Clean Core is the key to a future-proof SAP system. In this blog, you'll learn why Clean Core matters, the principles behind it, and how to successfully implement it with RISE with SAP.
Clean Core is the key to a future-proof SAP system.
If you work with SAP, you probably know the situation: legacy structures slow down progress, innovation falls by the wayside, and the demands on IT systems keep growing. This is exactly where the Clean Core concept comes in.
It helps reduce complexity, accelerate innovation, and keep systems maintainable in the long run. In this guide, we’ll show you how to achieve a clean, flexible, and future-proof ERP system step by step using RISE with SAP.
Transformation Headwinds: The Biggest Challenges for SAP Systems
Historically grown SAP systems are often burdened with technical debt:
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Undocumented interfaces
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Custom modifications
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Lack of standardization
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Poor data quality
These weaknesses slow down innovation, reduce agility, and lead to higher operating costs.
Three key challenges at a glance:
1. Managing process complexity
Companies need a flexible infrastructure to quickly adapt business models and applications to changing market conditions.
2. Integrating new technologies
Innovation, automation, and business AI require a modern, standardized ERP system with new digital capabilities.
3. Responding to constant change
In a volatile business world, companies must respond dynamically to new requirements to remain competitive.
What is a Clean Core in the SAP context?
Clean Core is a modern ERP philosophy based on standardization, agility, and integrity. It aims to keep the ERP core clean while ensuring innovation through smart extension concepts.
Key features of a Clean Core:
- Agile and upgradeable systems
- Clearly separated extensions
- Standardized processes
- High data quality and governance
The 5 Clean Core principles at a glance:
1. Business Processes
Standardized processes ensure competitiveness and reduce complexity.
2. Extensibility
Separate extensions from the standard to maintain upgradeability.
3. Data
Adhere to current data standards to ensure data quality and transparency.
4. Integration
A stable and flexible system landscape enables easy connections.
5. Operations
Efficient operations through automation and reduced maintenance costs.
Benefits of a Clean Core for SAP Systems
A Clean Core allows companies to allocate IT budgets more effectively – shifting from reducing technical debt to focusing on real innovation projects.
Increase Agility
- Achieve value creation faster through standardized processes
- Use extensions strategically for business-critical differentiation
- Make informed decisions through clear data governance
Unlock Innovation
- Integrate new technologies like Business AI more quickly
- Deploy modern ERP with more frequent and easier upgrades
Increase Efficiency & Improve Security
- Reduce maintenance costs through system standardization
- Minimize cyber risks through fewer customizations
Implementation with RISE with SAP: The Path to Clean Core
The RISE with SAP methodology is based on Clean Core activities and clearly defined quality gates. It ensures greater agility, shorter upgrade cycles, and faster adoption of new functionalities.
Project Phases:
- Discover ➡ 2. Prepare ➡ 3. Explore (each with quality gates)
Key Components:
- Onboarding with the SAP Launch Advisor
- Setting up the Clean Core success plan
- Execution of planned tasks
- Evaluation through quality gates and Clean Core report
The Clean Core success plan guides the entire customer value journey and ensures adherence to project KPIs.
Get Clean & Stay Clean: Two Implementation Phases
Get Clean:
Eliminate legacy issues, standardize processes, and modernize systems.
Stay Clean:
Design new developments in a way that ensures they remain maintainable, upgradeable, and integrable in the long term.