ERP transformation: When should IT managers start using the SAP BTP toolbox?

Many IT managers facing ERP transformation are confronted with a seemingly simple but strategically crucial question:

Do we need the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) – and if so, when?

The short answer: yes. Preferably immediately.

Because regardless of whether you are still in the preparation phase, in the middle of the S/4HANA transformation or already in the new ERP era, SAP BTP delivers concrete, directly usable added value for a future-proof ERP transformation in every phase.

This blog post highlights three typical scenarios and shows how companies can benefit from SAP BTP tools at every stage.

Scenario 1: Start immediately – innovation and scalability even before ERP transformation

Many companies are reluctant to introduce BTP while their ERP is still ‘old’. But this is precisely where the potential lies:

• The SAP Integration Suite connects heterogeneous system landscapes and eliminates media discontinuities – a real boost for process automation.
• Workflows, business rules and enhancements can be outsourced without burdening the core.
• This reduces technical debt and creates scalability – even independently of S/4.

The advantage: BTP serves as an innovation booster before ERP transformation.

Scenario 2: During ERP transformation – stability and efficiency

The S/4HANA transformation is a major undertaking. This is where SAP BTP can help reduce complexity and accelerate transformation processes.

• Custom code transformation tools help analyse, outsource or replace old code with standard services.
• Process automation and workflows allow parallel digitalisation initiatives to be supported directly.
• The Extension Suite enables new functions to be developed in a cloud-native way – while still maintaining SAP standards.

The advantage: BTP acts as a catalyst and enabler during ERP migration.

Scenario 3: After the transformation – developing innovations cleanly and future-proof

After go-live is before innovation. Those who stand on a clean core want to implement individual enhancements in a smart and maintainable way.

• SAP Build allows you to build new UIs and apps – without core modification.
• AI services and SAP AI Core help implement real business innovations.
• With (Advanced) Event Mesh, CAP and API management, modern architectures become reality.

The advantage: BTP serves as an innovation platform for differentiating competitive advantages.

SAP BTP: Added value and transformation do not come from actionism – they come from strategy

The scenarios described above clearly show that the SAP Business Technology Platform delivers tangible benefits in every phase of ERP transformation. But this is precisely where an often underestimated challenge begins: many companies get started – but without a plan.

Individual departments begin to automate processes or develop apps.

IT builds initial workflows or integrations. What looks like innovation at first glance quickly becomes a patchwork of initiatives without governance, architectural standards or long-term operability. The result: rising costs, technical sprawl – and ultimately little benefit for the business.

BTP can do everything – but not everything at once

The key lies in a structured, strategic approach.

The answer to this challenge is a BTP Centre of Excellence (CoE). A CoE is not an end in itself – it is a strategic framework that enables BTP to be used efficiently, in a controlled and business-oriented manner. A well-positioned BTP CoE helps to:

• Prioritise use cases: The focus should be on the business areas that promise the greatest impact.
• Set technological standards: Cloud architecture, APIs, extensions – all within a consistent framework.
• Ensure scalability: What is a proof of concept today must be ready for production tomorrow.
• Involve specialist departments: With governance, but without stifling innovation.
• Organise enablement and operations: From CI/CD to DevOps to support structure

A BTP CoE builds trust within the organisation – both in IT and in the business. It is the key to establishing the platform as a value-adding factor and building a future-proof IT landscape.

From idea to innovation: How adesso brings SAP BTP to your company

adesso provides comprehensive support to companies in the successful use of SAP BTP. As an experienced digitalisation partner, we accompany you from strategic planning to technical implementation and ensure that you can use SAP BTP specifically to optimise your business processes. Our services range from the development of customised enhancements and the integration of existing systems to the use of intelligent technologies such as AI, machine learning and process automation.

Thanks to our in-depth industry knowledge and many years of SAP expertise, we create solutions that are perfectly tailored to your requirements – whether for better data utilisation, increased efficiency or the creation of new digital services. Together, we design a future-proof, flexible system landscape that not only enables you to react faster to changes, but also creates real added value.

Conclusion: Now is the right time – but not without a plan

SAP BTP is not an add-on for ERP transformation. It is the strategic lever for leading IT and business into the future together. However, for this lever to be effective, structure and clarity are required – as well as a strong partner at your side.

Don't start your BTP journey sometime in the future – start now, together with adesso!