With SAP ECC mainstream support ending in 2027, many companies still hesitate to move. On the surface, delaying migration looks cost-effective. But beneath the surface are hidden costs—rising support fees, technical debt, and lost innovation—that make waiting far more expensive.
Adoption Status and Risks
- According to SAPinsider, only 31–34% of companies are live on S/4HANA, while nearly half are still in planning or evaluation.
- CIO reports that 65% of migrations face quality issues post-go-live, and over 60% exceed budget or timeline.
This indicates that late movers face not only pressure from deadlines but also scarcity of skilled resources.
Hidden Costs of Delaying
- Extended Support Fees
Companies staying past 2027 must pay SAP’s extended support premiums—significantly higher than standard maintenance. - Technical Debt
Old custom code becomes increasingly complex and incompatible, requiring costly rework. - Lost Innovation
Features like real-time analytics, AI modules, and sustainability reporting exist only in S/4HANA. Every year of delay means lost opportunity. - Talent Shortage
ECC-skilled consultants are retiring, while S/4HANA expertise is growing scarce and expensive.
Cost Comparison
| Cost Item | Delayed Migration | Early Migration |
|---|---|---|
| Support Fees | High | Minimal |
| Custom Code Rework | Expensive | Controlled |
| Innovation Access | Blocked | Immediate |
| Talent Availability | Shrinking | Better |
| Risk of Downtime | Higher | Lower |
Recommendations
- Start Early: Use SAP Readiness Check to scope migration needs.
- Phased Approach: Brownfield + clean-core strategies spread cost and reduce disruption.
- Invest in Change Management: Address workforce fears early.
- Budget for Quality: Don’t underfund testing and validation.
Conclusion
Delaying ECC migration is a false economy. Companies that act now will reduce risk, capture innovation faster, and spread investment more effectively. Waiting only makes the road harder and more expensive.
Sources:
SAPinsider – SAP S/4HANA Migration 2025 Benchmark Report
🔗 https://sapinsider.org/research-reports/sap-s-4hana-migration-2025SAPinsider (PDF Detailed Findings) – SAP S/4HANA Migration 2025 Report
🔗 https://sapinsider.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SAPinsider-2025-02-SAP-S4HANA-Migration-Detailed-Findings.pdfCIO – SAP Users Struggle with S/4HANA Migration
🔗 https://www.cio.com/article/3851772/sap-users-struggle-with-s4-hana-migration.htmlHorváth – Business Transformation Unlocked: Maximizing the Benefits of SAP S/4HANA
🔗 https://www.horvath-partners.com/en/cxo-news-subscribe/issue-1/2025/horvath-study-business-transformation-unlocked-maximizing-the-benefits-of-sap-s-4hanaASUG – The State of SAP S/4HANA Adoption: Trends, Successes and Challenges
🔗 https://www.asug.com/insights/the-state-of-sap-s-4hana-adoption-trends-successes-and-challenges