{"id":11310,"date":"2026-08-07T07:32:42","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T05:32:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/?p=11310"},"modified":"2026-08-07T07:43:44","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T05:43:44","slug":"why-is-procurement-missing-from-tms-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/en\/why-is-procurement-missing-from-tms-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"SAP S\/4HANA\u00ae: Migrate or seize the opportunity for a true ERP restart?"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p id=\"ember736\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">For many existing SAP\u00ae customers, an important deadline is drawing closer:<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember737\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">Regular mainstream maintenance for core applications of the <span class=\"white-space-pre\"> <\/span><strong>SAP Business Suite 7\u00ae<\/strong><span class=\"white-space-pre\"> <\/span>will expire at the end of 2027. Paid extended maintenance is planned for certain solutions until the end of 2030. (<a class=\"RVDFChJswVRnGfgfLGuwQIqBPRqoGHOWSrA \" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/support.sap.com\/en\/offerings-programs\/strategy.html\" target=\"_self\" data-test-app-aware-link=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">SAP Support Portal<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember738\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">For many companies, the consequence therefore seems already clear:<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember739\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\"><strong>We have to switch to SAP S\/4HANA.<span class=\"white-space-pre\"> <\/span><\/strong>But is that really true?<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember740\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">A switch from SAP ERP or SAP ECC to S\/4HANA\u00ae is no ordinary update. It can be an extensive transformation project that ties up significant internal resources, changes processes, and requires high investment. <\/p>\n<p id=\"ember741\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">Therefore, a fundamental question should be answered before starting:<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember742\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\"><strong>Is S\/4HANA\u00ae actually the best solution for our company?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember743\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">Or would it be economically and strategically more sensible to re-examine the market?<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember744\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">Many companies merely compare different paths to S\/4HANA\u00ae migration:<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember745\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">\ud83d\udd39 Brownfield \ud83d\udd39 Greenfield \ud83d\udd39 Selective Data Transition \ud83d\udd39 On-Premises \ud83d\udd39 Private Cloud \ud83d\udd39 Public Cloud<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember746\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">What is often missing is the <span class=\"white-space-pre\"> <\/span><strong>most important alternative:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember747\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\"><strong>The open-ended selection of a completely new ERP system.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember748\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">After all, anyone who has to analyze processes, clean data, check interfaces, evaluate custom developments, and provide significant project budgets anyway should not automatically assume that the current vendor is also the best choice for the next ten or fifteen years.<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember749\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\"><strong>A migration is not automatically cheaper than a new implementation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember750\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">At first glance, staying with SAP\u00ae appears to be the safest and easiest path.<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember751\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">But the actual costs do not only arise from software licenses or cloud subscriptions.<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember752\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">The following must be taken into account, among other things:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Technical migration and system conversion<\/li>\n<li>Adaptation or replacement of existing custom developments<\/li>\n<li>Revision of interfaces<\/li>\n<li>Data migration and data cleansing<\/li>\n<li>Process harmonization<\/li>\n<li>Testing effort<\/li>\n<li>Employee training<\/li>\n<li>External consulting<\/li>\n<li>Internal project resources<\/li>\n<li>Operating and infrastructure costs<\/li>\n<li>Future license and maintenance costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-image style_shadow-1 align_center\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SAP-Migration-1024x1024.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SAP-Migration-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SAP-Migration-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SAP-Migration-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SAP-Migration-scaled.png 760w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Don&#8217;t migrate first. Analyze first! Image: ChatGPT  <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p id=\"ember755\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">In addition, there is a crucial question:<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember756\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\"><strong>How much of today&#8217;s SAP system is actually still needed and how much complexity has been built up over decades?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember757\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">A modern ERP solution from another provider could potentially:<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember758\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">1. Fit today&#8217;s business model better functionally<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember759\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">2. Enable processes closer to the standard<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember760\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">3. Be implemented faster<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember761\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">4. Be easier to use<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember762\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">5. Result in lower operating and license costs<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember763\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">6. Offer more flexibility for future changes<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember764\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">This is not necessarily the case. But it should be checked. <\/p>\n<p id=\"ember765\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\"><strong>Not SAP\u00ae against the rest, but the potential solution against current requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember766\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\"><strong>Because: A neutral ERP selection must not begin with the desired result.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember767\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">The correct sequence is:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Define business goals and future requirements<\/li>\n<li>Analyze current processes and system problems<\/li>\n<li>Prioritize necessary functions<\/li>\n<li>Compare realistic total costs<\/li>\n<li>Tender for suitable providers and solutions<\/li>\n<li>Objectively evaluate S\/4HANA\u00ae and alternative ERP systems<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p id=\"ember769\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">Only then should it be decided whether:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A technical SAP\u00ae migration,<\/li>\n<li>A largely new S\/4HANA\u00ae implementation,<\/li>\n<li>Or the switch to another ERP provider<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"ember771\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">Brings the greatest economic and strategic benefit.