Half of German-speaking SAP users set to blow past 2027 ECC support deadline

In recent years, SAP, the German multinational enterprise software provider, has been pushing its customers to migrate from its legacy ECC (Enterprise Resource Planning) ERP system to its newer, cloud-based solutions like S/4HANA. However, a survey of German-speaking SAP users in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria reveals that half of these users are planning to continue using the ECC platform beyond the 2027 support deadline, despite the potential risks.

The survey, conducted among members of the DSAG (Deutschsprachige SAP Anwendervereinigung), a user group for German-speaking SAP professionals, highlights the resistance to change that many organizations face when it comes to upgrading their ERP systems. The majority of respondents cited cost as a significant barrier to migrating to the newer platforms, with many willing to pay a premium to stay on the legacy ECC system until 2030.

One of the primary reasons for this reluctance is the high cost of migration. Upgrading to S/4HANA or other modern ERP systems requires significant investment in both hardware and software, as well as time and resources for training staff and adapting business processes. Many organizations, particularly smaller ones, are hesitant to undertake such a major overhaul without clear evidence of the benefits outweighing the costs.

Another factor contributing to the delay in migration is the complexity of the ECC system. Many users have invested years, if not decades, in customizing and integrating the ECC platform to meet their specific business needs. This makes the prospect of migrating to a new system daunting, as it could disrupt existing workflows and require a significant re-engineering of business processes.

Despite the risks associated with continuing to use the ECC system beyond 2027, such as the potential loss of support and security updates, many organizations are willing to take this chance. The survey suggests that these users are prioritizing the stability and familiarity of the ECC platform over the potential advantages of newer, more advanced ERP systems.

SAP has been actively promoting its cloud-based solutions, including S/4HANA, as a way to help organizations modernize their IT infrastructure and gain a competitive edge in the digital age. However, the survey results indicate that the push for migration is not as effective as hoped, particularly among German-speaking users.

In response to these findings, SAP may need to reconsider its strategy for encouraging users to migrate. Offering more flexible pricing models, providing clearer demonstrations of the benefits of migration, and offering more comprehensive support during the transition process could help address the concerns of those reluctant to move away from the ECC platform.

Meanwhile, organizations that choose to stay on the ECC system beyond 2027 will need to carefully assess the risks involved. While the familiarity and stability of the platform may offer short-term benefits, the lack of support and security updates could leave them vulnerable to potential threats and disruptions in the long term.

In conclusion, the survey of German-speaking SAP users reveals a significant resistance to migrating from the ECC ERP system, with half of the respondents planning to continue using it beyond the 2027 support deadline. This reluctance is driven by concerns about cost, complexity, and the potential disruption to business operations. As SAP continues to push for migration to its newer platforms, it will need to address these concerns and offer more compelling reasons for users to make the switch. For organizations that choose to stay on the ECC system, careful risk assessment will be essential to ensure their long-term stability and security.