Clean Core Strategy
The term ‘SAP Clean Core’ describes a strategy in which companies keep their SAP environment as close to the standard as possible and minimise the proportion of custom code.
Individual customisations are made outside the core on the SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) or via other extension methods such as side-by-side extensibility. By using SAP standards and extension options outside the actual core system, the system remains lean, future-proof and easier to update.
Technical implementation of SAP Clean Core – extension techniques
There are various approaches to extending SAP S/4HANA systems without modifying the core:
- Key-user extensibility: Simple customisations by business users
- On-stack developer extensibility: Extensions within the S/4HANA system with approved interfaces
- Side-by-side extensibility: Use of SAP BTP for complex extensions outside the ERP core
Challenges in implementation
- Resistance to standardisation: Employees must accept new ways of working
- Clearing up legacy issues: Previous adjustments must be analysed and migrated
- Integrating new technologies: Cloud solutions require new skills
SAP BTP: The key to a clean core strategy
The SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) offers numerous tools for implementing Clean Core:
- Integration Suite for connecting external systems
- SAP Build Apps for no-code and low-code development
- SAP Datasphere for modern data management solutions
- SAP Signavio for analysing and optimising business processes
Conclusion: A future-proof SAP architecture
SAP Clean Core enables an agile, low-maintenance and flexible ERP environment. Companies benefit from lower operating costs, simplified upgrades and faster innovation. The consistent use of SAP BTP as an extension platform is the key to long-term successful SAP S/4HANA operation.