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-image style_shadow-1 align_center\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SAP-Migration-vs-neues-ERP-1024x1024.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SAP-Migration-vs-neues-ERP-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SAP-Migration-vs-neues-ERP-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SAP-Migration-vs-neues-ERP-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SAP-Migration-vs-neues-ERP-scaled.png 760w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Maintenance buys time but not a decision! Image: ChatGPT <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p id=\"ember773\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\"><strong>Extended maintenance buys time but not a decision!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember774\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">The existing system will not suddenly stop working after the end of mainstream maintenance.<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember775\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">However, without a suitable maintenance and support strategy, risks increase: for example, due to missing regular updates, limited further development, new legal requirements, security issues, and the increasingly difficult availability of suitable specialists.<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember776\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">The optional extended maintenance until the end of 2030 can create additional room for maneuver. (<a class=\"RVDFChJswVRnGfgfLGuwQIqBPRqoGHOWSrA \" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/support.sap.com\/en\/offerings-programs\/strategy.html\" target=\"_self\" data-test-app-aware-link=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">SAP Support Portal<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember777\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">But it is no substitute for a long-term ERP strategy.<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember778\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">And it does not answer the crucial question:<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember779\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\"><strong>Is SAP S\/4HANA\u00ae still truly the best and most economical future solution for your company?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember780\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\"><strong>Analyze now: before time pressure dictates the decision<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember781\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">A sound ERP selection and implementation takes time.<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember782\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">The later companies start, the smaller the room for maneuver becomes. At the same time, the risk increases that decisions will be made under deadline pressure and available consulting and implementation resources will become scarcer. <\/p>\n<p id=\"ember783\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">That is why now is the right time for an independent analysis and tender.<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember784\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">Not with the goal of necessarily replacing SAP\u00ae.<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember785\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">But with the goal of obtaining a reliable answer:<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember786\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\"><strong>What is functionally, economically, and strategically the best ERP solution for our company?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember787\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">As a neutral digitalization consultant, I support companies in<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Determining actual requirements,<\/li>\n<li>Comparing SAP S\/4HANA\u00ae with suitable alternatives,<\/li>\n<li>Evaluating realistic total effort and costs,<\/li>\n<li>Conducting a vendor-neutral tender,<\/li>\n<li>And preparing the right investment decision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"ember789\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">Because an ERP decision of this magnitude should not be made solely because the current provider dictates a technological change.<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember790\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\"><strong>Use the necessary pressure for change for a real market review.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember791\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">More information: <span class=\"white-space-pre\"> <\/span><a class=\"RVDFChJswVRnGfgfLGuwQIqBPRqoGHOWSrA \" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"http:\/\/www.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/\" target=\"_self\" data-test-app-aware-link=\"\"><strong>www.der-digitalisierungsberater.de<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember792\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\"><strong>Where does your company stand today?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember793\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">Has the switch to S\/4HANA already been decided, or is it still being checked in an open-ended way whether another ERP solution would be better and even cheaper in the long run?<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember794\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">This is exactly where we can help you with our methodology, tools, and 40+ years of experience.<\/p>\n<p id=\"ember795\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">Just get in touch. It will certainly be worth it! <\/p>\n<p id=\"ember796\" class=\"ember-view reader-text-block__paragraph\">#SAP #S4HANA #SAPMigration #ERP #ERPSelection #ERPProject #Digitalization #DigitalTransformation #SoftwareSelection #Mittelstand #ITStrategy #EnterpriseSoftware<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium width_full\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_2da9e0f8\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Always be the first to receive the latest news, interviews, and expert articles? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><div class=\"tnp tnp-subscription \">\n<form method=\"post\" action=\"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php?action=tnp&amp;na=s\">\n<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"nlang\" value=\"en\">\n<div class=\"tnp-field tnp-field-email\"><label for=\"tnp-1\">E-Mail<\/label>\n<input class=\"tnp-email\" type=\"email\" name=\"ne\" id=\"tnp-1\" value=\"\" placeholder=\"\" required><\/div>\n<div class=\"tnp-field tnp-privacy-field\"><label><input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"ny\" required class=\"tnp-privacy\"> <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/datenschutzerklaerung\/\">Indem Du fortf\u00e4hrst, akzeptierst Du unsere Datenschutzerkl\u00e4rung.<\/a><\/label><\/div><div class=\"tnp-field tnp-field-button\" style=\"text-align: left\"><input class=\"tnp-submit\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Abonnieren\" style=\"\">\n<\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"For many existing SAP\u00ae customers, an important deadline is drawing closer: Regular mainstream maintenance for core applications of the SAP Business Suite 7\u00ae will expire at the end of 2027. Paid extended maintenance is planned for certain solutions until the end of 2030. (SAP Support Portal) For many companies, the consequence therefore seems already clear:...","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":11324,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[63,68],"tags":[65,64,66],"class_list":["post-11310","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-digitalization","category-digital","tag-agile","tag-digitalization","tag-project-management"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11310","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11310"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11310\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11326,"href":"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11310\/revisions\/11326"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11324"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11310"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11310"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11310"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}