidance of manual processes reduce time and costs, while the agile introduction of innovations and adaptation to business requirements increases efficiency.

Modular, decoupled principle for add-ons

At the same time, however, the aim is also to provide innovations and additional functionalities. This is done via cloud-based services on SAP BTP. The approach is therefore modular and decoupled: The core system focuses on essential functions, while non-core services are "added" by outsourcing them to SAP BTP and thus quickly made marketable.

The separation into clean core and BTP allows seamless updates and patch releases without affecting the standard functionality of the new SAP core. This minimizes downtimes and risks. Companies can adopt innovations, new processes and technologies at market speed, giving them a competitive advantage.

Use cases

• In the area of customer experience, companies can use BTP services such as SAP Commerce Cloud or SAP Marketing Cloud to improve their customer approach and create personalized experiences without having to make major adjustments to the core ERP system.

• SAP BTP offers robust integration functions for connecting the core ERP with external systems, suppliers and customers. Seamless data exchange and process automation are the result.

• Better evaluations: By using SAP Analytics Cloud or SAP Data Warehouse Cloud on SAP BTP, companies can create advanced analyses and reports on data from various sources.

• Invoice processing/P2P: The xSuite Group has used the platform for in-house developments to provide a second solution after the Business Partner Portal: its Invoice Workflow, which can be used to fully automate the processing of incoming invoices. The development of further solutions in the P2P environment on the BTP is planned. 

The need for a clean core becomes particularly clear in connection with the migration to S/4HANA. SAP's "keep the core clean" principle helps to comply with guidelines before and after the migration to S/4HANA to ensure the functionality of user-defined objects. Solutions such as invoice processing or the Business Partner Portal from xSuite, which were developed on the BTP, have the advantage that they are suitable for every SAP S/4HANA operating model: SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, Cloud Private Edition and for on-premises installations. This gives SAP user companies full flexibility, which makes the transition much easier for them.

Conclusion

Many SAP companies are now pursuing a cloud-first strategy as part of their S/4HANA migration, which is a journey from on-premises systems to the private and public cloud. While they have a complex transition project to manage, maintaining a clean core is paramount. It ensures a seamless transition, secures the company for the future and facilitates innovation. At the same time, CIOs are required to meet the individual requirements of their specialist departments and provide them with the tools they know and need. SAP BTP enables them to implement this strategy with a clean core. Because the "cleaner" the processes and systems are set up, the easier the path to the cloud is.

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