Search
Intense data streams illuminate the vibrant heart of a bustling data center, where critical information flows ceaselessly.

End of SAP ECC support poses security risks for companies

The SAP system is at the core of your business which is increasingly digital and more agile. Understand why it is business critical to consider modernizing your ERP system as soon as possible.

12. February 2025Peter Hecht

SAP modernization is business critical

2027 is approaching, and companies using the SAP ECC system must upgrade to avoid serious business consequences. Taking action now is essential to maintain security, efficiency, and alignment with future requirements.

SAP transformation is a business transformation

Hand holding lightbulb with cloud computing and technology icons such as laptop computer graph

Delays in modernizing your SAP platform could result in lost market share. According to Gartner®, “Sourcing procurement and vendor management (SPVM) leaders have difficult business choices - and numerous sourcing options, each often requiring significant investment with modernization and change possibly taking many years to achieve.’’¹ 

Since ERP systems are at the core of business operations, this lack of modernization poses a significant risk.

Gartner® Report on ERP Sourcing Options

Discover the transformation paths of your strategic ERP sourcing options.

How a system failure can cost millions

Man carrying folding chair to shop counter

A real-world example highlights the impact of ERP failures: In 2015, Danish retailer Ilva and Idémøbler suffered a catastrophic IT system failure when their new administrative platform crashed. As a result, critical inventory - including sofas, TV tables, and beds - was stuck in containers at Aarhus Harbor, and furious customers were met with a notice on their website: "We are experiencing major IT challenges with a new system."

The company was forced to shut down its web store, losing millions in revenue. This incident underscores that an ERP system is far more than just another IT tool - it is the backbone of business operations.

The role of ERP

ERP systems manage the entire supply chain, from production and warehousing to purchasing, finance, and customer communication. They integrate and streamline business processes, ensuring smooth operations from raw material sourcing to final product delivery.

Failures can have even more severe consequences for companies in sectors like life sciences, potentially disrupting the delivery of life-saving medications to patients. This highlights the critical role of ERP in business continuity and why upgrading your system is far more complex than simply pressing a button. A successful transition often requires months of planning, implementation, and system integration.

As with any software update, companies without the latest version of SAP are not just running a security risk because the platform won’t be further developed. They also risk losing market share.

Peter Hecht, Marketing Director T-Systems Northern Europe

The risks of not upgrading your SAP ECC platform

Bottom side of an modern CPU, showing its pins and CPU Socket on Motherboard

One recommendation from Gartner is to “communicate the future role of ERP as being almost always a core enabler of critical business for organizations, necessitating a strategic and long-term transformative view over a tactical one.” Yet, many organizations remain on outdated ECC platforms that no longer support their evolving business needs.

For example, a company’s SAP platform must seamlessly integrate with its e-commerce interface. If the webshop undergoes an update - such as new features or a redesigned customer experience - an outdated ECC system may struggle to support these enhancements, leading to implementation delays. This lag in innovation risks driving customers to competitors, offering a more seamless and responsive online experience.

Even if an ECC platform continues to function in the short term, businesses expose themselves to increasing risks as the software becomes outdated. Without regular updates, companies become vulnerable to cyberattacks and face significant operational disruptions with no vendor support in the event of technical failures.


Gartner® Report on ERP Sourcing Options

Discover the transformation paths of your strategic ERP sourcing options.

Why many companies fail in their SAP upgrades

One of the most common mistakes businesses make when upgrading their SAP platform is treating it as a purely IT-driven initiative. As a result, they measure success based solely on IT performance metrics, overlooking the broader business impact.

To succeed, organizations must approach SAP modernization as a business transformation. This means shifting the focus from technical implementation to value creation. Leaders must ask how the new SAP platform enhances business performance, agility, and competitive advantage.

Communication and change management are essential

SAP modernization is not just a technical upgrade - it impacts the entire organization. Learning a new system is a significant challenge, requiring changes across all business functions, from IT infrastructure to financial operations.

During the transition, businesses must run their legacy ECC platform alongside the new SAP S/4HANA system, adding further complexity. To navigate this process successfully, organizations must develop a clear strategy that includes the following:

  • A structured transition plan from the "as-is" state to the "to-be" state.
  • Communication strategies to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
  • A robust change management framework to ensure smooth adoption across teams.

Failure to address these factors often leads to delays, cost overruns, and employee resistance, major contributors to unsuccessful SAP transformations.

Why companies can’t afford to delay

A man in suit sits at desk, overwhelmed by flying papers and clock

For many companies, the challenge of a full-scale IT transformation - combined with financial and resource constraints - has led to procrastination. However, 2027 is approaching fast, and postponing the transition only increases the risks.

SAP modernization is a complex undertaking that requires thorough planning, extensive analysis, and collaboration across the organization. It’s not a project you can map out over your morning coffee - it demands strategic alignment, cross-functional workshops, and a long-term roadmap. Given its business-critical nature, there has never been a more urgent time to act.

About the author
Marketing Director Northern Europe

Peter Hecht

Marketing Director T-Systems Northern Europe

Show profile and articles

Further SAP topics that you might find interesting

¹ Gartner, What Are My ERP Sourcing Options as Support for SAP ECC Ends?, David Penny, Tom Sieber, 4 December 2023

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Do you visit t-systems.com outside of Denmark? Visit the local website for more information and offers for your country.