Understanding GROW with SAP vs RISE with SAP: Key Differences

Naama Aharoni  |  February 14, 2025

How to choose wisely the best offering for your business: GROW with SAP vs RISE with SAP

Are you trying to decide between GROW with SAP vs RISE with SAP for your business? This article breaks down the key differences, features, and benefits of each solution, helping you choose the best fit for your company’s unique needs. 

UNDERSTANDING SAP’S ERP OFFERINGS

SAP offers two main ERP implementation solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of midsized and large businesses: GROW with SAP and RISE with SAP. These two paths provide distinct approaches for adopting SAP S/4HANA, tailored to different business scenarios and requirements. 

GROW with SAP focuses on providing a comprehensive cloud ERP solution that supports industry best practices and continuous innovation. On the other hand, RISE with SAP offers a fully managed cloud service aimed at transforming and modernizing enterprise operations. 

Detailed knowledge of these offerings will guide you in choosing the best path for your business. 

GROW WITH SAP: ACCELERATING BUSINESS GROWTH

GROW with SAP is tailored for businesses transitioning from traditional methods to cloud ERP, particularly those new to this environment. The primary aim is to drive business growth, enhance customer experiences for SAP customers, foster innovation, and optimize operations. Companies can expect increased efficiency, comprehensive training, and optimized adoption processes to support their growth journey. 

One of the standout features of GROW with SAP is its integration with the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), which includes tools like SAP Analytics Cloud for advanced data-driven decision-making. The solution also leverages preconfigured processes and artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations and reduce costs. This comprehensive framework enables businesses to swiftly adapt to market changes and scale efficiently. 

SAP’s Intelligent Enterprise Solutions align business objectives with digital transformation initiatives, ensuring effective execution. GROW with SAP, with its rapid deployment and expansion capabilities, is an excellent choice for companies aiming to unlock their full potential and drive sustained growth. 

RISE WITH SAP: TRANSFORMING YOUR ENTERPRISE

RISE with SAP is designed for businesses looking to transition to a cloud environment while transforming their enterprise operations. This offering provides a fully managed cloud service, including expert guidance from SAP and its partners. The main focus is on cloud transition strategies and comprehensive transformation. 

With RISE with SAP, businesses benefit from improved productivity through automated processes and AI-enabled assistance. Ongoing access to valuable insights helps organizations optimize processes and make informed decisions. The ultimate goal is to transform on-premises SAP ERP systems into modernized business processes, enhancing agility and innovation through intelligent robotic process automation. 

RISE with SAP also ensures a seamless transition to SAP S/4HANA Cloud, which is collaborative, intelligent, and sustainable, supporting continuous improvement. The solution also mitigates risk by staying updated on compliance and ensuring transparency for audits. This comprehensive approach makes RISE with SAP an excellent choice for large enterprises seeking a holistic transformation journey. 

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Both GROW with SAP and RISE with SAP offer unique features and benefits, each tailored to meet specific business needs. GROW with SAP emphasizes cloud ERP adoption, offering real-time insights and streamlined decision-making. Integrated tools facilitate collaboration and accelerate decision-making across various business functions. 

On the other hand, RISE with SAP provides a comprehensive cloud services package, including sap software, migration help, and scalable infrastructure, which can be integrated with SAP ECC and sap offerings. Numerous organizations have achieved significant process enhancements and efficiency improvements with this solution. 

Regardless of the size or industry, SAP offers innovative solutions designed to support business transformation and growth. 

CORE FEATURES OF GROW WITH SAP

RISE with SAP offers an all-in-one cloud solution that includes a fully integrated SAP application suite, making it easier for organizations to manage their business operations. A scalable cloud infrastructure allows businesses to adjust resources and capabilities in response to changing demands and growth opportunities. 

The solution integrates various business functions like finance and supply chain into a cohesive system, promoting operational efficiency and clarity. With advanced analytics tools connected to SAP S/4HANA, RISE with SAP enables organizations to make data-driven decisions and gain insights to enhance operational performance. 

CORE FEATURES OF RISE WITH SAP

Weak credentials and poor access management practices often lead to unauthorized access in cloud environments. Hackers employ phishing campaigns or exploit stolen passwords to infiltrate systems, compromising data and potentially launching further attacks. 

To mitigate this threat, organizations must enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users, establish strict role-based access controls, and monitor user access patterns for anomalies. By limiting the attack surface, businesses can prevent unauthorized individuals from exploiting their systems. 

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE: FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Choosing between GROW with SAP and RISE with SAP depends on the unique requirements of your business. Factors such as company size, complexity, budget, and current systems should be evaluated to determine the best fit. This section will guide you through assessing your business needs, evaluating ERP capabilities, and considering cost and ROI. 

Making an informed decision involves understanding how these factors align with your strategic goals and operational requirements. Careful analysis of these aspects will help businesses select the ERP solution that best supports their growth and transformation objectives.  

ASSESSING BUSINESS NEEDS

Assessing your company’s current state and future aspirations is crucial for determining the best fit between GROW with SAP and RISE with SAP. Factors like company size, complexity, budget, timeline, and existing systems play a significant role in this decision. 

Evaluating current business processes involves understanding how agility and data management impact operational scaling and decision-making. Tools like the Digital Discovery Assessment can help match your requirements with the best-fit SAP S/4HANA Cloud solution, ensuring that you select the right path for your specific needs. 

EVALUATING ERP CAPABILITIES

Consider the specific needs of your business when evaluating the ERP capabilities of GROW with SAP and RISE with SAP. GROW with SAP includes low-code tools that empower business users, minimizing the need for extensive IT training. Embedded AI capabilities enhance decision-making and simplify everyday tasks. 

In contrast, RISE with SAP offers a fully managed service for transitioning to a cloud environment, covering various functional areas such as finance, sales, and inventory management. These capabilities enable businesses to leverage advanced technologies to optimize core processes and drive growth. 

COST AND ROI CONSIDERATIONS

Cost and ROI are critical factors when choosing between GROW with SAP and RISE with SAP. RISE with SAP requires a higher initial investment but offers substantial long-term benefits through tailored solutions and enhanced operational efficiency. 

Customers transitioning to RISE with SAP can use credits to reduce costs associated with maintenance and services. Simplified implementation processes in GROW with SAP reduce migration costs and time, making it a cost-effective option for businesses seeking quick returns. 

SUMMARY

In summary, GROW with SAP and RISE with SAP offer distinct paths for businesses to achieve their digital transformation and growth objectives. GROW with SAP is ideal for companies new to cloud ERP, focusing on rapid deployment, preconfigured processes, and operational efficiency. RISE with SAP, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive managed service aimed at transforming enterprise operations with advanced analytics, AI, and scalable infrastructure. 

Choosing the right solution depends on your specific business needs, goals, and resources. By carefully assessing these factors, you can select the ERP path that will best support your organization’s growth and transformation. Embrace the potential of SAP’s innovative solutions and take the next step in your ERP journey.