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SAP shared a decisive and unmistakable message to its global user base about the fast-approaching expiration date of compatibility packs: “This date is a real hard stop.” Additionally, SAP stated, “…continued usage of [compatibility packs] constitutes a breach of contract.” The warning underscores the company’s commitment to enforcing the upcoming deadlines related to its flagship ERP software transition. Specifically, SAP is urging all customers to move from the legacy SAP ECC (ERP Central Component) platform to the modern S/4HANA suite.
The push to upgrade is not new. SAP first introduced compatibility packs in 2015 to ease the migration burden for organizations, granting them additional time to maintain key ECC functionalities while evaluating and planning their path forward. However, all good things must come to an end, and these compatibility packs will expire at the close of 2025. Accordingly, SAP is making it clear that there will be no broad extensions beyond this deadline.
SAP Compatibility Packs Are Temporary
Compatibility packs were never intended as a permanent solution. They were meant to bridge the gap between what was and what will be, providing a temporary reprieve for SAP customers and allowing them to retain ECC capabilities or functionality that was not available with initial S/4HANA releases. But over the last decade, all technical barriers have since been removed, making the packs “redundant,” according to SAP’s Senior Vice President of ERP Product Marketing Maura Hameroff. Thus, further reinforcing the urgency for customers to complete their migrations and discontinue reliance on compatibility packs.
The consequences of missing SAP’s migration deadline are both immediate and severe, leaving little room for ambiguity or complacency. Businesses that fail to transition to S/4HANA before the compatibility packs expire will lose access to critical support, significantly heightening exposure to security vulnerabilities, operational failures, and a lack of regulatory updates. Without ongoing SAP maintenance, companies are at risk of non-compliance and will be unable to receive necessary system patches and updates or access new features. This creates a dangerous environment where vulnerabilities could be exploited, and business continuity jeopardized.
Non-compliance with SAP’s migration requirements could also trigger steep financial penalties as outlined in contractual agreements. The risk extends to business operations, too, with possible service disruptions and increased audit scrutiny. Given the high stakes, it’s important to prioritize this transition and give it the immediate, focused attention it deserves. According to Research Fellow Scott Bickley at Info-Tech Research Group, an estimated 70% of S/4HANA customers are still using at least one pack, meaning time is of the essence to safeguard against technical obstacles and costly fallouts and maintain operational stability.
What are the Exceptions to the Rule?
While SAP’s migration mandate is strict, there are a few narrowly defined exceptions to the rule. Certain businesses may qualify for extended support or delayed migration timelines if you have unique business requirements or are operating in highly regulated industries that make a rapid transition impractical. This might include companies operating in sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or utilities. To qualify, your organization would need to demonstrate that the transition could impact critical public services or regulatory compliance.
Also, three Compatibility Packs, including Customer Service (CS), Transportation (LE-TRA), and Production Planning for Process Industries (PP-PI), have extended use rights through 2030. SAP Rise customers will retain usage rights through 2030, as well.
Finally, customers who have entered into special agreements or are part of SAP’s designated strategic programs may be eligible to receive temporary extensions, tailored migration timelines, or supplementary support. However, these exceptions are rare and typically require substantial justification and direct negotiation with SAP. You should never assume that an extension will be granted; instead, proceed with your migration plans as if the deadline is final, seeking an exception only as a last resort and with a compelling case.
Tips to Ensure Compliance
To ensure a successful, compliant migration from SAP ECC to S/4HANA, your business must adopt a proactive approach and follow best practices throughout the transition. Also, be aware that while SAP’s cloud offerings are the company’s preferred solution, other options exist, such as a hybrid of on-premises and cloud, and different types of cloud that are best suited to your industry and regulations.
The following tips are designed to help you navigate common challenges, mitigate risks, and minimize business interruptions as you prepare for SAP’s mandated upgrade deadline:
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your current ECC environment to identify dependencies and customizations that may impact the migration. Documenting these elements is vital for anticipating challenges and ensuring a thorough transition plan.
- Establish a clear migration roadmap with defined milestones and realistic timelines to manage and track progress efficiently.
- Engage experienced SAP consultants and leverage available migration tools and best practices to reduce risks and ensure all technical and business requirements are met. External experts can provide invaluable guidance, fill internal knowledge gaps, and help your organization avoid pitfalls that might otherwise delay or derail your migration project.
- Prioritize user training and change management to facilitate a smooth adoption and minimize disruption. Well-prepared users are essential to unlock the full value of your S/4HANA investment.
- Maintain regular communication with SAP and stay up to date on guidelines and support offerings to address challenges and prevent compliance issues proactively.
Oxford Can Help
Completing an SAP migration is a significant undertaking that requires specialized knowledge and careful planning. The scope of work often includes technical upgrades and business process redesign, data cleansing, and post-migration validation. Oxford can help. We are ready to support you at every stage of the transition. We offer end-to-end support, from initial readiness assessments and strategic roadmap development to technical implementation, user training, and ongoing post-migration optimization.
In addition, our partnership with SAP enables us to provide you with seasoned SAP experts who have deep industry experience and a proven track record in complex ERP transformations, ensuring your migration is completed on time, on budget, and with minimal disruption to business operations. “Beyond the technical migration, our focus is on helping people succeed in the new environment,” said Ginger McCullough, our OCM & Training Practice Director. “Change management and training aren’t add-ons, they’re the foundation for lasting adoption and long-term results.”
Whether you need targeted consulting or a fully managed migration, we provide flexible solutions designed to address your unique requirements and help you achieve a successful, compliant, and future-ready SAP environment.
