Managing Customizations and the Clean Core Through SAP BTP

SAP organizations have long prioritized customization within their deployments. User Exits that were once important for implementing specific requirements are now being phased out. The move to SAP S/4HANA has rendered this as a challenge to overcome, as SAP’s emphasis is now on the cloud. This means that customization is now a hindrance to the concept of the “clean core,” or a technological basis that is free from the legacy debt that comes with these historic customizations.

SAP organizations understand the importance of the clean core – advanced findings from SAPinsider’s SAP S/4HANA Migration benchmark research report found that reducing or eliminating custom code footprint to create a clean and agile core was cited as an important step in the SAP S/4HANA journey by more than 62% of companies.

Customization and the Clean Core

While the clean core is important, organizations are struggling to find ways to alter their SAP deployments while keeping the core clean and agile. One of the preeminent solutions in this case is to rely on SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).

Instead of making customizations within the core of SAP, companies can use SAP BTP to create, deploy, and scale customizations and other add-ons. These new features can integrate seamlessly throughout the entire SAP S/4HANA deployment without adding on technical debt or affecting the agility of the overall landscape.

Additionally, this separation allows users to seamlessly update their applications and patch releases without affecting the standard functionality of the new SAP core. This minimizes downtime and risks while also helping companies adopt innovations, new processes, and technologies more quickly.

The Benefits of SAP BTP

By creating add-ons through SAP BTP, the core SAP S/4HANA system can operate with reduced complexity. This offers enhanced stability, while also reducing the need for manual processes. Infusing automation into key workflows not only saves time and frustration for key teams but can also reduce the instances of human error as well. As organizations make the move to SAP S/4HANA, they are beginning to prioritize solutions that developed and deployed on SAP BTP.

xSuite has introduced several firsts in this category, including its invoice processing solution, which became the first workflow solution in this area to receive SAP’s Clean Core certification in 2024. It also offers the Business Partner Portal for supplier onboarding, which is built on top of the BTP. These solutions are compatible with every SAP S/4HANA operating model: SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, Cloud Private Edition, and On-Premises installations. This gives SAP customers full flexibility, significantly simplifying their transition.

 What This Means for SAPinsiders

Clean Core and customizations can coexist. Organizations making the move to SAP S/4HANA in the near future should take the time to research and understand the capabilities SAP BTP offers them to infuse any necessary customizations. This will help them understand how they can improve their capabilities through advanced offerings like AI and automation without adding any technical debt.

Prepare for the clean core before the move. SAP organizations are often hesitant to make any changes to their workflows ahead of their move SAP S/4HANA. In reality, this may be the best time to make those changes. Organizations should evaluate which workflows they can improve or automate ahead of their move to avoid porting over outdated practices.

Prioritize partners who prioritize the cloud. SAP has indicated that its innovative initiatives will come through the cloud. SAP organizations should be ready to receive the benefits of these new technologies and find partners who are doing the same. Organizations like xSuite have prepared key offerings like their invoicing and procurement solutions to align with organizations that are moving to SAP S/4HANA and aiming to comply with SAP’s clean core best practices.