Among the top 10 worldwide – ifm sets new standards with SAP clean core certification
In November 2023, SAP announced that it would be discontinuing certification for classic ABAP add-ons. This decision is part of SAP's Clean Core strategy, which aims to separate the S/4HANA core from customer-specific enhancements and customizations in order to ensure a stable, maintainable, and “clean” system basis. In the future, extensions may only be made via clearly defined interfaces – a mammoth task for all SAP partners who were previously closely intertwined with the core system.
The path to Clean Core certification – a major challenge
Implementing the Clean Core strategy requires a radical redesign of solutions. The requirements for a “clean” extension of the S/4HANA system are high and demanding. It is particularly challenging to restructure existing add-ons so that they are fully compliant with the new specifications and the SAP cloud approach. Development under Clean Core conditions requires profound changes to the architecture and programming. Every extension must be designed to work seamlessly with the S/4HANA core without affecting it. This transition is a complex, resource-intensive process that requires not only technical adjustments but also the development of new innovative concepts to meet the strict requirements.
A key element is the integration of Embedded Steampunk – the technology that enables ABAP add-ons to be developed in accordance with SAP public cloud standards. This allows solutions to be designed directly on the SAP platform, which further increases complexity. To ensure the highest quality standards and upgrade stability, we work with the latest SAP versions and regularly participate in SAP beta programs.
Strategic roadmap for the next steps
With version 25.0 of the Supply Chain Excellence solution, released in January 2025, the first Clean Core-compatible components that SAP has already certified were rolled out. However, the transition to a Clean Core approach is far from complete, as the goal for the next few years is to make as many SCX Suite functions as possible available in Clean Core. Further development of Clean Core and Suite on stack remains an ongoing process, requiring a response to the latest SAP developments and further optimization of solutions in the future. The move to Clean Core strengthens the company's position as a pioneer in the field of SAP add-ons and underscores its commitment to providing customers with future-proof and powerful solutions.
In November 2023, SAP announced that it would be discontinuing certification for classic ABAP add-ons. This decision is part of SAP's Clean Core strategy, which aims to separate the S/4HANA core from customer-specific enhancements and customizations in order to ensure a stable, maintainable, and “clean” system basis. In the future, extensions may only be made via clearly defined interfaces – a mammoth task for all SAP partners who were previously closely intertwined with the core system.
The path to Clean Core certification – a major challenge
Implementing the Clean Core strategy requires a radical redesign of solutions. The requirements for a “clean” extension of the S/4HANA system are high and demanding. It is particularly challenging to restructure existing add-ons so that they are fully compliant with the new specifications and the SAP cloud approach. Development under Clean Core conditions requires profound changes to the architecture and programming. Every extension must be designed to work seamlessly with the S/4HANA core without affecting it. This transition is a complex, resource-intensive process that requires not only technical adjustments but also the development of new innovative concepts to meet the strict requirements.
A key element is the integration of Embedded Steampunk – the technology that enables ABAP add-ons to be developed in accordance with SAP public cloud standards. This allows solutions to be designed directly on the SAP platform, which further increases complexity. To ensure the highest quality standards and upgrade stability, we work with the latest SAP versions and regularly participate in SAP beta programs.
Strategic roadmap for the next steps
With version 25.0 of the Supply Chain Excellence solution, released in January 2025, the first Clean Core-compatible components that SAP has already certified were rolled out. However, the transition to a Clean Core approach is far from complete, as the goal for the next few years is to make as many SCX Suite functions as possible available in Clean Core. Further development of Clean Core and Suite on stack remains an ongoing process, requiring a response to the latest SAP developments and further optimization of solutions in the future. The move to Clean Core strengthens the company's position as a pioneer in the field of SAP add-ons and underscores its commitment to providing customers with future-proof and powerful solutions.