Operating SAP after 2027, without downtime and without cloud constraints

3 min read

Many companies using SAP ERP are currently faced with a decision that often seems unnecessarily black and white: either you manage a rapid S/4 transformation, or you live with increasing risks and growing uncertainty.

This is too crude a framework for thinking. Because there is a pragmatic third way between “big bang” and “close your eyes and go for it”: securing the continued operation of the core in a plannable manner and implementing modernization in a targeted manner where it brings measurable added value.

This is exactly why we at Simplifier are launching our collaboration with TakeASP.

Why the topic should be on the table now

Many IT organizations will have to make decisions in 2026 and 2027 that can hurt not only technically, but also financially and organizationally.

And this is precisely where the false reflex often arises: “If we don’t transform immediately, we’re screwed.”

No. You are not delivered. You just need a clean plan.

The approach: operate a stable core, decouple innovation

1) Plannable continued operation of the SAP core

TakeASP focuses on SAP Basis and infrastructure issues, providing support remotely, in our own data centers or on site, with clear service models and SLAs. Target picture: The existing ERP core remains stable, calculable and operable, while you make strategic decisions at your own pace.

2) Investment protection instead of transformation pressure

Once operations are up and running, roadmaps can be treated like roadmaps again: prioritized, financed, step by step. Put an end to the constant barrage of “must be done now”.

3) Modernization where it is already effective today

And this is where Simplifier comes into play: side-by-side extensions, modern interfaces, mobile use cases, integrations and process orchestration without you having to touch the core first.

What does this mean in concrete terms: modernization without core surgery

A few typical levers that we see in practice:

Fiori UX and modern front ends
Role-based apps for specialist departments, away from “search for transaction” to “complete task”.

Mobile applications
Shop floor, logistics, quality, maintenance: exactly where Excel, paper and calls are still processes today.

AI-supported processes, but with governance
AI is only useful if data flows, authorizations and workflows are clean. Many companies therefore don’t start with “more AI”, but with “more order”. This is less sexy, but much more effective.

Integration of SAP and non-SAP
Modernization rarely happens only in the SAP system. Orchestration across system boundaries, including clear process logic and an audit trail, is crucial.

Risk reduction instead of system failure

What usually really hurts after 2027 is not the single missing note from the support portal. It’s the operational risks:

Security and compliance pressure
Know-how bottlenecks in basic operations
Unclear operational responsibility
Uncontrolled process workarounds in the specialist departments

The combination of stable operation (TakeASP) and targeted process modernization (Simplifier) addresses precisely these points with a predictable approach.

A new role for SMEs: from man-days to models

Many medium-sized companies do not want religious wars. They want reliability, calculable costs, short distances and real responsibility.

This is also our view of cooperation: less actionism, more operational reliability plus innovation in digestible steps.

How we start together

If you recognize yourself in the situation, these are sensible first steps:

As-is analysis of the current ERP landscape: version, dependencies, operating model, risk areas
Target picture for operations 2027+: What has to run stable, what can be modernized in waves?
Quick wins side-by-side: 1 to 3 processes with high pain and quick effect to build momentum
Roadmap 12 to 24 months: modernization prioritized according to benefit, risk and feasibility