The SAP S/4HANA Roadmap: How to Prepare for the Next 3-5 Years

The transition from SAP ECC to S/4HANA is accelerating, and the next few years will be critical for both SAP professionals and organizations. With mainstream ECC support ending and businesses increasingly adopting cloud-first ERP strategies, it is no longer a question of if companies will migrate, but when.

SAP professionals who upskill early and gain S/4HANA experience will be highly sought after, while those who rely solely on legacy ECC knowledge may struggle to remain competitive. Similarly, organizations that plan their S/4HANA transition proactively will minimize disruption, while those that delay risk operational and financial setbacks.

This guide outlines a 3–5 year roadmap for both individuals and businesses to navigate this transformation. Whether you are an SAP consultant, IT analyst, or enterprise decision-maker, these steps will help you stay ahead and turn the transition into an opportunity rather than a challenge.

SAP Professionals: The Individual Strategy for Staying Competitive

For SAP professionals, the next few years represent a critical window for skill development and career positioning. Employers are already prioritizing candidates with S/4HANA expertise, and as more companies transition, the market will become even more competitive.

By taking proactive steps now, SAP professionals can stay ahead of the curve, increase their earning potential, and secure high-demand roles in the evolving SAP job market.

Step 1: Stay Informed About SAP’s Roadmap (Immediately & Ongoing)

Understanding SAP’s official migration timelines and product updates is the first step in making informed career decisions. The end of mainstream ECC support is creating a sense of urgency for many organizations, and those who stay up to date will be better positioned to anticipate industry shifts and align their expertise accordingly.

Actions to take now:

• Follow SAP Community blogs, SAP’s official roadmap, and industry reports.
• Stay updated on S/4HANA release cycles (annual for on-premise, quarterly for cloud).
• Learn about SAP’s cloud offerings, such as RISE with SAP and SAP BTP, as they play a growing role in modern implementations.

By staying informed, professionals can make smarter career moves, prioritize relevant skills, and avoid being caught off guard by changes in SAP’s strategy.

Step 2: Prioritize S/4HANA Training & Certification (Within the Next 6–12 Months)

To remain competitive, SAP professionals should begin formal training on S/4HANA as soon as possible. Many employers already require S/4HANA experience or certifications, and this demand will only increase.

Key focus areas:

• Functional consultants should complete S/4HANA delta training in their module (FI, MM, SD, etc.) to understand what has changed from ECC.
• Developers should focus on ABAP for HANA, Fiori development, and SAP BTP.
• Cloud specialists should explore SAP Integration Suite, SAP Analytics Cloud, and hybrid cloud deployments.

Recommended actions:

• Enroll in SAP Learning Hub or SAP Press courses specific to your role.
• Take advantage of free openSAP courses to get an introduction to S/4HANA topics.
• Plan to complete at least one relevant S/4HANA certification within the next year.

Getting certified signals to employers that you have taken the initiative to build S/4HANA expertise, even if you don’t yet have hands-on project experience.

Step 3: Gain Hands-On S/4HANA Experience (Within the Next 1–2 Years)

While training and certifications are valuable, real-world experience is what employers prioritize most. Professionals must find ways to work directly with S/4HANA systems to strengthen their skills and build credibility.

How to gain experience:

• If your company is planning an S/4HANA migration, volunteer to be part of the project team. Even small roles in testing, data migration, or configuration can provide essential exposure.
• If your company is not transitioning soon, request access to an S/4HANA sandbox system to practice hands-on.
• Explore SAP Best Practices Explorer to see how S/4HANA processes work in action.
• If you work for an SAP customer with no immediate migration plans, consider moving to a consulting firm that is actively implementing S/4HANA projects.

By gaining project experience within the next two years, professionals will be in a much stronger position when S/4HANA skills become a baseline requirement across the industry.

Step 4: Develop Cloud, Integration, and Agile Skills (Within 2–3 Years)

S/4HANA is part of a larger trend toward cloud-based, integrated, and AI-powered enterprise systems. To future-proof their careers, SAP professionals should expand their skill sets beyond just ERP configuration and development.

