Why Clean Core
- A management-friendly summary
- Reasons for Using SAP Standard Processes and Extension Options
- Disadvantages of the Clean Core Approach
A management-friendly summary
The use of SAP standard processes and extension options provides companies with a future-proof, maintainable, and agile foundation for innovation, digitalization, and transformation. With a clear focus on standard solutions, you minimize technical debt, facilitate efficient upgrades, and are optimally prepared for the challenges of the cloud era. Always weigh when to create custom extensions and when to use a different platform for the extension or business process.
Reasons for Using SAP Standard Processes and Extension Options
Future-Proofing and Innovation
SAP standard transactions and applications are enhanced and expanded with every S/4HANA release. SAP delivers innovations exclusively through standard processes, particularly in the public cloud. Using these processes ensures that companies can benefit from future updates and enhancements. Development based on standard APIs—and thus standard data products—is future-proof.
Reducing Technical Debt
Reducing technical debt facilitates the implementation of audit/compliance-compliant and “security-by-default” techniques. Example: Custom APIs based on RAP in a managed scenario enable a secure data update process. In the long term, the effort required for maintenance and adjustments is reduced, which supports an agile and secure IT landscape. Whether during an inventory or for each new requirement, you can use the 4R approach (Reuse, Retire, Refactor, and Replatform) to evaluate your custom code. By defining your Clean Core guidelines, you can perform active refactoring (Get Clean phase) across projects. Before or after this, all new developments should be carried out in accordance with the guidelines (Stay Clean phase).
Improving Upgradeability
A major advantage of the Clean Core concept is the ability to perform upgrades quickly and smoothly. Standard processes enable upgrades without the need for extensive customization and testing. This allows companies to benefit more quickly from new technologies and SAP innovations.
Promoting Digitalization and Innovation
Please note two aspects for future business process improvements:
- Seamlessly leverage SAP innovations: By leveraging the SAP standard, companies can seamlessly integrate new technologies and integrate innovations into their business processes.
- Digitization of business processes: Standard solutions, such as standard Fiori apps, can be expanded to include artificial intelligence in SAP BTP and form the basis for consistent digitization and automation.
Efficient Use and Expansion of SAP Solutions
SAP standard solutions and interfaces (e.g., Business Accelerator Hub) enable the use of a single source rather than maintaining multiple isolated non-standard solutions. The customizations are based on proven SAP extension mechanisms, which promote a future-proof architecture and will continue to be extended and utilized by SAP in the future.
Preparing for Cloud Transformation
Thanks to the Clean Core concept and the use of standard SAP transactions and applications, companies can migrate their business processes to the cloud as soon as it makes sense to do so. Using SAP tools, as well as non-SAP systems and platforms, the transformation can be designed to be flexible and tailored to specific needs.
Easy Integration of Third-Party Tools
Don’t reinvent the wheel, especially with ABAP legacy tools. Evaluate other solutions, including third-party ones, see SAP Store. Remember that the SAP standard processes and interfaces simplify the integration of third-party solutions so that companies can quickly expand their IT landscape.
Disadvantages of the Clean Core Approach
See also chapter organization
Cost-effectiveness
Is switching to Clean Core even cost-effective for your company? In some cases, solutions have been developed over decades and provide significant value to the company. Switching to Clean Core requires a substantial investment and, in some cases, a complete overhaul of these solutions.
Expertise
Does your company already have the necessary expertise for the transformation? Both development and consulting require a great deal of new knowledge regarding current technologies and best practices on an S/4HANA system for the transition to Clean Core.