The enterprise resource planning system ECC 6.0 from SAP is one of the best-known ERP systems of all. The software plays an important role in the day-to-day operations of many companies and is used to manage and optimise business processes, from finance to supply chains. Those companies that use SAP ECC 6.0 are soon to be faced with an important business decision, this due to removal of technical support for the product, resultant from end of maintenance.
SAP Business Suite 7: Free maintenance until 2027
To support companies using SAP Business Suite 7, SAP is now offering free maintenance until 2027. This measure aims to ensure that companies can always stay up to date and take full advantage of this advanced solution.
Switch to S/4HANA or alternative ERP solution
The free support for SAP ECC 6.0 will expire at the end of 2027. Three years later, at the end of 2030, the extended support, which will then be chargeable, will finally come to an end. It is therefore imperative for SAP Business Suite 7 customers to consider moving to the latest version S/4HANA or an alternative ERP solution.
What is SAP ECC 6.0 and what is the support for?
ECC 6.0 (Enterprise Central Component) is resource planning software from the software manufacturer SAP. It helps companies automate and integrate their business processes and helps them manage their finances, supplier relationships, materials management, production, projects and human resources. This enables companies to improve their efficiency, integrate data and make decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information.
Maintenance includes bug fixes, patches, and security updates
Maintaining the enterprise resource planning tool, involves regularly reviewing and updating the software to keep it performing optimally and adapting to frequently changing business needs. This can include bug fixes, patches, security updates and new functionality.
When is the end of maintenance for SAP ECC 6.0?
SAP had originally planned to end support for Business Suite 7 on December 31, 2025. This would also mean the end of maintenance for SAP ECC 6.0. To enable companies using the business suite to prepare their transition to the current SAP product S/4HANA in more detail and with less pressure, SAP is offering them an extended, fee-free mainstream maintenance until the end of 2027.
Extended Maintenance for a period of three years
This mainstream maintenance will not come with any usage restrictions or contract changes. The extension applies to the core applications of Business Suite 7, which also includes SAP ECC 6.0. There is also the option of taking advantage of extended maintenance for a period of three years between the beginning of 2028 and the end of 2030.
What does the end of SAP ECC maintenance mean for users?
The end of maintenance for SAP ECC 6.0 will finally come into force in 2030 at the latest. For companies, this means that from then on, SAP will no longer provide any technical support for Business Suite 7, and thus for ECC 6.0. Because of the missing updates and security patches, a change to the newer version called SAP S/4HANA with cloud connection or an alternative ERP software is unavoidable. This is the only way companies can still guarantee that their IT systems are up-to-date and, above all, secure.
Timely change prevents compatibility problems
Without a change, in addition to the security problems already mentioned, there can also be conflicts with other IT systems that interact with the ERP ECC 6.0 because they may no longer be compatible. Switching to a newer version of SAP or other software thus ensures that the company can continue to work with a smoothly functioning IT infrastructure and that the applicable security requirements are met.
What to do after the end of maintenance for SAP ECC 6.0?
The intention for the end of SAP ECC maintenance by 2030 at the latest is clear: SAP wants to encourage existing customers to switch to its successor product SAP S/4HANA. This ensures easy access to the latest features, security patches and technical support. Until then, companies still have enough time to prepare for a system change.
Prepare processes and IT structures for conversion
That means: You should prepare your business processes and IT structures for the new SAP applications so that the transition works smoothly in the end. An experienced SAP consultant can support you. The following steps are necessary:
- Analysis: Checking the business processes: Which ones need to be optimised or adjusted so that SAP S/4HANA can be used.
- Interfaces: Which interfaces to other systems are already available or need to be adjusted?
- Planning: When and how should the migration best take place?
- Training: Thorough training of staff on how to use the new functions of SAP S/4HANA.
- Testing: Before migration, the new system should be thoroughly tested and verified that it is working properly.
- Monitoring: During the migration, the changeover should be closely monitored to ensure that all steps run smoothly.
- Check: After the migration, the new system should again be thoroughly checked, ensuring that everything works and that business processes can be optimised.
Another option is to switch to an alternative platform that supports your company’s unique business processes. It is recommended to carry out a comprehensive risk analysis and consult an experienced software specialist, to help find the best alternative solution.
Conclusion
The end of maintenance for SAP ECC 6.0 is scheduled. Companies are well-advised to start thinking now about how to proceed with the subject of ERP systems in the future. It is important to use the time available to review your options such as: migrating to a new SAP version, or switching to a third party. Whatever approach you finally decide upon, a comprehensive data integrity check should be an integral part of your process, ensuring that before an upgrade, all data is transferred correctly and that no losses occur.