High-value adjacent skills:

• Cloud fundamentals: Learn about SAP’s cloud deployment models, as well as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud infrastructure.
• Integration expertise: SAP Integration Suite, API-based connectivity, and event-driven architectures are replacing older middleware approaches.
• Data & analytics: Embedded analytics, SAP Analytics Cloud, and CDS Views are becoming standard in reporting and decision-making.
• Agile methodologies: S/4HANA projects often use agile approaches, requiring consultants to be comfortable with iterative delivery and cross-functional teamwork.

Expanding into these areas over the next few years will set SAP professionals apart in an increasingly competitive job market.

Step 5: Commit to Continuous Learning & Networking (Ongoing)

SAP technology evolves rapidly, and those who do not actively stay updated will fall behind. Professionals must make continuous learning a regular habit to keep their skills relevant.

Best practices for ongoing learning:

• Dedicate a few hours each month to reading SAP release notes and attending webinars.
• Follow thought leaders and experts in the SAP space on LinkedIn and SAP Community forums.
• Engage with local SAP user groups or virtual meetups to exchange knowledge with peers.
• Attend major SAP events like SAP TechEd and SAPPHIRE NOW for direct insights into SAP’s roadmap.

Building a strong professional network is also essential. Connecting with mentors, recruiters, and S/4HANA specialists can lead to new career opportunities and keep professionals aware of industry shifts.

Key Takeaway

SAP professionals must act now to stay competitive and future-proof their careers. The key priorities over the next few years should be:

1. Understanding SAP’s roadmap to make informed career decisions.
2. Getting S/4HANA training and certification to validate expertise.
3. Gaining hands-on project experience to build credibility.
4. Developing adjacent skills in cloud, integration, and analytics to stay ahead of industry trends.
5. Committing to continuous learning and networking to remain up to date in a rapidly evolving field.

Those who take these steps will position themselves for success in the S/4HANA era, while those who delay risk being left behind as ECC expertise loses relevance.

Organizations: The Employer Strategy for a Successful S/4HANA Transition

For businesses running SAP, the next few years represent a critical period for strategic planning, workforce development, and technology transformation. Whether an organization is actively preparing for S/4HANA or still evaluating its approach, now is the time to align technical migration efforts with workforce readiness.

A successful S/4HANA transition is not just about deploying new software—it requires reskilling teams, redefining roles, and ensuring smooth adoption across all levels of the business. Organizations that invest in structured planning and training now will avoid disruption and costly last-minute decisions.

Step 1: Build a Transformation Roadmap (Starting Now)

By now, every SAP customer should have at least a high-level strategy for when and how they will transition to S/4HANA. If not, this planning needs to begin immediately.

A successful S/4HANA roadmap must include both technology and people considerations. It is not just about software upgrades—it’s about ensuring teams have the skills to operate in the new environment.

Key actions:

• Conduct an SAP skills inventory to identify knowledge gaps within the IT and business teams.
• Set realistic timelines for training, testing, and go-live preparation.
• Decide whether the migration will be big bang or phased, and how training efforts will align with each stage.
• Engage with SAP partners or system integrators early to understand resource needs and cost implications.

By planning ahead, organizations avoid last-minute talent shortages and ensure their teams are fully prepared for S/4HANA adoption.

Step 2: Invest in S/4HANA Training & Certifications (Within the Next 1–2 Years)

Many SAP customers assume that hiring external consultants will solve their S/4HANA challenges, but relying too heavily on outside resources can be expensive and unsustainable. Instead, organizations should prioritize internal upskilling to build a team capable of maintaining and optimizing the new system after go-live.

Best practices for upskilling SAP teams:

• Provide structured S/4HANA training programs for existing SAP professionals.
• Offer certification incentives to encourage IT and business users to develop expertise.
• Consider forming an internal S/4HANA Academy, with dedicated time for learning and hands-on practice.
• Organize SAP hackathons or pilot projects to help teams experiment with S/4HANA functionality before full migration.

Training should not be limited to technical IT staff—business users must also be trained to work with Fiori, embedded analytics, and new process workflows.

