Modernize Without Migrating
You don't need S/4HANA to modernize your ERP. Extract more value from ECC through automation, cloud extensions, analytics, and UX improvements.
of S/4 migration cost
of business value delivered
modernization layers
months for quick wins
Overview
The Modernization Imperative
SAP ECC is a stable, proven platform. But it's showing its age in user experience, integration patterns, and operational efficiency. The good news: you can modernize the parts that matter most without ripping out the core.
Pro tip: Modernization investments aren't wasted if you later move to S/4. Fiori apps, BTP extensions, and cloud integrations are forward-compatible.
Strategy
Four Modernization Layers
Each layer can be tackled independently, allowing you to prioritize based on your biggest pain points.
User Experience
Modern interfaces without touching ECC
Replace clunky SAPGUI with modern, role-based interfaces. Users get consumer-grade UX.
Quick win: Start with 3-5 high-volume transactions
Integration & Extension
Connect ECC to modern services
Connect ECC to cloud services, modern APIs, and third-party apps without middleware complexity.
Quick win: Customer/supplier portal via BTP
Automation
Eliminate manual, repetitive tasks
RPA, workflow automation, and intelligent document processing to reduce manual effort.
Quick win: Automate mass data uploads (MM01, XD01)
Analytics & Insights
Modern BI and predictive analytics
Extract ECC data to modern platforms for real-time dashboards and self-service BI.
Quick win: Power BI dashboards for executives
Approach
Implementation Strategy
Identify Pain Points
What are your top 5 user complaints? Start there.
Pick One Layer
Choose UX, automation, analytics, or integration.
Pilot 1-2 Use Cases
Build POC in 4-8 weeks. Measure ROI.
Scale & Iterate
Expand. Build roadmap. Create COE.
Quick Wins (3-6 months)
- Fiori for top 5 transactions
- RPA for manual data entry
- Power BI dashboards
- API for one integration
Strategic Initiatives (6-18 months)
- Customer/supplier portal
- Full automation pipeline
- Cloud data warehouse
- Mobile-first redesign
Investment
Cost & ROI
Modernization initiatives typically cost 10-30% of a full S/4HANA conversion but deliver 60-80% of the business value for key processes.
Typical Investment
- UX modernization (10-20 apps)$200K-$500K
- Automation/RPA (10-15 bots)$150K-$400K
- Analytics platform$300K-$800K
- API/integration layer$250K-$600K
Expected ROI
- 20-40% less manual effort
- 30-50% faster decisions
- 50-70% user satisfaction
- 60-80% faster integrations
Decision Guide
When to Modernize vs Migrate
Modernize if...
- You're staying on ECC through 2030+
- Core processes work well, UX is the issue
- Budget/timeline for S/4 not available yet
- Need quick wins to buy time
- Want to "try before you buy" cloud
Migrate if...
- →2027 deadline forcing your hand
- →Core data model is broken
- →Need new S/4 functionality
- →Technical debt is unsustainable
- →Want platform for next 10+ years
Go Deeper
Explore Our Guides
Need a Modernization Strategy?
Take the ERP Path Selector to understand whether to modernize now, migrate to S/4, or pursue a hybrid approach based on your specific situation.
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