SAP Business ByDesign has long been an attractive entry point into the world of integrated cloud ERP. With the suspension of sales to new customers, SAP is now realigning its ERP portfolio. For existing users, this does not mean the end of the road – but for prospective customers, it sends an important signal.
What ist SAP Business ByDesign?
SAP Business ByDesign is a cloud-based ERP solution for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly those focused on growth and operating internationally. It brings together key processes such as finance, procurement, sales, projects, human resources, production and logistics within a single integrated system. The system is operated by SAP, meaning customers do not need to set up and maintain their own ERP infrastructure.
The target audience comprises companies that require more than just financial software, but do not wish to implement a highly complex enterprise ERP system with a large in-house IT organisation.
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What are SAP’s plans for the solution?
SAP has discontinued sales of Business ByDesign to new customers with effect from 20 April 2026 and removed the solution from its active price list. This move forms part of the strategic focus on SAP Cloud ERP – specifically SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition – as the central ERP platform for the company’s future cloud and innovation strategy.
It is important to note the distinction: Business ByDesign will not be shut down in the short term. Secure and compliant operation will continue to be guaranteed for existing customers. However, it is expected that new functional innovations, automation, business AI and strategic developments will primarily be incorporated into SAP Cloud ERP. Business ByDesign will therefore remain usable, but will lose its significance as a strategic growth platform.
What does this mean for existing customers?
For existing customers, there is no immediate need to migrate. Ongoing processes can continue to run; support, as well as necessary security, compliance and regulatory updates, remain key components of the system’s security.
Nevertheless, companies should not simply sit back and wait for developments to unfold. Three questions are crucial:
- How much longer will the current scope of functionality remain aligned with the company’s strategy?
- What innovations and integrations will be required in future?
- Which customised extensions, interfaces and data must be taken into account when switching systems?
A robust ERP roadmap makes more sense than a hasty replacement. This includes a process and system analysis, a target vision, a cost-benefit analysis and a realistic migration plan. For many companies, a phased transition may be more sensible than a sudden change.
We chose CONSILIO as our partner for our S/4HANA trans-formation because their consultants bring not only deep expertise in the SAP SCM environment, but also strong business know-how. This was a key factor in the success of our S/4HANA transformation.
Summary
The end of Business ByDesign sales is, above all, a strategic signal. Existing customers have time, but should use it to plan for the future in a structured way. New customers are generally better off with SAP Cloud ERP; for smaller businesses, SAP Business One may be a suitable alternative. The key factor is not the fastest migration, but an ERP vision that suits the size, complexity and development of the business. At CONSILIO, we are happy to assist you with any questions regarding strategic positioning, selecting the right SAP solution and developing your ERP roadmap.
The end of Business ByDesign sales is, above all, a strategic signal. Existing customers have time, but should use it to plan for the future in a structured way. What matters is not the quickest migration, but an ERP vision that is suited to the size, complexity and development of the business.
