Welcome to:

RISE with SAP(R)
Business Transformation

This book presents my perspective, shaped by over 25 years of SAP experience, on the first step of the RISE with SAP program, which is the Business Transformation to SAP S/4HANA Cloud, together with all desired additional components.

This foundational stage enables the creation of modern, open, and continuously innovative Business Solutions.

This book is for you...

...if you are involved in or a stakeholder of any SAP S/4HANA project, even those implemented on-premise. The Business Transformation approach within RISE with SAP is crafted to ensure a seamless and efficient transition and includes techniques that can be adapted to other ERP projects.

...If you are considering or participating in a RISE with SAP project, this book provides a fresh perspective and a foundation for understanding what you can expect-and should demand-from SAP.

RISE with SAP is a powerful concept that enables fast Business Transformation followed by Continuous Innovation to keep business solutions up to date.

However, the program has come under scrutiny-largely due to mixed sentiment about SAP's Managed Cloud Services. While some of this criticism is valid, much stems from emotional responses. It's important to objectively assess the program's value to avoid "throwing the baby out with the bathwater."

About the Scope of This Book

RISE with SAP begins for every customer with Business Transformation and continues with fast-paced innovation under SAP Cloud Managed Services to keep the Business Solution future-ready.

The Business Transformation within RISE with SAP is meant to be smooth and effective, and its value has already been demonstrated.

This book dives deep into the facts, dispelling myths and providing a comprehensive guide to understanding and leveraging the Business Transformation process within RISE with SAP. My goal is to answer key questions like:

1. "What is RISE with SAP?"

1. "How does it work in practice?"

While this book focuses on Business Transformation, it acknowledges the broader RISE with the SAP landscape, including continuous improvement that goes after the transformation and SAP Cloud Managed Services as part of the full journey.

The Flow of This Book
This book offers a structured journey, providing a comprehensive 360-degree view of the RISE with SAP Business Transformation component:

1. Key Terminology - Establishing a common language to navigate the complexities of RISE with SAP effectively.

1. Understanding RISE with SAP - Exploring its purpose, core principles, and functionality from my perspective.

1. Current Landscape-This section provides a detailed overview of success stories and the conclusions drawn from them, alongside user and vendor insights from the recent DSAG conference. It also addresses critiques and challenges discussed within the SAP community.

1. Essential Learnings - Key takeaways from publicly available (currently free) SAP educational materials about RISE with SAP, enriched with insights from the official SAP Activate methodology training.

1. Introduction to SAP Activate - An overview of the methodology that underpins RISE with SAP.

1. RISE with SAP Roadmap - A deep dive into key activities and artifacts unique to RISE with SAP, seamlessly integrated with the SAP Activate framework.