What we learned at UKISUG and SAP’s “Moving to Cloud ERP” event
Making the move to the cloud – and how to achieve the transition smoothly – is a key focus for many SAP user organisations right now. That was clear at the recent "Moving to Cloud ERP: Strategy and Success" event in London, where UKISUG and SAP came together with customers to talk through the reality of the journey.
One of the most illuminating aspects of the event was the open discussion in the room. It quickly became clear that while many organisations are at very different stages of their S/4HANA journey, they were also looking to answer similar questions.
The clock is ticking
Timelines played a central role in the discussion. With ECC mainstream maintenance ending in 2027 and extended maintenance running to 2030, there is increasing pressure on organisations to define a migration roadmap. While SAP's ERP Private Edition, Transition Option – which involves first moving existing ECC systems into SAP's managed private cloud, then extending support through to 2033 – can buy time in certain cases, it is only intended as an interim step rather than a replacement for a long-term plan. For many in the room, these dates are now shaping internal conversations and priorities.
Public or private?
Another key theme raised at the event was the need to make an early and informed decision between public and private cloud. Both are viable paths within the SAP landscape, but they are designed for different scenarios. Private cloud tends to suit organisations that want to retain flexibility, particularly where there is significant customisation or complexity. Public cloud is more aligned with standardised processes and faster access to innovation. The important point raised was that moving between the two is not a simple switch, so understanding requirements upfront is critical to long term success.
Check before you move
Another topic that generated discussion was compatibility scope within S/4HANA. Attendees were reminded that some legacy ERP functionality carried into S/4HANA has usage deadlines due to no longer being supported, particularly for on-premise systems, highlighting the importance of understanding what is actually being used today. Running readiness checks and reviewing compatibility scope is becoming an important step, even for those who were early adopters of S/4HANA.
Looking beyond the core
There was also a strong focus on what happens beyond the core ERP. SAP’s strategy around data and AI came through clearly, with the message that future innovation will sit in cloud environments. Several attendees reflected on what that means for their current landscapes, particularly where systems are stable but heavily customised. The challenge is not just moving systems, but preparing data and processes to support what comes next.
Overall, the session reinforced that there is no single path to cloud ERP. Different organisations will take different routes depending on their landscape, priorities and appetite for change. What was valuable was hearing how other users are approaching those decisions and the trade-offs they are considering.
For many attendees, that opportunity to compare notes and ask questions in an open forum was as useful as the formal content itself.
Join UKISUG’s Cloud ERP community to learn more: Click here.
You can learn more about the Moving to Cloud ERP Strategy and Success Event here.
