SAP S/4HANA’s Workforce Shift: Who Wins, Who Struggles, and How to Adapt

The transition from SAP ECC to S/4HANA is not just a technological shift—it is fundamentally changing job roles, skill demands, and career trajectories within the SAP ecosystem. With SAP ending mainstream support for ECC in 2027, organizations are accelerating their migration plans, leading to new opportunities for some SAP professionals and challenges for others.

This evolution is driven by several key factors:

• The cloud-first approach of RISE with SAP, reducing reliance on traditional on-premise infrastructure.
• The shift from custom-heavy ECC configurations to standardized best practices in S/4HANA.
• The increased role of automation, embedded analytics, and AI-driven decision-making.

These trends will reshape the demand for SAP expertise. Some roles will become more valuable than ever, while others will diminish unless professionals adapt to the new landscape. The SAP workforce is entering a period where upskilling is no longer optional—it’s essential for career longevity.

This article explores:

• Who will benefit most from the shift to S/4HANA.
• Which roles may struggle without adaptation.
• How SAP professionals can future-proof their careers in an evolving job market.

The coming years will be a defining moment for SAP professionals. Those who embrace change and proactively acquire new skills will find themselves in high demand, while those who remain tied to outdated methods may struggle to compete.

The Winners: Roles Poised for Growth in the S/4HANA Era

As companies migrate to S/4HANA, some roles are becoming more critical than ever. Professionals who understand the system’s new capabilities, embrace cloud-based architectures, and specialize in integration, analytics, or change management will see increasing demand.

The key advantage for these professionals is their ability to combine ECC experience with modern S/4HANA expertise. Instead of simply recreating legacy processes, they help businesses optimize workflows and take advantage of automation, real-time analytics, and new interface designs.

S/4HANA Functional Consultants & Solution Architects

Functional consultants who have adapted their ECC knowledge to S/4HANA’s redesigned processes are among the most sought-after professionals today. Companies embarking on S/4HANA projects prioritize consultants who understand the new system’s structure, particularly in finance, supply chain, and sales.

Many organizations delayed their S/4HANA migrations, creating a surge in demand for experts who can guide them through the transition. A deep understanding of the simplifications in S/4HANA—such as the universal journal replacing traditional FI and CO tables or material ledger becoming mandatory—is essential. Consultants who also have experience with Fiori-based workflows and embedded analytics will stand out even more.

The market is already showing this trend. A recent job market analysis found that S/4HANA finance consultants account for a significant share of SAP job postings, reflecting the urgent need for professionals who can bridge the gap between legacy financial processes and the new system.

Cloud & Integration Experts

As SAP moves toward cloud-first ERP, professionals with expertise in cloud infrastructure and system integrations will thrive. Companies adopting S/4HANA need specialists who can connect it with third-party applications, cloud services, and hybrid landscapes.

SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI) and SAP Integration Suite have replaced older middleware tools like PI/PO, making API-driven integrations essential. Many businesses also need experts in deploying S/4HANA on hyperscalers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

The shift to hybrid ERP means that integration specialists who understand both cloud and on-premise environments will have more opportunities. Their role is no longer just about connecting SAP modules internally but ensuring seamless data flow across multiple cloud applications.

Data Analysts & SAP Analytics Specialists

S/4HANA’s in-memory database allows businesses to move away from external BI tools and rely more on embedded analytics. This shift is creating demand for professionals who can turn raw system data into business insights.

Data migration is one of the biggest challenges in an S/4HANA implementation, so specialists in data cleansing, transformation, and migration strategies are highly valued. Companies are also looking for analytics professionals who can build real-time reports using core data services (CDS) views or integrate SAP Analytics Cloud for predictive analysis.

As organizations focus on data-driven decision-making, SAP professionals with expertise in data modeling, real-time reporting, and AI-powered analytics will play an increasingly important role.

SAP Basis & Security Professionals Who Adapt

SAP Basis administrators are at a crossroads. On-premise SAP landscapes are shrinking, and many traditional Basis tasks, such as hardware provisioning and database tuning, are now handled by cloud providers or SAP itself. However, those who pivot into security, compliance, and landscape optimization will remain valuable.

Many companies still operate hybrid SAP environments, where some systems are on-premise and others are cloud-based. This creates a need for security specialists who can manage user access, compliance, and system governance across multiple platforms.

With cybersecurity becoming a top priority, organizations need SAP professionals who understand cloud security frameworks, authentication protocols, and data privacy regulations. Traditional Basis roles may be declining, but those who shift toward security and performance management will continue to see strong demand.

Change Managers & SAP Trainers

S/4HANA implementations require more than just technical upgrades—they involve significant changes to how employees interact with the system. As a result, companies need change management specialists and trainers to help with user adoption.

Many SAP users have spent years working in SAP GUI and will need support to transition to Fiori-based interfaces. Training end-users on new workflows, updating standard operating procedures, and ensuring smooth business process adoption are critical for project success.

Companies that prioritize change management will have dedicated roles focused on training employees, addressing resistance to change, and ensuring that business operations continue smoothly. These professionals, particularly those with experience in both ECC and S/4HANA, will find themselves in high demand as thousands of organizations retrain their workforce for the new system.

