Maximise Your SAP ERP Investment: 5 Ways to Modernise Your Existing SAP ERP Landscape

Many SAP customers are still weighing the move to SAP Cloud ERP (previously known as SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public or Private), while others are already running S/4HANA on-premise, and some have already adopted a cloud-first mindset. If you fall into the first two groups, don’t discard your position. Just know that there is a catch… You are not automatically unlocking the full spectrum of innovation benefits unless you take deliberate steps to modernise.

Modernisation isn’t just about a big-bang move to the cloud. It’s about using what you have in a smarter way, reducing complexity, and setting your business up for agility and continuous innovation.

So, how do you get more from your existing SAP ERP investment without rushing into a full cloud migration? It starts with making conscious choices that boost flexibility, improve performance, and lay the groundwork for future innovation.

Here are five practical ways to modernise your existing SAP ERP system and maximise its value:

Tip 1: Embrace Clean Core Principles

A “clean core” isn’t just for the cloud. It is best practice for any SAP ERP environment. The idea is simple: reduce unnecessary complexity, lower technical debt, and keep your system agile enough to evolve with your business needs.

Why does this matter? Over time, layers of customisation and hard-coded changes can make your system rigid, expensive to maintain, and difficult to update, which limits your ability to innovate.

How to get started:

• Audit your customisations: Keep only what adds real business value and retire the rest.
• Move extensions outside the core: Use SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) for side-by-side extensions instead of modifying your ERP core.
• Adopt fit-to-standard: Align with industry best practices to simplify processes and make future upgrades easier.

Bottom line: A clean core isn’t just about housekeeping; it’s about enabling faster innovation, whether your ERP stays on-prem or transitions to the cloud in the future.

Tip 2: Unlock Value with SAP BTP

Modernising your ERP doesn’t have to mean tearing down what you’ve built. SAP BTP gives you a way to innovate without disrupting your core. Think of it as your innovation layer — enabling flexibility, scalability, and smarter ways of working.

Why does this matter? Traditional ERP customisation can lead to complexity and costly upgrades. BTP lets you extend, integrate, and innovate side-by-side, reducing risk and accelerating time-to-value.

How to get started:

• Accelerate app development: Use low-code/no-code tools like SAP Build Apps to deliver solutions faster. Real-world example? Sign4it is a Proof of Delivery solution we built on SAP BTP for Aberdare Cables. This app transformed their delivery process, helping them improve working capital, comply with IFRS revenue recognition, and provide real-time visibility into order fulfillment, all without disrupting their core ERP system.
• Simplify integration: Connect processes and systems seamlessly with SAP Integration Suite and API Management, creating a single source of truth across your landscape.
• Automate smarter: Introduce SAP Process Automation to eliminate repetitive tasks and free up your teams for higher-value work.

Bottom line: SAP BTP turns your ERP into a flexible platform that supports continuous innovation, without sacrificing stability. 

Tip 3: Tap into Embedded AI and ML Features

You don’t need to be in the cloud to start using AI and machine learning (ML). Whether you’re on SAP ECC or S/4HANA, there are ways to introduce intelligence into your processes without a full-scale transformation.

Why does this matter? Many businesses assume AI requires a huge investment or specialist teams, but SAP offers pre-built, business-ready models that can automate processes and deliver faster insights. Ignoring these features means missing out on efficiency gains and predictive capabilities that can set your business apart.

Where to start:

• Automate routine tasks: From invoice matching and approvals to demand planning, AI can reduce manual effort and errors.
• Leverage pre-trained ML models: S/4HANA includes embedded ML models, while ECC users can still integrate AI via SAP BTP extensions.
• Experiment where it counts: Start small — focus on finance, procurement, or supply chain before scaling.

Bottom line: AI isn’t all-or-nothing. Start with what you have, gain quick wins, and build a roadmap for broader adoption. 

Watch this video as Andrew explains the possibilities with SAP BTP and SAP Analytics Cloud when staying on-premises:

Tip 4: Optimise ALM for Smarter Update Strategies

Keeping your SAP system up to date is critical, but without a solid approach, updates can feel disruptive and resource-heavy. Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) tools like SAP Cloud ALM give you a structured way to manage change, monitor processes, and maintain stability without slowing down innovation.

Why does this matter? Delaying updates might seem easier, but it leads to technical debt, security risks, and missed opportunities for new features. A smarter ALM strategy helps you plan, test, and implement changes efficiently, reducing risk and downtime while preparing your business for continuous transformation.

Where to start:

• Plan and execute updates effectively: Use ALM tools to streamline upgrade cycles.
• Stay agile without sacrificing stability: Avoid costly disruptions by managing changes proactively.
• Enable business process monitoring: Keep visibility into performance and identify issues early.
• Lay the groundwork for future transformation: Build habits and processes that make big shifts easier later.

Bottom line: A proactive ALM approach isn’t just about IT hygiene. It’s about creating a foundation for innovation, resilience, and long-term success.

Tip 5: Don't Wait to Innovate

Innovation isn’t just for the future. It’s possible today, no matter where your SAP ERP currently sits. Waiting for a full cloud migration before modernising can mean falling further behind your competitors and widening the innovation gap.

Why does this matter? Delaying innovation leads to missed opportunities and slower response to market changes. By starting now with the tools and capabilities available, you build momentum and make your SAP investment work harder, setting a clear path for continuous improvement.

Where to start:

• Use what’s available today: Explore existing ERP features, SAP BTP extensions, embedded AI, and analytics tools to unlock value immediately.
• Set a long-term vision: Define your roadmap for modernisation, even if your migration timeline is extended — clarity drives focus.
• Maximise current investments: Optimise processes and technology now to increase ROI and prepare for future growth.

Bottom line: Innovation doesn’t have to wait. By acting intentionally today, you position your business to thrive both now and in the future. 

Conclusion: 

You don’t need a dramatic move to the cloud to start unlocking value. But you do need a mindset shift: one that’s focused on simplification, optimisation, and innovation right where you are. Your existing SAP ERP system is powerful; it is just a matter of harnessing its full potential.

Ready to learn more? Watch the on-demand recording of our webinar to dive deeper into modernisation strategies and explore how SAP Cloud ERP can fit into your journey when you’re ready to take the next step.