Why Migrating from ECC
to S/4HANA Can’t Wait
If your organization is still operating on ECC, particularly on Enhancement Pack (EHP) levels 0–8, your window to act is closing fast. In this article, we’ll explore the current SAP support landscape, why delaying migration is a risk, and how your business can take the right steps to move forward.
Understanding the SAP ECC Support Timeline
SAP has clearly defined the support lifecycle for ECC 6.0 based on EHP levels:
| EHP Level | Mainstream Support Ends | Extended Support Available Until |
| EHP 0–5 | December 31, 2025 | Not available |
| EHP 6–8 | December 31, 2027 | December 31, 2030 (at a premium) |
- Mainstream support includes regular updates, security patches, compliance fixes, and limited new features.
- Extended support adds only critical patching — no new features or innovation.
- After 2030, no support will be available for ECC systems from SAP.
SAP has also made it clear: there will be no further deadline extensions. Organizations relying on ECC need to make a move or face serious operational risks.
Why This Matters Now
If your business is on EHP 0–5, the 2025 deadline is looming. Systems will no longer receive critical updates or fixes starting January 1, 2026. This makes them:
- Non-compliant with modern security standards
- Ineligible for SAP’s ongoing improvements
- Exposed to system failures and data breaches
Even companies on EHP 6–8 must act by 2027, or bear the cost of expensive extended support, which is not a long-term solution. SAP customers can expect increased costs, escalated risks, and limited innovation the longer they delay.
Migration to SAP S/4HANA: Why It’s Urgent
SAP is investing heavily in S/4HANA, its cloud-enabled, real-time ERP system powered by the HANA in-memory database. This platform is not just an upgrade—it’s a complete transformation in how enterprises operate digitally.
However, SAP S/4HANA migration is not a simple patch or update—it’s a significant project with a typical timeline of 18 to 36 months, involving:
- Technical conversion- This includes the transition from the legacy ECC system to the SAP S/4HANA environment. It involves migrating core data, adapting custom code to the new HANA architecture, and ensuring compatibility with the in-memory database. This phase demands detailed analysis of existing modules, clean-up of obsolete code, and rigorous testing.
- Business process redesign- S/4HANA isn’t a 1:1 replication of ECC—it introduces new best practices, capabilities, and simplified data models. Businesses need to revisit their processes, evaluate what to retain, retire, or optimize, and align them with S/4HANA’s intelligent automation, embedded analytics, and real-time reporting features. This is often where true business value is unlocked.
- System rearchitecture- The shift to S/4HANA also provides an opportunity to modernize your IT landscape. This includes infrastructure decisions (on-premise vs. cloud vs. hybrid), integration with third-party applications, and adopting a modular, API-driven ecosystem. Proper rearchitecture ensures scalability, resilience, and adaptability for future innovations.
- Change management and training- New systems mean new ways of working. User adoption is a critical success factor. Organizations must invest in structured change management—training users, redefining roles, and preparing teams to work in a more digital, automated, and insight-driven environment. A well-executed change strategy reduces resistance and accelerates ROI.
That means even starting in mid-2025 may already be too late for many organizations to complete the migration before support ends.
The Cost of Inaction
Failing to migrate in time could have far-reaching consequences, including:
- Increased operational risk: Unsupported systems are prone to cybersecurity threats, system outages, and compliance issues.
- Higher total cost of ownership (TCO): Patching outdated systems and using extended support is more expensive than migrating.
- Loss of competitiveness: Without S/4HANA’s real-time insights and automation, businesses lag behind digitally mature competitors.
- Resource crunch: The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to find skilled consultants and partners for migration due to demand surges.
What Should SAP Customers Do Now?
Here’s a practical roadmap for organizations still on ECC:
- Identify Your EHP Level
First, determine which enhancement pack your ECC system is on:
- EHP 0–5? You must migrate before December 31, 2025.
- EHP 6–8? You have until December 31, 2027, or buy extended support until 2030 (with a premium).
This is the first and most critical step.
- Evaluate Your Migration Options
SAP offers multiple transition paths:
- New Implementation (Greenfield): Build a fresh S/4HANA environment.
- System Conversion (Brownfield): Convert your existing ECC system.
- Selective Data Transition (Hybrid): Combine both strategies, keeping some legacy data while migrating core systems.
Choose the path that aligns with your business complexity, data strategy, and digital goals.
- Begin Planning NOW
Migration is a multi-phase project. Begin with:
- A detailed readiness assessment
- Internal stakeholder alignment
- A clear budget and resource plan
- Choosing a trusted SAP migration partner with domain expertise
Starting early means more control over the process—and fewer disruptions.
Common Challenges in SAP S/4HANA Migration
- Complex Customizations
Legacy ECC systems often have deep customizations. Migrating these to S/4HANA takes strategic decisions—whether to rebuild, reconfigure, or retire them.
- Data Volume and Cleanup
Large datasets must be cleaned, archived, or transformed before moving. Dirty or redundant data can lead to inflated costs and inefficiencies post-migration.
- Skill Gaps
SAP S/4HANA demands new skill sets—from in-memory database architecture to Fiori UI expertise. Many internal teams are not equipped to handle the technical shift alone.
- Change Resistance
A system migration impacts every department. Without proper communication and training, user resistance can derail timelines and adoption.
Temporary Alternatives: Is Third-Party Support a Viable Option?
Some companies exploring short-term relief may consider third-party SAP support providers, such as Rimini Street. This can provide:
- Critical patching and compliance updates
- Time to plan migration more strategically
- Reduced pressure on internal teams
However, this is not a permanent solution. It does not offer innovation, upgrades, or full SAP ecosystem compatibility.
Third-party support should only be a bridge, not a destination.
At Shvintech, what sets us apart is our deep technical expertise blended with business-first thinking. We don’t just migrate systems — we reimagine business performance. Our team brings a proven track record in delivering complex SAP transformations across industries, leveraging accelerators, tools, and best practices to reduce time, cost, and risk. With a client-centric approach, 24/7 support, and commitment to post-migration optimization, we ensure that your transition to S/4HANA isn’t just smooth — it’s strategic. From compliance assurance to cloud-readiness, Shvintech is the partner of choice for enterprises seeking speed, scale, and sustained success. Our deep domain expertise, certified consultants, and proven methodology ensure:
Seamless ECC to S/4HANA transformation
Comprehensive readiness assessments
Tailored migration roadmaps
Minimized downtime and business disruption
Cost-effective execution with global delivery models
Whether you’re exploring your options or already planning, our team can help you move with confidence and clarity.
The end of SAP ECC support is not just a technical deadline—it’s a business-critical decision point. With 2025 and 2027 fast approaching, SAP customers must act now to:
- Ensure business continuity
- Secure their systems
- Future-proof their operations
Don’t wait for the last minute. The earlier you start your S/4HANA journey, the more control, cost-efficiency, and competitive advantage you’ll gain.
Ready to Begin?
Let’s assess your SAP ECC landscape, determine your best-fit S/4HANA migration strategy, and set your business up for future success.
📩 Contact us at hello@shvintech.com
🌐 Visit us at www.shvintech.com