Key Takeaway

The transition to S/4HANA is creating strong demand for consultants, cloud specialists, data analysts, security professionals, and change management experts. Those who combine technical knowledge with strategic business insight will find themselves at the center of SAP transformation projects.

The Challenges: Roles at Risk Without Upskilling

While some SAP professionals are seeing new opportunities in the S/4HANA era, others risk being left behind if they do not update their skills. The demand for certain roles is declining, not because these positions are disappearing entirely, but because the way they are performed is changing.

For those who remain tied to legacy ECC knowledge without adapting to S/4HANA’s new architecture, the job market will become increasingly difficult. Many companies are prioritizing professionals who have S/4HANA expertise, and those who are slow to upskill may struggle to find new opportunities.

Legacy ECC-Only Consultants

SAP consultants who have not updated their knowledge beyond ECC are finding it harder to stay competitive. Many companies are now specifying in job postings that they are looking for S/4HANA-certified professionals and are reluctant to hire consultants who lack hands-on experience with the newer system.

The differences between ECC and S/4HANA are too significant to ignore. Finance consultants, for example, need to understand the universal journal and how financial transactions have been streamlined. Supply chain consultants must be familiar with mandatory material ledger functionality and changes to inventory valuation. Sales and distribution consultants must be able to work with advanced ATP instead of the old availability check methods.

ECC knowledge is still valuable, particularly in organizations that have not yet migrated. However, as more companies complete their transitions, the number of roles available for consultants who only know ECC is shrinking.

Traditional ABAP Developers Resistant to Change

ABAP remains relevant in the S/4HANA landscape, but the way it is used has changed significantly. Developers who continue working in the same way they did in ECC—without considering HANA performance optimization or modern development techniques—will find themselves at a disadvantage.

Heavy custom coding is being discouraged in favor of standardization and cloud-based extensibility. The focus is now on using ABAP in a way that aligns with HANA’s in-memory architecture, which means leveraging core data services (CDS) views, ABAP RESTful programming model (RAP), and OData services for Fiori applications.

Companies are also reducing reliance on complex customizations and instead using SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) for extensions. ABAP developers who refuse to learn these modern development approaches may struggle to find new projects.

SAP Basis Administrators Who Don’t Pivot to Cloud Security & Integration

The role of SAP Basis administrators is changing rapidly. In the past, they were responsible for tasks such as database management, server maintenance, and applying patches. However, with many companies moving to RISE with SAP or deploying S/4HANA in the cloud, many of these responsibilities are shifting to SAP or hyperscalers like AWS and Azure.

This does not mean Basis professionals are no longer needed, but their role is evolving. Those who focus solely on traditional system administration may see their jobs eliminated or outsourced. However, those who expand into areas like cloud security, compliance, and system monitoring across hybrid environments will remain valuable.

Some companies are already downsizing Basis teams as they move to managed cloud services. Basis administrators who do not take the opportunity to develop expertise in cloud architecture, identity management, and automation tools may struggle to remain relevant.

Routine Task Operators & Legacy End-User Roles

Many end-user roles in SAP are also being redefined as S/4HANA automates tasks that previously required manual intervention.

For example, financial reconciliation, invoice processing, and data entry were labor-intensive tasks in ECC. With S/4HANA’s embedded analytics, AI-driven automation, and workflow improvements, many of these activities are being streamlined. This could lead to job consolidation, where companies merge multiple clerical roles into a single position with broader responsibilities.

End users who previously spent most of their time extracting data from ECC into Excel will also need to adapt. Real-time reporting capabilities in S/4HANA mean that businesses can access insights directly within the system, reducing the need for external data manipulation.

While this does not mean these jobs will disappear, professionals in these roles will need to develop additional skills, such as working with embedded analytics, managing business process workflows, or performing data validation tasks rather than just data entry.

Third-Party ECC Support Providers

The shift to S/4HANA is also having an impact on companies that specialize in third-party support for ECC systems.

Some businesses had planned to stay on ECC for as long as possible, relying on independent support providers rather than SAP’s mainstream maintenance. However, with SAP’s push toward cloud-based ERP, these companies may struggle as more customers migrate to S/4HANA, where SAP itself often provides bundled cloud support.

The business model of providing ongoing ECC maintenance at a lower cost than SAP may no longer be sustainable in the long run. Professionals working in these support firms should consider diversifying their expertise, whether by moving into S/4HANA consulting, cloud migration services, or specialized areas like security and compliance.

Key Takeaway

SAP professionals who are resistant to change or slow to adopt S/4HANA’s new features will find their job market shrinking. The key to staying relevant is to move beyond legacy ECC knowledge and actively learn the skills that businesses need in the evolving SAP landscape.

The Path Forward: How SAP Professionals Can Stay Competitive

For those working in the SAP ecosystem, the transition to S/4HANA presents both challenges and opportunities. While some roles are fading, others are evolving in ways that allow professionals to build new expertise and stay in demand. The key to long-term career success is proactively developing skills that align with the direction SAP is moving.

