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:
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:
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.
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:
Bottom line: SAP BTP turns your ERP into a flexible platform that supports continuous innovation, without sacrificing stability.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
Bottom line: Innovation doesn’t have to wait. By acting intentionally today, you position your business to thrive both now and in the future.
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.