SAP S/4HANA on-premise customers are facing an important challenge: at the end of 2025, some key functionalities will expire in compatibility mode. "This affects not only support, but also usage rights - both for existing and new customers," explains Elisabeth Steinbach, SAP Logistics Consultant. Only in a few exceptions will the right of use not expire until the end of 2030.
This affects, for example, the PP planning board, CATSXT, the Logistics Information System (LIS) and Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP). There are alternatives for all of these functionalities, which span several SAP modules. "Our customers should talk to us at an early stage so that together we can find the best solution for the functionality that is being phased out. And also about whether moving to the SAP Cloud is a solution - in this case, the use of the affected components will be extended until 2030."
there are alternatives
The planning board, often used for production planning, is being replaced by Fiori apps for capacity planning and PP/DS. The material requirements planning run (MRP) will remain, but with S/4HANA comes MRP Live - a higher-performance, more flexible variant. Classic MRP remains available, but MRP lists can only be used until the end of 2025.
Elisabeth Steinbach, SAP Logistics Consultant
"Our customers should therefore contact us in good time if they have any questions so that we can find the right solution for them."
Use the transition period now: it will be too late on 31.12.2025
The LIS affects many modules - such as purchasing or production analyses - and is being replaced by analytical Fiori apps. These are based on SAP HANA and CDS Views, offer dynamic reporting and are available directly in S/4HANA. CATSXT is also on the verge of being discontinued. The function for calculating working hours is frequently used in the service sector. It is being replaced by modern Fiori apps that offer transparency and control over project hours.
S&OP - the tool for sales and production planning - is being replaced by the SAP product Integrated Business Planning (IBP), which requires a license. A successor to the warehouse management system LE-WM is available in the form of Stock Room Management. Certain LE-WM functions such as WM-VAS or cross-docking can only be used until the end of 2025. LE-TRA will exceptionally remain in place until the end of 2030, but a migration to Basic TM should be considered.
"Now is the right time to analyze which areas are affected and whether the successor functions are sufficient. Together with our customers, we will find the right solution."
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