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Time for the SAP APO replacement – and a fresh start

SAP APO is being phased out. We show how to future-proof your supply chain planning and what to consider when choosing a successor system.

Man in smart casual clothing sits thinking hard about solutions.

Pressure is mounting – a new solution is needed

By 2027 at the latest, SAP will discontinue support for its APO planning system. For many companies, that’s more than a technical cutoff — it marks a strategic turning point.

The question now is how supply chain planning should work going forward: in real time, AI-enabled, and end-to-end.SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) seems like a natural option — especially for organizations already invested in the SAP ecosystem. However, the move comes with important prerequisites: IBP is only fully realized in combination with SAP S/4HANA. For companies not already on an S/4HANA migration path, this means significant technological and organizational effort — in integration as well as in change management.

That’s why it pays to consider alternatives. The market offers modern platforms built on new principles — more transparent, faster, smarter.

SAP APO vs. Maestro
EATON Quote

Rogerio Branco
Chief Supply Chain Officer, Eaton Corporation

”The techniques and processes that we’ve relied on for the past 30 years will not survive the next three.“

SAP APO End-of-Life:

SAP IBP is not the only option

The end of SAP APO support is coming – and with it, growing urgency to act. Companies that wait too long risk extending operational risks and technical dependencies unnecessarily. At the same time, this transition is the perfect opportunity to modernize supply chain planning — with solutions that deliver not only a technology shift, but real strategic value.

Which questions help guide the choice of an APO successor?

Organizations evaluating the replacement of SAP APO should consider the following aspects. They provide a solid basis for identifying future-ready platforms:

Kinaxis Maestro: A modern alternative to traditional planning

Kinaxis Maestro is an AI-powered supply chain planning platform designed specifically for the challenges of dynamic markets. It sets a new standard for speed, visibility, and responsiveness – and in 2025, it was recognized as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Supply Chain Planning for the 11th consecutive year.

Infografik: SAP vs. Kinaxis

The strengths of Kinaxis Maestro at a glance

Concurrent Planning Engine

Planning processes don’t run sequentially but simultaneously and in sync. A change in one area (e.g., demand) immediately impacts all others – with no delays, no silos.

Scenario Planning in seconds

Users can simulate a wide range of what-if scenarios in minutes – from raw material shortages to demand fluctuations or geopolitical risks.

AI-powered decision intelligence

Artificial intelligence supports forecasting, pattern recognition, and automated recommendations – enabling smarter, data-driven planning.

Seamless integration with SAP systems

Kinaxis complements existing SAP ERP or S/4HANA systems as a smart planning layer – with rapid implementation and low maintenance.

End-to-end visibility & collaboration

All stakeholders – internal and external – work together on one platform. This ensures more clarity, faster response times, and better alignment.

Voices, that speak for themselves

Das Bild zeigt das Gartner-Logo mit dem Wort "Gartner" in fetten blauen Buchstaben auf weißem Hintergrund.

2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Supply Chain Planning Solutions: Kinaxis recognized as a Leader for the 11th year in a row and ranked highest in Ability to Execute.

Learn more about the Gartner Magic Quadrant

Gartner Peer Insights-Logo mit "Gartner" in dunkelblauem Fettdruck und "Peer Insights" in hellerem Blau auf weißem Hintergrund.

Gartner Peer Insights lists Kinaxis Maestro as one of the top alternatives to SAP. Based on verified end-user reviews in the Supply Chain Planning category, Kinaxis Maestro ranks above established vendors such as SAP. The platform currently holds an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 125+ reviews — a strong signal of real customer value.

Check Gartner Peer Insight

What companies say after successfully making the transition.

Mature businessman using digital tablet

Supply-Chain-Executive
World-leading consumer goods company

”As a long-standing SAP APO customer, we wanted to consolidate our many standalone systems and make our planning more flexible. Kinaxis Maestro convinced us with its agility, high level of security, and ease of use, providing our planners with valuable insights.“

portrait of a happy young businessman working at his office desk

Senior Director Supply Chain
Global semiconductor foundry

”Our first go-live with another planning solution dragged on for years, required numerous adjustments, and still left gaps. In parallel, Kinaxis Maestro proved to be far more effective – especially thanks to its flexibility, rapid what-if scenarios, and integrated alert features.“

Conclusion: Making the right move beyond APO

The replacement of SAP APO is more than a migration project. It’s an opportunity to leave outdated processes behind and reimagine planning as end-to-end, collaborative, and AI-powered. Companies that act early secure both competitive advantage and long-term resilience.

Which options fit your IT landscape? Let’s analyze it together.

Are you wondering whether Kinaxis Maestro is the right alternative to SAP APO — and how seamlessly it integrates into your existing systems?

Book your free initial consultation now

Bild von Karl Forster Vice President valantic

Karl Forster

Senior Vice President

valantic