When you decide to migrate your SAP system, it’s often viewed as a purely technical process—moving data, changing infrastructure, and upgrading interfaces. But what many companies overlook is the importance of app development during and after this transition.
Custom applications can make a big difference in how well your new SAP environment works. Whether you’re moving to SAP S/4HANA or shifting to the cloud, app development helps tailor the system to your business needs and improves user experience.
Migrating your SAP system means moving from an older version of SAP or another ERP system to a newer platform like SAP S/4HANA. This includes:
The process can take weeks or months, depending on the system size and complexity.
While the technical work is essential, it’s the user-facing applications that truly bring the system to life. These apps allow employees to complete tasks, access data, and interact with the new platform every day.
App development involves creating software that works directly with your SAP system. These apps could be for desktop use, mobile devices, or even embedded systems like scanners and terminals.
Here’s why it matters:
The standard SAP interface may not fit all departments or workflows. With app development, you can build tools that are designed around how your teams actually work.
For example, a custom app for warehouse staff might include a simplified screen with just the fields they need. Sales reps might use a mobile app to check inventory or update customer orders on the go.
Tailored apps reduce confusion, speed up tasks, and boost productivity.
SAP systems come with a wide range of features, but no ERP platform can do everything out of the box. With apps, you can add features that aren’t included in the standard setup.
This could include:
App development fills the gaps so your system supports your exact business model.
During migration, businesses need to run testing scripts, track data issues, or monitor real-time progress. Instead of using spreadsheets or disconnected tools, you can develop lightweight apps to support these tasks.
For example:
These tools make the migration process smoother and more transparent for everyone involved.
Employees are more likely to embrace a new system if it feels familiar and easy to use. Apps designed with your users in mind make this possible.
Using modern UI frameworks like SAP Fiori, developers can create simple, role-based apps that look and feel like today’s mobile apps. This reduces training time and encourages faster adoption of the new SAP environment.
SAP offers several tools and platforms to support custom app development:
These tools give developers the power to build exactly what each business needs, without having to reinvent the wheel.