The Hidden Costs of Waiting: Why 2026 Is Your Decision Year
With SAP ECC mainstream support ending December 31, 2027, many organizations believe they still have time. The reality? Waiting is already costing you—and those costs compound every quarter.
The Timeline Reality Check
If you haven't started your S/4HANA journey, here's the math:
Organizations starting in H2 2026 will miss the 2027 deadline, facing extended maintenance costs or third-party support decisions.
The Compounding Costs
Rising Maintenance & Support Costs
Talent & Resource Scarcity
Competitive & Business Risk
Example: A Mid-Size Manufacturer
Consider a $500M revenue manufacturer with 1,200 SAP users currently on ECC 6.0:
What to Do Now
Complete a strategic assessment this quarter
Understand your options: RISE, GROW, on-premise S/4, or extended ECC continuity. Don't let the 2027 deadline force a decision—make an informed choice.
Secure budget commitment for Q2 2026
Even if you're not starting implementation, reserve budget now. Projects delayed for budget cycles lose 6-12 months.
Begin partner evaluation
The best implementation partners are already booking 2026-2027 capacity. Start conversations now even if you're not ready to commit.
Document your current state
Run custom code analysis, catalog integrations, assess data quality. This work accelerates any future project and enables accurate planning.
The Bottom Line
Every quarter of delay increases costs and risk. The 2027 deadline isn't just about support ending—it's about the compounding effects of waiting: premium consultant rates, resource scarcity, compressed timelines, and missed business opportunity. 2026 is your decision year. Use it wisely.
