Scaling SAP Impact: Gagan Mohan Singh's Story as an SAP Mentor

Gagan Mohan Singh is a seasoned SAP ERP Cloud architect and sales expert with 18 years of experience. He currently works at Deloitte India, responsible for SAP S/4HANA sales and program management. Singh is an SAP Mentor and has shared his experience and advice with the SAP community, emphasizing the importance of giving back and making contribution a habit. He is passionate about SAP S/4HANA, RISE with SAP, and Signavio, and enjoys translating technical details into business narratives.

The SAP ecosystem continues to evolve with the introduction of SAP S/4HANA and RISE with SAP, offering new opportunities for enterprises seeking to modernize their ERP systems. As of July 2025, these offerings have gained significant traction, particularly with the impending end of SAP ECC support in 2027.

SAP S/4HANA: The Cloud-Based ERP Solution

SAP S/4HANA, launched as the successor to SAP ERP, represents a significant shift towards cloud-based ERP solutions. The platform integrates real-time analytics and machine learning capabilities, providing enterprises with enhanced operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making [1]. This transition is particularly relevant for companies looking to leverage the full potential of cloud computing.

RISE with SAP: A Comprehensive Cloud Offering

RISE with SAP, introduced in early 2021, is a business transformation-as-a-service offering that bundles SAP S/4HANA Cloud software, cloud infrastructure, and technical services under a single subscription. This comprehensive approach simplifies the procurement process and aligns with the trend towards SaaS and cloud subscriptions [2]. However, it also introduces new complexities in contract negotiation, pricing, and long-term cost.

Key Considerations for Enterprises

1. Single-Contract Subscription: One of the major shifts with RISE is the single-contract model, which combines software licenses, cloud hosting, and support services into a single subscription. This convenience comes at the cost of reduced transparency, as SAP does not itemize individual costs. Enterprises must be prepared to negotiate and understand the bundled pricing to ensure they are getting a fair deal.

2. Cloud-Only Deployment: RISE with SAP is exclusively for cloud deployments, meaning enterprises must fully embrace a cloud model managed by SAP. This shift requires a significant change in IT practices and infrastructure management. Enterprises must consider regulatory and data residency requirements to ensure compliance with industry standards and local laws.

3. Support and Upgrades: With RISE, SAP's support is bundled into the subscription, eliminating the option for third-party support providers. Enterprises must be prepared for mandatory upgrades and forced standardization, which can impact operational flexibility.

The Role of SAP Experts

Given the complexities of RISE with SAP, enterprises are advised to engage with independent SAP licensing experts. These professionals can provide practical insights and help navigate the nuances of RISE contracts, ensuring that enterprises make informed decisions and avoid costly licensing mistakes.

Conclusion

The landscape of SAP ERP solutions is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of SAP S/4HANA and RISE with SAP. These offerings present both opportunities and challenges for enterprises, requiring careful consideration and strategic planning. As the market continues to evolve, enterprises must stay informed and adapt their strategies to leverage the full potential of these innovative solutions.

References

[1] https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/sap-s-4hana-solution-architect-at-the-dignify-solutions-llc-4261608660

[2] https://saplicensingexperts.com/top-20-things-every-enterprise-needs-to-know-about-rise-with-sap/