If you're running SAP systems, 2025 is going to be a big year. Several important deadlines are coming up fast, and you need to know what they mean for your business.

Your SAP Cloud ERP Compatibility Packs Expire December 31, 2025

Back in 2015, SAP created compatibility packs to make moving from ECC to SAP Cloud ERP (then known as SAP S/4HANA) easier. They let you keep using familiar ECC features while getting used to the new system.

But here's the thing — most of these packs expire on December 31, 2025. If you keep using them after that, you're breaking your license agreement. It doesn't matter which SAP Cloud ERP version you're on.

There are a few exceptions. Customer Service, Transportation, and Production Planning for Process Industries get extended until 2030. Same goes for RISE with SAP customers. But for everyone else, the deadline is firm.

About 70% of SAP Cloud ERP customers use at least one compatibility pack right now. Getting rid of them isn't just about turning them off - you need to rebuild business processes and figure out how to replace what they do.

SAP has tools to help you see what you're using: Readiness Check, Simplification Item Check, and Custom Code Analyzer. But you still need to do the work of moving everything over.

Here's how we help: We look at what compatibility packs you're using and how they affect your business. Then we build a plan to move that functionality to native SAP Cloud ERP features without breaking anything. We handle the process changes, technical moves, and training so you're compliant by December.

ECC Support Ends in 2027: What SAP Cloud ERP Customers Need to Know

The compatibility pack deadline gets attention, but there's a bigger issue. Two-thirds of SAP customers are still running ECC systems, and mainstream support ends in 2027.

Moving to SAP Cloud ERP costs serious money. Large companies often spend over $100 million and take years to complete the move. With the current economy, boards are being careful about approving these big projects.

Some companies have paused their SAP Cloud ERP plans to think things through. Others are looking at third-party support from companies like Rimini Street, which supports ECC and SAP Cloud ERP through 2040. This gives you more time to decide without the pressure of immediate migration.

At Customertimes, we help you build business cases that look at all your options. We compare total costs, evaluate what SAP Cloud ERP features actually matter for your industry, and recommend timing that works with your business cycles. Whether you migrate now, get extended support, or try a hybrid approach, we give you the facts to decide.

Security and Technical Considerations During SAP Cloud ERP Upgrades

System upgrades are a good time to fix security problems, but you have to do it right. One critical step is running transaction SU25 - SAP's tool that updates user roles and permissions for the new system.

If you mess up SU25, you get access errors, outdated permissions, system warnings, and users can't access new features. This hurts productivity and wastes your upgrade investment.

You also need to decide how to set up Fiori. You can go with separate front-end and back-end systems (more complex) or integrated single-system setup (simpler). SAP recommends the integrated approach because it's easier to manage.

And get ready for Fiori Launchpad changes. They're moving from groups to spaces and pages, which changes how users navigate.

Our security team makes sure permissions migrate correctly during upgrades. We run SU25 properly, clean up old objects, and design role structures that work well with Fiori. We help you pick the right Fiori setup, configure it, and train users. After go-live, our managed services team keeps monitoring and improving security.

Better Ways to Implement SAP Cloud ERP

The old "big bang" approach causes problems. When you change business processes, data models, custom code, integrations, and security all at once, things break.

The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) works better. SAP recognizes it in their Activate methodology. SAFe gives you structured management, organized backlogs, and continuous risk management. You deliver value in pieces instead of one massive rollout.

Modern automation tools can analyze your custom code, create test suites, and run regression testing automatically. This speeds things up and reduces mistakes.

We use SAFe principles throughout implementation. Instead of one big deployment that could fail, we deliver value incrementally. We work with your leadership to align goals, structure release trains, and manage dependencies. Our automation tools analyze code, generate tests, and create documentation faster while maintaining quality.

Planning Your SAP Cloud ERP Upgrade Strategy

SAP Cloud ERP migration offers real benefits beyond just compliance:

• Extended Support: Each release gets five years of mainstream support. No more paying premium costs for extended support.
• Better Features: Modern interfaces, advanced analytics, and process automation that actually improve how work gets done.
• Technology Alignment: You stay current with SAP's roadmap and get access to new innovations.
• User Experience: Fiori interfaces are much better than old SAP GUI screens. Users actually like them.
• Competitive Edge: Access to new capabilities that competitors on legacy systems don't have.

You can choose between functional upgrades (add new capabilities during migration) or technical upgrades (minimal changes first, add features later). The right choice depends on how much change your organization can handle, your timeline, and budget.

Resource planning needs to account for functional scope, current Fiori usage, new technology opportunities, and internal skills. SAP's RISE and Grow packages can simplify implementation for enterprise and mid-market companies.

Our planning process starts with comprehensive assessments of your current system, business processes, and customizations. We help determine the best upgrade approach based on your specific situation and constraints. We provide realistic resource estimates and timeline projections. Our team evaluates RISE and Grow packages and integrates with your internal teams for successful delivery.

What You Should Do: SAP Cloud ERP in 2025

The SAP landscape in 2025 requires balancing compliance deadlines, financial constraints, operational continuity, and strategic positioning. Success depends on thorough analysis, careful planning, and experienced implementation partners.

Whether you're dealing with immediate compatibility pack requirements or planning comprehensive ECC migration, you benefit from working with experienced SAP specialists who understand both technical complexities and business realities.

Customertimes combines deep technical expertise with strategic business insight to guide successful SAP Cloud ERP transformations. Our services cover initial assessment through implementation and ongoing improvement, ensuring your investment delivers measurable value while minimizing operational risk.

Want to discuss your SAP Cloud ERP upgrade strategy? Contact us to schedule a consultation and start developing your path forward.

We've been doing SAP Cloud ERP upgrades for years. We know they're complicated. But we also know how to make them work.

References
CIO - "Upgrade or else, SAP warns as end of SAP Cloud ERP (S/4HANA) Compatibility Pack licensing nears" (June 4, 2025)
CFOtech - "CIOs push back on SAP Cloud ERP upgrade deadline amid cost fears" (June 12, 2025)
Protiviti blog - "Successfully Navigating Security in SAP Cloud ERP Upgrades" (August 5, 2025)
Notes from Adam Mattis - "Simplifying the SAP Cloud ERP Upgrade with GenAI + SAFe" (April 28, 2025)
Accely - "How to prepare your SAP Cloud ERP System for an Upgrade?" (June 2, 2025)