Only 23% of SAP enterprises have reached the highest level of Cloud maturity — are you one of them?
Every organization is talking about SAP modernization — but how far along are most, really?
The latest SAPinsider Benchmark Report: Cloud Architecture for SAP reveals a surprising truth. While nearly every enterprise has moved some part of their SAP landscape to the cloud, only 23% have reached true maturity — where modernization enables agility, innovation, and measurable business outcomes.
The report, sponsored by Lemongrass, explores what separates these leaders from the rest. It uncovers the strategies, technologies, and priorities shaping SAP transformation today — from RISE with SAP and SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) to AI readiness and the clean-core journey.
Where Enterprises Stand on Their SAP Modernization Journey
The research identifies three broad stages of maturity among SAPinsiders:
These findings show that while Cloud adoption is well underway, many enterprises are still on the journey toward realizing the full benefits of modernization — not only from an infrastructure standpoint but also through rethinking how SAP fits within their broader business transformation strategy.
The Priorities Shaping the Next Wave of Transformation
Security, compliance, and innovation readiness top the list of priorities for SAP leaders. Over half (52%) of those leading in modernization are focused on enhancing security and compliance across their hybrid environments, while others are prioritizing integration, automation, and AI-readiness for SAP and connected systems.
For organizations earlier in their transformation, the immediate focus remains on reducing technical debt (62%) and building the foundation for future AI/ML adoption (50%).
As the end of mainstream maintenance for legacy ERP approaches in 2027, these priorities underscore an essential truth: transformation isn’t a one-off project — it’s an ongoing journey built around continuous modernization.
Challenges and What Leaders Are Doing Differently
Even the most advanced organizations face hurdles. The top challenge cited by modernization leaders? A shortage of cloud and SAP transformation expertise within their teams. For others, the biggest barrier remains the cost and complexity of re-architecting legacy SAP workloads.
The report’s findings highlight a few key differentiators for those leading the way:
- They are investing in upskilling SAP teams in cloud and modern architecture practices.
- They have executive sponsorship and strong governance models that align business and IT goals.
- They work with specialized partners to accelerate modernization using best practices and automation.
“The era of the big-bang project is over,” the report notes. “Transformation should happen through small, achievable milestones that demonstrate value step by step.”
See Where You Stand
Download the SAPinsider Benchmark Report: Cloud Architecture for SAP to discover:
- How your organization compares with peers on the path to SAP modernization
- The key priorities and challenges shaping transformation today
- Practical actions to accelerate your journey to a more agile, RISE-ready SAP landscape