Organizations that make training a priority now will reduce post-go-live disruptions and ensure a smoother transition when S/4HANA is fully implemented.

Step 3: Use External Experts Strategically (During Migration Projects)

When the time comes for an S/4HANA migration, most organizations will engage SAP implementation partners or system integrators. However, it is critical to ensure that knowledge transfer happens rather than becoming fully dependent on outside consultants.

How to maximize value from external experts:

• Pair external consultants with internal SAP team members to ensure hands-on learning.
• Require consultants to document key processes and decisions for long-term reference.
• Conduct train-the-trainer sessions so internal staff can pass on knowledge across departments.

By ensuring that knowledge remains in-house, organizations can reduce long-term consulting costs and build internal S/4HANA expertise.

Step 4: Support Change Management & End-User Adoption

S/4HANA is not just an IT upgrade—it fundamentally changes how end users interact with SAP. Organizations must plan for user adoption challenges and develop a change management strategy to support employees throughout the transition.

Best practices for smooth adoption:

• Start communicating early and often about why the transition is happening and what benefits it brings.
• Provide hands-on training for business users, focusing on Fiori-based workflows and automation.
• Offer self-service learning tools, such as SAP Enable Now or interactive walkthroughs.
• Identify S/4HANA champions within each business unit to support colleagues and encourage adoption.

Organizations that invest in comprehensive training and communication will see faster user adoption and fewer operational disruptions post-go-live.

Step 5: Redefine IT Roles to Align with Cloud & Automation (Within 2–3 Years)

As businesses move toward cloud-based ERP, traditional IT roles—especially SAP Basis and administration—will evolve. Organizations must proactively redefine responsibilities to ensure their teams remain relevant.

Key role adjustments to consider:

• SAP Basis teams should focus on cloud administration, security, and compliance rather than on-premise maintenance.
• Functional SAP analysts should expand their expertise into process optimization, automation, and analytics.
• IT teams should work closely with business users to drive innovation using S/4HANA’s embedded capabilities.

By addressing these changes before migration, organizations can ensure a smoother transition to a modern, cloud-ready SAP environment.

Step 6: Adopt a Phased Approach & Secure Early Wins

Many organizations are choosing a phased S/4HANA transition rather than an all-at-once big bang approach.

A successful phased approach might involve:

• Implementing a single module (e.g., Finance) before full ERP migration.
• Running a small S/4HANA pilot project to build confidence and experience.
• Moving non-critical systems (such as analytics) to the cloud first before tackling the core ERP.

Securing early wins helps build momentum and prepares teams for the broader migration.

Key Takeaway

To ensure a smooth transition to S/4HANA, organizations must:

1. Create a transformation roadmap that includes both technical migration and workforce training.
2. Invest in upskilling internal teams to reduce reliance on external consultants.
3. Ensure knowledge transfer from implementation partners during migration projects.
4. Support change management and user adoption with structured training and communication.
5. Redefine IT roles to align with cloud-first SAP operations.
6. Adopt a phased approach to minimize disruption and build early success.

The companies that plan ahead and invest in their workforce now will be the ones that achieve the smoothest, most cost-effective S/4HANA transition.

Timeline & Action Plan for SAP Professionals & Organizations

A successful transition to S/4HANA requires careful planning over multiple years. While the urgency will vary from company to company, both individuals and organizations should follow a structured approach to ensure they are fully prepared by the time S/4HANA becomes the industry standard.

Below is a practical 3–5 year roadmap that outlines key actions for SAP professionals and businesses.

For SAP Professionals: Career Roadmap

This Year: Build Knowledge & Certification

• Start with S/4HANA training relevant to your role.
• If you are a functional consultant, focus on delta changes from ECC to S/4HANA in your module.
• If you are a developer, learn ABAP for HANA, CDS Views, and Fiori/UI5 development.
• If you work in Basis, security, or infrastructure, study SAP cloud deployment models and RISE with SAP.
• Plan to complete at least one S/4HANA certification within the next 6–12 months.

