Industrialization Strategies for SAP Teams

If you’re an SAP consultant & you’re not sweating bullets after Sapphire 2024, you missed the memo. AI is coming for you. But Jonathan, you’re kidding, right? RIGHT? I wish I was: ‘Joule for Consultants’ will accelerate projects by +30% by automating many routine tasks. Whose routine tasks? Yours. Low-code/no-code development on BTP promises to make it easier for businesses to customize SAP themselves. Whose customization work? Yours. SAP’s “clean core” ERP strategy keeps S/4HANA free from excessive custom code, meaning fewer complex customizations. Whose complex customizations? Yours. But my friend, you are not going to freak out. You are going to pull yourself up by your bootstraps & prepare for the future. Here’s how you are going to turn these challenges into opportunities: 1. Embrace AI to Enhance Your Skills Joule is a game-changer, yes. But, instead of fearing it, leverage it. -Understand how Joule works & integrate it into your workflow to enhance productivity. -With Joule handling routine tasks, focus on higher-value activities like strategic planning.  -Take courses in AI & ML so you can stay ahead & offer new AI-driven services to your clients. 2. Master Low-Code/No-Code Platforms LCND development on BTP is revolutionizing customization. So you need to get ahead by mastering it. -Obtain certifications in SAP’s low-code/no-code platforms to help clients build & customize applications efficiently.  -Position yourself as an expert who can train client teams to use these platforms effectively.  -Create & market pre-built solutions that clients can easily customize, adding value to your consulting services. 3. Adapt to the Clean Core ERP Strategy With over 6k customers adopting RISE with SAP, the clean core ERP strategy is here to stay. Adapt & thrive. -Shift your focus from heavy customization to mastering configuration within the clean core framework.  -Advise clients on best practices for maintaining a clean core ERP system, ensuring they get the most out of their S/4HANA investment.  -Keep abreast of the latest updates & features in S/4HANA to provide the most current & relevant advice. 4. Evolve with the Industry The traditional SAP consulting model is evolving. So should you. -Commit to lifelong learning & stay updated with the latest SAP technologies & industry trends.  -Expand your expertise to include emerging technologies like blockchain, IoT, & advanced analytics. -Join SAP communities, attend conferences, & collaborate with other professionals to stay connected & informed. Sapphire 2024 was a wake-up call. The old way of doing SAP consulting is being profoundly reshaped. If you’re not adapting, you’re falling behind. The future is… LITERALLY  RIGHT  NOW It is time to pivot & find your new niche before it’s too late. If you don’t embrace these changes & you don’t take proactive steps, you may find yourself wishing that you had.

I recently implemented SAP's Clean Core strategy for a major FMCG client. SAP Clean Core strategy includes a method to enhance SAP S/4HANA Cloud systems in a way that is safe to upgrade. The SAP Clean Core concept advocates for a strategy that maintains the core system as standard and uncluttered as possible. This approach prioritizes minimal customization to ensure the core remains streamlined and efficient. Here are some key takeaways from my assignment to achieve a Clean Core: 1.Identify custom developments (Z-objects, User Exits, BAdIs, Enhancements, etc.) -decommissioning unused custom objects. 2. Run SAP Readiness Check for SAP S/4HANA to analyze custom code impact -modernizing to ABAP cloud syntax. 3. Identify unused or obsolete customizations that can be retired. 4.Use SAP Standard Best Practices instead of custom transactions - moving to standard SAP delivered functionality. 5.Replace custom Z-tables with SAP CDS Views & Embedded Analytics. 6.In-App Extensibility (Embedded ABAP, Key User Tools) -migrating to key user extensions. 7.Build Custom Applications on SAP BTP instead of modifying SAP S/4HANA -SAP RAP /CAPM development. 8.Use API-first approach → Leverage SAP API Business Hub - maximizing use of released APIs and CDS views. 9.Replace SAP GUI-based transactions with SAP Fiori apps. 10.Use SAP Build Apps for business-user-driven custom UI development. 11.Implement Business Process Automation with SAP Workflow Management.  #Clean #Core #CloudPlatform #INDIA #TechnologySolutions #BTPInnovations #SAPLearning #ABAP #AI #Developers #SAPBTP #BusinessTechnologyPlatform #Innovation #RAP #CDS #SAPTechnology #SAPCloud #Innovation #EY #EYINDIA #SAP #SAPBuild #EYGCC #DigitalTransformation #EnterpriseTechnology #RisewithSAP #Transformation #SAPGROW #SAPbusinessSuite  #SAPHANA #CloudPlatform #TechnologySolutions #BTPInnovations #SAPLearning #LinkedInTechPost #S4PublicCloud #S4PrivateCloud SAP Wouter van Heddeghem #SAPBTP #EYGCC #S4PublicCloud #S4PrivateCloud #RISE #GROW #Business #SAPCleancore #SAPCloud #SAPIntegration #DigitalTransformation #CloudComputing #EnterpriseTechnology #SAPHANA #SAPDevelopment

Your SAP team's valuable currency isn't tech depth.   It's cross-functional breadth (here's why):   The old way of building SAP teams is rapidly becoming obsolete.   → The old way: Siloed expertise ❌   • Deep specialists for each system • Separate ECC and S/4HANA teams • Knowledge trapped in departments • "That's not my system" mentality • Workflows based on expert availability   → The new way: Cross-functional breadth ✅   • Blended teams understand both worlds • Shared ownership across environments • Knowledge flowing freely • "End-to-end responsibility" mindset • Resilience through distributed expertise   This isn't theory. I'm seeing it daily with our customers.   → Why the shift matters now:   Most enterprises aren't flipping to S/4HANA overnight.   They're straddling both landscapes for 5-7 years.   → Old Way - The costly risks: 📉   • Knowledge walks out when specialists leave • Integration gaps between systems • Finger-pointing during issues • ABAP expertise becoming scarce • Change delays from siloed teams   → New Way - The measurable benefits: 📈   • 40% faster timelines • Fewer system outages • Resilience when people leave • Accelerated innovation • Smoother transition overall   → How to invest in this new currency:   1. Rotate team members between environments 2. Pair ABAP developers with cloud engineers 3. Create shared KPIs across systems 4. Build projects requiring dual skills 5. Reward knowledge-sharing explicitly   The truth:   Your team structure will either accelerate or impede your SAP change programs.   Today's most valuable currency isn't the person who knows everything about one system.   It's the team that confidently navigates both worlds.   How integrated is your team today?   Read my full article in the comments for more ⬇️