SAP has set the end of mainstream maintenance for SAP ECC 6.0 (Business Suite 7) to the end of 2027, with optional extended maintenance until the end of 2030 at additional cost. For thousands of companies this is the trigger to move to SAP S/4HANA.
What end of maintenance means
After mainstream maintenance ends, ECC no longer receives regular legal updates, new functionality and standard support under the usual terms. Running an unsupported ERP increases compliance and security risks over time.
Your options
- Brownfield system conversion to S/4HANA – keep history and customising, adapt custom code.
- Greenfield new implementation – redesign processes on S/4HANA best practices.
- Selective data transition – a hybrid, moving selected data and processes.
- Extended maintenance – buys time until 2030 but costs extra and only postpones the decision.
- Switch to another ERP – possible, but usually a bigger change.
Why start now
- S/4HANA projects typically take many months
- Experienced SAP consultants are in high demand as the deadline approaches
- Data cleansing and custom-code adaptation take time
- Starting early allows a calm, phased approach
First steps
- SAP Readiness Check to analyse your system, add-ons and simplification items.
- Custom-code analysis to see which developments must be adapted.
- Data quality review – master data clean-up is a quick win.
- Business case with goals beyond the technical upgrade (Fiori, real-time reporting, automation).
- Decide the transition path and create a roadmap.
Cloud or on-premise?
S/4HANA is available as Cloud Public Edition, Cloud Private Edition (typically via RISE with SAP) and on-premise. The choice depends on how standard your processes are and how much flexibility you need.
How we help
We support readiness checks, custom-code remediation (ABAP), Fiori apps, integrations and data migration – and help you plan a realistic path to S/4HANA.