Content
The clock is ticking: On 31 December 2025, the usage rights for large parts of the SAP S/4HANA Compatibility Scope will expire. Many companies are more affected than they realise and this is precisely where the risk begins. What was originally intended as a temporary bridging technology is now embedded productively in many S/4HANA systems.
Those who do not act now could face compliance, operational and audit issues as early as 2026!
In this article, we explain what lies ahead, how to assess your risk concretely, and which courses of action are available for SAP managers and IT leadership.
What exactly is the “Compatibility Scope”?
When moving to SAP S/4HANA, SAP offered companies a transitional solution called the Compatibility Scope: selected ERP 6.0 functionalities that are no longer intended in the new data model could still be used, but only for a limited period, as defined by SAP in Note 2269324.
For many, this was initially a welcome benefit. Today, it is clear: the transition period is coming to an end.
Deadlines you should be aware of
The most important deadline is clearly 31 December 2025.
From this date, most Compatibility Scope items may no longer be used productively. There are some exceptions, such as LE-TRA, CS, PP-PI, or certain cloud scenarios, which will expire on 31 December 2030.
However, most companies will need to take action much sooner. SAP does not offer individual contractual extensions of usage rights beyond this period – except within the framework of specific cloud subscription models.
Are you affected by the expiry of Compatibility Scope usage rights? Here’s how to check it
Many companies are not fully aware of whether they are still using Compatibility Scope functionalities. The analysis is, however, easier than expected. SAP recommends, among other things:
- S/4HANA Readiness Check
- EarlyWatch Reports in SAP for Me
- Detailed functional and process analysis in your own system
Your options: What to do after the assessment
Companies essentially have two strategic paths:
Option A: Migration to fully supported S/4HANA functionalities
The sustainable approach and for most organisations, the best choice, involves:
- Process harmonisation
- Migration to modern S/4HANA functionalities
- Technical replacement of legacy ERP components
Option B: Move to SAP Cloud subscription models
For companies needing to gain short-term time or operate specific SAP functions such as payroll, there are transitional options within the SAP cloud environment, for example, in combination with SuccessFactors.
This approach can extend deadlines but also represents a strategic shift towards the cloud.
What happens if you do not act in time?
- License and audit risks: Using the functionalities will no longer be permitted under the licence from 1 January 2026. There is a risk of additional licensing costs or audit findings.
- Security and compliance risks: SAP will no longer provide maintenance or bug fixes, which may lead to breaches of internal or external compliance regulations.
- Operational risks: Support limitations, increased susceptibility to errors, and potential downtime in critical processes pose significant operational risks.
- Dependence on custom developments: Legacy functions are often supplemented by custom Z-programmes, which may no longer be supported in future S/4HANA releases.
How to proceed
- Create Transparency
- Conduct a system analysis to determine the usage intensity of the affected functionalities
- Assess & Decide
- Analyse the impacts
- Compare alternatives
- Plan
- Develop a roadmap
- Budget and allocate resources
- Consider dependencies
- Implement
- Perform technical migration
- Harmonise processes
- Execute change management and training
Why the transition is worthwhile
The transition also offers opportunities, for example:
- Simplification of the system landscape
- Reduction of technical legacy burdens
- Performance optimisations through the use of new data models
- Improved Fiori/UX support in processes
- Utilisation of new automations (e.g., in finance or logistics)
Conclusion: Act now, minimise risks and seize opportunities!
The expiry of Compatibility Scope usage rights is not merely a technical detail, but a strategic challenge for IT leaders and SAP managers.
Those who create transparency early, choose the right transformation path, and plan the migration carefully can:
- Avoid risks
- Prevent unnecessary project peaks
- Accelerate their journey to S/4HANA or the cloud
PIKON is ready to support you with analysing your compatibilities, evaluating your options, and developing your transformation roadmap.
Contact us!
Do you have further questions? We’re happy to help.
Schedule a web meeting with our experts or leave your question in the comment section.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Active Campaign. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More Information