Next Year: Gain Hands-On Experience

• Volunteer for S/4HANA migration projects at your company.
• If your company is not moving to S/4HANA soon, look for ways to get hands-on practice through sandbox environments or by shadowing a migration project.
• Work on SAP Best Practices Explorer to familiarize yourself with S/4HANA’s new processes.

In 2–3 Years: Expand Skills Beyond Core SAP

• Gain expertise in SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), Integration Suite, and analytics.
• Learn about multi-cloud environments, as many companies will be operating hybrid SAP landscapes.
• Stay current by reviewing quarterly S/4HANA cloud updates and annual on-premise updates.
• Engage in continuous learning through SAP TechEd, SAP Community, and industry networking.

In 4–5 Years: Position Yourself as an Expert

• By this time, S/4HANA expertise will be expected in most SAP roles.
• Use your experience to mentor junior SAP professionals who are just beginning their S/4HANA journey.
• Consider specializing in emerging SAP innovations, such as AI-driven automation, industry-specific solutions, or next-generation analytics.

For Organizations: S/4HANA Adoption Plan

This Year: Build a Strategy & Assess Skills

• Finalize your S/4HANA migration roadmap if you have not done so already.
• Conduct a skills inventory of your SAP team to determine training needs.
• Start investing in S/4HANA training and certification programs for key employees.

Next Year: Pilot S/4HANA Projects & Expand Training

• Begin early S/4HANA projects, such as deploying a single module or cloud-based analytics.
• Offer hands-on training by giving employees access to an S/4HANA sandbox.
• Bring in S/4HANA consultants, but ensure they provide knowledge transfer to your internal team.

In 2–3 Years: Execute Full S/4HANA Migration

• Most companies will be in active migration by this stage.
• Ensure that change management efforts are in place to help business users adjust.
• Redefine IT roles as Basis shifts toward cloud security, compliance, and system performance management.

In 4–5 Years: Optimize & Innovate

• Move beyond migration to process optimization, automation, and AI-driven decision-making.
• Develop an SAP Center of Excellence (CoE) to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Use embedded analytics, machine learning, and real-time reporting to maximize the value of S/4HANA.

Final Thoughts: Take Action Now

For SAP professionals, delaying upskilling is not an option—companies are already favoring candidates with S/4HANA experience. Those who invest in training, gain hands-on experience, and develop expertise in cloud and integration technologies will be in high demand for years to come.

For organizations, waiting too long to start migration planning can lead to higher costs, rushed implementations, and a lack of skilled staff. Companies that take a structured, proactive approach will experience a smoother, more strategic transition to S/4HANA.

The next 3–5 years will define the future of SAP professionals and businesses. The time to act is now.

Conclusion: Preparing for the Future of SAP

The transition to S/4HANA is not just another system upgrade—it marks a fundamental shift in how businesses use SAP. As more organizations accelerate their migration, SAP professionals and employers must take action now to ensure they are prepared for this change.

For SAP professionals, the next few years are a critical window to:

• Learn S/4HANA concepts and how they differ from ECC.
• Gain certifications to validate expertise.
• Build hands-on experience to stand out in the job market.
• Expand skills into cloud, analytics, and integration to stay relevant in a changing SAP landscape.
• Commit to continuous learning so they are always up to date with SAP’s latest innovations.

For organizations, a successful migration to S/4HANA requires:

• Strategic planning that includes both technical migration and workforce development.
• Investing in training so internal teams can take ownership of the system post-migration.
• Aligning business users with change management efforts to ensure smooth adoption.
• Redefining IT roles to reflect the shift toward cloud-based ERP and automation.
• Phased implementations and early wins to minimize risk and build confidence.

Companies and professionals who proactively prepare for S/4HANA will have a competitive advantage. Those who wait too long may find themselves scrambling for resources, facing talent shortages, or struggling to keep up with industry expectations.

The next 3–5 years will define the SAP landscape for the decade ahead. The best way to approach this transition is not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to modernize, upskill, and optimize the way SAP is used in business.

Now is the time to act. Whether you're an SAP professional looking to future-proof your career or an enterprise preparing for migration, taking the right steps today will ensure success tomorrow.