Below are several strategies that SAP professionals can follow to ensure they remain competitive in the S/4HANA era.

Prioritize S/4HANA Training & Certification

SAP has overhauled its certification programs to focus on S/4HANA, replacing many older ECC-based credentials. While hands-on experience remains the most valuable asset, certifications help validate expertise and show commitment to staying current.

For functional consultants, S/4HANA certifications in finance, procurement, and supply chain are essential, as these areas have undergone significant changes. Technical professionals should look at certifications in ABAP for S/4HANA, SAP Integration Suite, and cloud architecture.

Many employers are now actively seeking certified S/4HANA professionals over those with only ECC experience. Updating credentials to reflect S/4HANA expertise is an important step in remaining marketable.

Gain Real-World S/4HANA Project Experience

One of the biggest obstacles for SAP professionals transitioning from ECC is a lack of direct experience with S/4HANA. Many hiring managers are looking for candidates who have already worked on an S/4HANA implementation or migration.

For those currently employed at organizations that are still on ECC, it is important to get involved in internal migration projects. Even if a full transition has not started, participating in pre-migration assessments, running SAP Readiness Check, or testing Fiori applications can provide exposure to key aspects of S/4HANA.

Consultants who work externally should actively seek S/4HANA projects, even if it means taking on a smaller role at first. Getting that first S/4HANA project experience is crucial for building credibility and securing future opportunities.

Expand into Cloud, Analytics, and Integration Technologies

S/4HANA is not just a new version of ECC—it is part of a broader shift toward cloud-based, data-driven enterprise software. This means that professionals who expand their expertise into SAP Cloud Platform, SAP Analytics Cloud, and modern integration technologies will be in high demand.

For functional consultants, learning how S/4HANA integrates with tools like Ariba, SuccessFactors, and Concur can provide a competitive edge. Understanding SAP Analytics Cloud is also becoming increasingly important, as real-time analytics and predictive modeling are becoming standard features in S/4HANA deployments.

For technical professionals, mastering SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI), API-based connectivity, and cloud security is critical. Organizations need experts who can ensure seamless data flow between S/4HANA and other enterprise systems.

Develop Adaptability & Continuous Learning Habits

Unlike previous SAP versions that remained largely unchanged for years, S/4HANA receives frequent updates. The public cloud version of S/4HANA is updated quarterly, while private cloud and on-premise versions receive major updates annually.

This means that SAP professionals must adopt a mindset of continuous learning. Keeping up with SAP’s simplification lists, release notes, and best practices is no longer optional—it is a necessity.

Engaging with SAP community forums, LinkedIn groups, and industry conferences can also help professionals stay informed about changes and emerging trends. SAP TechEd and SAPPHIRE NOW provide firsthand insights into SAP’s roadmap and evolving best practices.

Leverage Cross-Training to Increase Marketability

As SAP environments become more interconnected, professionals who can work across multiple areas of expertise will be in the strongest position.

For example, a finance consultant who understands embedded analytics and predictive forecasting will be far more valuable than one who only focuses on traditional finance transactions. Similarly, an ABAP developer who can build Fiori applications and work with SAP Business Technology Platform will have more opportunities than one who only develops ECC-style customizations.

Cross-training in adjacent technologies can also help SAP professionals future-proof their careers. HR consultants should explore SuccessFactors, logistics professionals can benefit from learning about SAP’s warehouse management and transportation modules, and security specialists should focus on identity and access management in cloud environments.

Key Takeaway

SAP professionals who embrace continuous learning and proactively adapt to S/4HANA’s capabilities will be well-positioned for the future. The transition period between now and 2027 provides a crucial window for upskilling, gaining project experience, and aligning expertise with SAP’s evolving ecosystem.

Conclusion: Positioning Yourself on the Winning Side of the S/4HANA Evolution

The migration from SAP ECC to S/4HANA is more than just an upgrade—it represents a fundamental shift in how businesses operate, integrate systems, and leverage data. As organizations embrace cloud-based ERP, automation, and real-time analytics, SAP professionals must ensure their skills align with these changes to remain competitive.

The job market is already reflecting these shifts. Roles that focus on S/4HANA consulting, cloud integration, data analytics, and security are becoming increasingly valuable, while positions that rely solely on legacy ECC knowledge or outdated customization approaches are facing a decline in demand.

However, this transformation does not have to be a challenge—it is also an opportunity. SAP professionals who actively upskill, seek hands-on S/4HANA experience, and develop expertise in related technologies will find themselves in high demand. The key is not to wait until ECC expertise becomes obsolete, but to take proactive steps now.

For those who embrace this change, the future of SAP work is bright. Organizations are looking for experts who can help them navigate S/4HANA, optimize business processes, and implement cloud-based solutions. Those who position themselves as strategic advisors rather than just system operators will thrive in this new landscape.

The window for transition is open now. Between 2024 and 2027, companies will complete their S/4HANA migrations at an increasing pace. SAP professionals who take control of their learning today—through training, certification, and hands-on project work—will be the ones leading the next era of enterprise technology.