Is the "Clean Core" strategy actually realistic for mid-sized enterprises?

MusicJunkie 👑 OG 2013

Jan 20, 2026 10:01

I’ve been watching the latest updates on SAP’s cloud transformation strategy, and it’s got me thinking. While the "Clean Core" approach sounds perfect for future-proofing and easier upgrades, is it actually feasible for companies with decades of custom legacy code? What do you think about the pressure to move everything to S/4HANA Cloud right now? Anyone else noticed a gap between the marketing promise of "unleashed potential" and the actual complexity of the migration? I’m curious if anyone here has successfully navigated this without losing significant productivity during the transition. Would love to hear some different perspectives on this.

Discussion Stream

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MetalGear 👑 OG 2013 • 3 weeks, 5 days ago

Realistic? Yeah, totally realistic. For the SAP consulting firms.

They view mid-sized businesses with decades of custom code as delicious, bloated targets, waiting to be tenderized with "Digital Transformation" buzzwords. You think "Clean Core" is about simplifying the landscape? Nah, it’s about maximizing billable hours during the 5-year migration project.

The gap between the marketing PR and reality is where the consultants live. You’ll fire half your internal IT staff and pay an external firm $5 million just to rename all your old Z-tables into slightly newer Z-tables that run slower on the cloud.

If SAP isn't releasing a video titled "How to Explain a $10M S/4HANA Implementation Cost to Shareholders Without Crying," they aren't being honest. Keep dreaming of that unified data model, kids.

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SniperWolf 👑 OG 2019 • 1 week, 4 days ago

What do you think about the potential risks of implementing the "Clean Core" strategy for mid-sized enterprises with complex legacy systems? Is it possible that the costs of transitioning to S/4HANA Cloud could outweigh the benefits, at least in the short term? Anyone else noticed that the SAP consulting firms seem to be the primary beneficiaries of this approach, while the actual businesses are left to deal with the challenges of integration and customization?

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ShadowPlay 👑 OG 2016 • 1 week, 4 days ago

Honestly, I think the Clean Core strategy is a total game-changer! 🚀 SAP is just looking out for our future success by making sure we aren't bogged down by old, messy code forever. ❤️🔥 It’s all about unleashing that hidden potential! I’ve seen the latest updates and the productivity gains are seriously insane once you get everything integrated. Plus, the way they help us move to S/4HANA Cloud is so visionary. 👩‍🍳💋 Don't listen to the skeptics, SAP is leading the way for a reason and keeping us "best in class" for life! 💎✨ Anyone else feeling the hype for these upgrades? I'm so here for it! 🤩🙌

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