GROW with SAP
Scalable growth – but done right!
In an increasingly digital economy, growth-oriented companies face a key challenge: how can business processes be scaled without losing agility or efficiency?
Many of these companies reach their limits or are slowed down by grown IT structures or heterogeneous system landscapes. This is precisely where GROW with SAP - as a modular, cloud-based entry into the SAP world.
SAP promises rapid implementation, standardized processes, and a modern ERP basis on the SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud with GROW with SAP. But getting there is not a sure-fire success. In practice, there are often specific hurdles - technical, procedural, and organizational.
Grow with Sap or RISE with SAP - A Brief Overview
GROW with SAP is a complete cloud-based ERP package for growth-oriented companies that want to get started with the SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud. In contrast to RISE with SAP, which also supports existing customers when switching to the cloud (e.g., by converting systems), GROW with SAP is primarily aimed at companies without an existing SAP landscape.
In addition, the SAP 2-tier ERP strategy offers companies a structured way to efficiently connect centralized and decentralized business units. Two coordinated ERP systems are used: a central system for higher-level processes and a supplementary system for independent units such as subsidiaries or regional branches. This model enables a clear separation of responsibilities with simultaneous data consistency and process harmonization. This allows companies to combine central control with local flexibility – and thus improve efficiency, transparency, and scalability in their ERP landscape.
GROW with SAP is not a simplified version of RISE – but an independent product with a clear focus on standardization. It offers an attractive framework for companies with clear growth targets and the desire for a fast, efficient entry into the SAP world – provided that the external circumstances are right.
Challenges in GROW with SAP Projects - And What They Mean
Technological entry into the cloud
Less effort does not mean less responsibility: in the SAP Public Cloud, SAP takes on many technical tasks – from security and releases to infrastructure operation. To ensure that this standard advantage does not become a black box, know-how is needed to clearly identify dependencies, limits, and risks.
Standardization instead of individualization
GROW with SAP follows the "fit-to-standard" principle. Individual process adaptations are severely limited – but companies benefit from stability and fast implementation. The challenge: specialist departments have to accept predefined processes. This requires a shared vision and a willingness to change.
Data migration and integration
The public cloud approach thrives on clean data. If you migrate outdated, unstructured, or redundant information, you risk functional problems in the new system. The integration of external systems (e.g., CRM, warehouse management, production) can also be complex – especially if proprietary interfaces are involved.
Change Management & User Enablement
Technology alone does not bring any added value if the people in the company are not on board. New processes, user interfaces, and role models require training, communication, and support. If this focus is missing, the introduction can fail despite technical implementation.
Project management & expectations
GROW with SAP promises speed – but is not a surefire success. Without clear roles, realistic schedules, and active management on the customer side, projects can quickly come to a standstill. It is important to link the project goals to the actual business benefits – not just to technical milestones.
From Theory to Practice: What Makes GROW with SAP Projects Successful
GROW with SAP follows a clearly structured standard - and this is precisely why the implementation requires a partner who knows the rules and acts from experience. Because even if the technical solution is predefined, the implementation remains highly complex. If you choose the right implementation partner, you can avoid typical pitfalls - and significantly reduce time, costs and internal friction.
What a Good Implementation Partner Should Provide
- Cloud experience with GROW with SAP specialization: Not every SAP partner is really familiar with the public cloud and the GROW with SAP approach. Experience with precisely this operating model is crucial – from the architecture and methodology to governance and security.
- Understanding medium-sized processes: Standardization must not lead to cramping. An experienced partner helps to realistically adapt processes to best practices, without losing sight of day-to-day operations.
- Structured approach to data and integration: The quality of the data migration is crucial to the success of GROW with SAP, especially because individual improvements are hardly possible in the public cloud model. Integrating existing systems also requires a deep understanding of standardized cloud APIs and predefined interface architectures.
- Focus on change & enablement: GROW with SAP changes ways of working. A strong partner accompanies this change – through training, communication and clearly defined role models.
- Transparent project methodology: No buzzword bingo, but structured project management with realistic schedules, clear milestones, and open expectation management.
As a long-standing partner of SAP> and multi-award-winning cloud expert>, we at Arvato Systems support companies with precisely these challenges, with a deep understanding of the requirements of growth-oriented SMEs. We bring tried-and-tested templates, a proven project approach, and a team that translates technology into real benefits to GROW projects. Instead of ready-made solutions, we offer clarity, reliability, and partnership-based collaboration on an equal footing.
GROW with SAP - Success Only with a Clear Plan
GROW with SAP is much more than just an ERP product from the cloud. It is a new operating model – and requires a rethink at a technical, process, and organizational level. Those who actively shape this change will benefit from scalability, transparency, and speed.
Companies that see GROW with SAP as a strategic opportunity and have an experienced partner at their side create the basis for sustainable growth – with System.
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