What exactly is GROW with SAP? – A simple guide on understanding GROW with SAP

GROW with SAP is a new offering tailored for new clients and midsize businesses. It simplifies the process of getting started with SAP S/4HANA

GROW with SAP allows midsize companies to quickly implement a cloud-based ERP. In addition to ERP software, the package also includes helpful services and knowledge resources for cloud implementation.

What is GROW with SAP?

GROW with SAP, also known as SAP GROW, is designed for mid-sized companies. It’s a commercial package that quickly offers cloud ERP system benefits like speed and flexibility. This includes predictable costs, continuous technical updates, and scalability.

The program draws on SAP’s 50-year experience across various industries. It turns this experience into easy-to-apply practices for small and medium businesses (SMEs). It helps these companies quickly use advanced tech like AI and automation. This leads to quick, visible outcomes.

Goals achieved with GROW with SAP include:

• Speeding up company growth;
• Adapting swiftly to economic, regulatory, and industry shifts;
• Reducing costs throughout the business;
• Replacing outdated systems that limit current business objectives;

Which businesses are the primary targets for the GROW with SAP initiative?

GROW with SAP mainly targets growing midmarket companies that are new to SAP ERP systems or plan to implement ERP in a subsidiary. Notably, SAP GROW offers only public cloud ERP solutions (more on this later). These solutions have less customization than on-premise or private cloud versions. GROW with SAP fits well for companies with simpler, less specific processes.

For rapidly expanding companies aiming for IPO or international growth, SAP created “GROW with SAP for scaleups”. This version focuses on scalability and speed. Basic core processes can be set up in four weeks. Companies can then gradually add new customers, products, and markets without added complexity.

What’s included in the GROW with SAP bundle?

The GROW with SAP package is composed of three main elements:

• Technological solutions: This includes cloud ERP and other related tools.
• Rapid cloud ERP Implementation services: Known as ‘adoption services’, these are designed for quick setup.
• Knowledge and training: Resources to educate and upskill your team.

Each of these components is elaborated on further below.

Technological solutions in GROW with SAP

GROW with SAP is anchored in two key technological solutions:

• SAP S/4HANA cloud, Public edition: This is the public cloud version of SAP’s latest product generation, S/4HANA. It’s a largely standardized, pre-configured solution ready for immediate use. It brings the latest best practices across various industries and continuous innovations. SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition covers all vital processes in finance, sales, procurement, manufacturing, supply chain, service, asset management, R&D, and engineering. For the core system, companies can choose between the “Base Option” and “Premium Option” in the RISE with SAP packages.
• SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP): As part of SAP GROW, customers also get access to SAP BTP, an innovation platform for defining cloud-native processes and functions beyond the S/4HANA cloud standard. This platform allows for the creation of custom enterprise applications, designing business pages, building AI-based analytics, and automating processes. Its unique aspect is the low-code or no-code approach, making it accessible without extensive programming skills.

Licensing for SAP GROW is based on full user equivalents (FUE), which correspond to the actual number of users accessing specific solutions within the S/4HANA cloud. Two editions are available: Basic and Premium. The license rental includes both the applications and the underlying managed IT infrastructure.

Rapid cloud ERP implementation Service in GROW with SAP

Beyond its technology expertise, SAP adds various services to the GROW package, ensuring a fast and efficient cloud ERP implementation:

• Proven tools and Methods: These are integrated to facilitate a smooth and efficient implementation process.
• Activation services package: This bundle of services is designed to help companies swiftly activate and utilize their cloud ERP system.
• Expert support through SAP Partner network: Businesses get ongoing support from skilled SAP partners throughout the implementation phase. This helps them make the most of their new cloud solution and ensures a smooth rollout.

The GROW bundle also includes some activation services. SAP partners use these to implement preconfigured processes, achieve project goals and generate added value within the shortest possible time.

Knowledge and trainings

This third pillar of the GROW with SAP package provides businesses access to SAP’s community and tailored learning content in this community, experts, partners, and other SAP users come together to solve problems, answer questions, and share know-how. GROW clients also get to use the ‘SAP Learning’ platform, which has various educational and training programs. This platform focuses on cloud ERP and uses flexible online formats for learning.

Why do application companies find GROW with SAP appealing?

GROW with SAP is particularly appealing for new SAP customers who need minimal customization and want to quickly implement a quality cloud ERP system. This group especially benefits from the many predefined best-practice processes that SAP GROW offers for various industries. Also, the included cloud ERP offers almost unlimited scalability, allowing companies to grow without significantly increasing the complexity of their business processes and management. The integrated innovation platform (SAP BTP) keeps organizations agile, as developers can quickly and flexibly adapt to changing needs.

Another plus is the proven implementation methodology, ensuring a fast, cost-effective, and smooth rollout. After deployment, companies enjoy the benefits of the SaaS model, like predictable and transparent costs, high security, continuous operation, guaranteed business continuity, and reduced strain on internal IT resources.

What are the drawbacks of GROW with SAP?

A key limitation of the GROW with SAP program is that it only offers the public cloud version of S/4HANA. This version is highly standardized, which may not fit companies operating in niche markets, those with very specific processes, or those under exceptional legal regulations. Additionally, there’s currently uncertainty about whether and how companies can switch from GROW to a private or sovereign cloud later on

Conclusion 

Many midmarket companies are expanding quickly and require solutions that match their business and technical needs. SAP saw the need for a fresh approach to digital transformation that’s fast, predictable, and innovative. GROW with SAP provides a groundbreaking entry into cloud ERP, combining solutions, services, and industry expertise. This integration ensures customers can smoothly navigate their transition.

Since GROW with SAP is relatively new, its offerings are expected to evolve further. If you have more questions, our experts at Sphinx are available to provide additional information and guidance.