SAP Solution: ERP

The migration to SAP offers many advantages, but is complex. The impetus often comes from IT: consistent processes, scalability and updates ensure a future-proof architecture. In production, this means rethinking processes, migrating data and adapting workflows.

A unique selling proposition some fifty years ago has been transformed into an ERP group with no history and just any old thing. Where is the SAP added value?

AI and Agentic AI do not add value to ERP. AI will eventually replace, marginalize and eliminate traditional ERP. S/4 will be around for many years to come, but the future lies elsewhere.

How can SAP transformation be approached with the Maslows Hammer mindset? Every business challenge is treated as if it required a comprehensive transformation program.

AI has long been a reality. Models have been purchased, platforms are in place and budgets have been released. This looks logical on strategy charts. In day-to-day business, however, the effect remains sobering.

Under the strict dictates of the SAP Clean Core strategy, the future of Abap is defined by cloud compliance, AI, strict governance and absolute upgrade stability. Users are forced to rethink their historically grown and individualized ERP architectures.

The year 2026 marks a historic and critical turning point for the SAP community, where the glossy visions of the Walldorf-based software group SAP meet the pragmatic reality of existing customers with full force. The deadline for the end of maintenance of the old ERP system in 2027 is approaching, increasing the pressure on S/4 migrations and having a noticeable and lasting impact on the service provider market.

The podcast for the E3 cover story is a supplement and continuation of the online texts from the E3 print magazine. A dialog between two AI avatars with knowledge from the German-speaking E3 editorial team provides an insight into the processes surrounding SAP and the SAP community. Translations into English, Spanish and French are provided by DeepL and Google.

The 2027 maintenance deadline is driving an urgent move to S/4. Suse provides the necessary resilient, automated and secure foundation for this critical business evolution.

Electronic invoicing has gone from a nice-to-have to a must-have for companies. New laws around the world - including those aimed at combating tax fraud - are driving change and accelerating the transition from paper to digital invoices and archiving.

SAP has opened a Defense Innovation Hub in Munich to reaffirm its long-term commitment to strengthening digital readiness as a central component of modern defense capabilities.

The Business Technology Platform, SAP BTP, is already causing real problems for many existing customers when it comes to licensing. According to a presentation by Michael Bloch, Head of Licenses, Contracts and Support at the German-speaking SAP User Group (DSAG), there now appear to be even more problems with the SAP Business Data Cloud.