SAP AEM: A guide to a future-proof SAP extension strategy

Developers are spoiled for choice when it comes to extensions in the SAP environment. The growing importance of cloud technologies and the clean-core approach mean that they have access to many new development techniques. In addition, there is a fundamental rethinking in terms of system adaptations. Instead of integrating extensions directly into the core, today they are implemented outside the core to ensure that it will be possible to maintain and upgrade the software for the long term. The SAP Business Technology Platform provides support for the development, integration, and operation of such side-by-side extensions.

What is behind the SAP AEM?

The SAP Application Extension Methodology (SAP AEM) helps organizations keep track of the many expansion options by providing orientation and structure. It is a procedure for implementing adaptations in a targeted, strategic, and future-proof manner. SAP AEM consists of the following three phases:

1. Assess extension use case: In this phase, we will examine whether and why expansion is required. The goal is to understand the business requirements and processes and to ensure that only meaningful extensions are planned.
2. Assess extension technology: Here, we evaluate the possible technologies for specific expansion cases. This way, companies gain an overview of the available extension technologies. With this so-called technical extension building blocks the technical requirements can be translated into technical ones.
3. Define target solution: In this phase, we define and document the target architecture for each use case and create a transparent basis for a future-proof implementation.

A template for the long-term expansion strategy

Companies can use SAP AEM to develop an expansion strategy tailored to their needs. This is particularly important for S/4HANA systems, as there is a very large number of possible development techniques. For example, either classic ABAP-based user interfaces or modern Fiori and BTP cloud solutions can be used to develop new interfaces.

To create an individual extension strategy, SAP AEM offers a template that shows various expansion tasks and the associated technical expansion modules. This template can be used to evaluate any existing and potential expansion technology based on customer-specific criteria, such as clean core, expertise, or license costs. A categorization by traffic light colors helps to prioritize techniques and select them based on transparent criteria.

This could look like this:

• Techniques marked in red are considered unsuitable for long-term use because they make future upgrades more difficult or are not available in the current range of features.
• Techniques marked in yellow must be approved and should only be used when green techniques cannot comply with the requirements.
• Techniques marked in green correspond to current SAP best practices and the clean-core principle. They are ideally suited for future extensions, as they can be seamlessly integrated, efficiently maintained, and they do not require deep intervention in the system core.

The color coding provides orientation and thus helps make strategic decisions for the right extension techniques. This way, companies can establish an expansion strategy that not only protects the clean core and implements adaptations efficiently, but also keeps their SAP systems flexible and future-proof.

System extensions in line with clean core

Using SAP AEM as a strategic foundation for clean-core expansion protects the system in the long term and promotes cost-effective upgrades. The SAP Application Extension Methodology also ensures that everyone involved knows which extension techniques can be used. Our project experience shows that S/4HANA launches in particular benefit from such an expansion strategy – regardless of whether they will use the greenfield, brownfield, or hybrid project approach. A clean-core expansion strategy also offers great benefits for companies with existing S/4HANA systems. We will be happy to help you develop and successfully implement this strategy.