Baer Group Guides SAP ECC Customer to S/4HANA with RISE

A long-time SAP ECC customer is considering RISE with SAP for its SAP S/4HANA transformation, in conversation with Baer Group. This discussion underscores the increasing importance of RISE with SAP as a comprehensive option for organizations aiming to modernize their ERP systems without taking on the full responsibilities of system management and infrastructure choices.

According to Baer Group, the client had been exploring options but is considering RISE with SAP after understanding that the bundled package would lower complexity and offer a more predictable route to SAP S/4HANA. The engagement highlights a trend among ECC customers to focus on time-to-value, simplification, and reduced risk in large-scale ERP modernization projects.

Why RISE Was the Chosen Path

The firm’s consultants are discussing with this client how to adopt best practices for SAP S/4HANA while also utilizing AI-powered tools such as AI Foundation and Joule Studio that can automate code remediation and data transformation.

The enterprise is considering RISE with SAP based on several strategic reasons that go beyond just meeting deadlines. Simply put, the company sees RISE as a complete business transformation platform. With built-in analytics, process automation, and access to a growing ecosystem for innovation, RISE with SAP helps the company improve operational agility, boost customer satisfaction, and make workflows more efficient.

Complexity and Risk Management

The complexity of SAP ECC-to-S/4HANA transitions demands careful risk management and strategic partnerships. The company wisely worries about unclear migration plans, legacy data compliance, system uptime during migration, and user adoption challenges. To reduce these risks, Baer recommends they consider a packaged migration solution that offer clear roadmaps, minimize downtime, and support a smooth transition with ongoing post-migration assistance.

Total cost of ownership remains the top concern for most enterprises. While RISE with SAP combines cloud ERP with SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) and value-added services, they are carefully examining pricing models to balance subscription costs with operational efficiencies.

What This Means for SAPinsiders

RISE with SAP simplifies ERP modernization by reducing vendor complexity. According to SAPinsider market research, more than half of ECC customers evaluating S/4HANA are considering RISE with SAP due to vendor consolidation and simplified contracts. For SAP technology executives, this means less time negotiating and coordinating multiple contracts and more time focusing on aligning business outcomes with IT investments. In practice, organizations adopting RISE with SAP are finding they can accelerate their journey to SAP S/4HANA while maintaining greater cost predictability.

ECC end-of-support deadlines are driving broader adoption of RISE with SAP. SAPinsider research in 2022 reported that 72% of organizations still running ECC cite 2027 support deadlines as their main driver.  With 2027 fast approaching, many organizations are moving from exploratory pilots to committed migration projects. As more customers make the leap, the competitive risk of falling behind becomes more pronounced, especially in industries where real-time analytics and automated processes are already delivering ROI.

AI-powered migration tools are becoming essential for SAP S/4HANA success. By leveraging GenAI for data mapping and profiling, customers can significantly reduce effort and cut program governance costs. Partners such as Baer Group with proven track records in complex ERP transformations demonstrate how modernizing the ERP core enables broader innovation. For enterprises pursuing hybrid or multi-cloud strategies, it is critical to select consultants with deep expertise in security, data governance, and integration across platforms to ensure performance and compliance.