Getting started · LessonBy Arjun, SAP Solution Architect · Published · SAP S/4HANA 2023 · all levels
SAP products
SAP is not a single product but a broad portfolio built around the ERP core. Knowing the main products, and how they relate, helps you place any topic in context and choose the right learning path.
Quick answer
The ERP core runs operations; line-of-business clouds specialise in HR, procurement and CX; and BTP is the glue that extends and connects everything without modifying the ERP core.
Key takeaways
- S/4HANA, the current-generation ERP suite on HANA.
- SAP ERP (ECC), the previous-generation suite still widely in use.
- SAP Business One / Business ByDesign, ERP for smaller and mid-market companies.
- Watch out: Confusing products with modules, SuccessFactors is a product; FI is a module of the ERP core.
The ERP core
- S/4HANA, the current-generation ERP suite on HANA.
- SAP ERP (ECC), the previous-generation suite still widely in use.
- SAP Business One / Business ByDesign, ERP for smaller and mid-market companies.
Line-of-business and cloud products
- SuccessFactors, cloud human capital management.
- Ariba, cloud procurement and supplier networks.
- Concur, travel and expense.
- SAP Customer Experience (CX), cloud CRM/commerce.
- IBP, integrated business planning for supply chain.
Technology and platform
- SAP HANA, the in-memory database.
- SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform), the cloud platform for extension, integration, analytics and AI.
- SAP Analytics Cloud, Datasphere/BW, analytics and data warehousing.
- SAP Integration Suite, cloud integration (formerly CPI/PI-PO).
How they fit together
The ERP core runs operations; line-of-business clouds specialise in HR, procurement and CX; and BTP is the glue that extends and connects everything without modifying the ERP core. This "keep the core clean, innovate on the platform" model is central to modern SAP strategy.
Common pitfalls
- Confusing products with modules, SuccessFactors is a product; FI is a module of the ERP core.
- Assuming everything is on-premise, many products are cloud-only.
- Overlooking BTP, it is where modern SAP extension happens.
Practice challenge
+0 XPStreak ×0
Question 1 of 3
Which statement is true of SAP products?
Frequently asked questions
What does the term SAP products refer to in SAP?
SAP is not a single product but a broad portfolio built around the ERP core. Knowing the main products, and how they relate, helps you place any topic in context and choose the right learning path.
What changed for SAP products in S/4HANA?
S/4HANA, the current-generation ERP suite on HANA. SAP ERP (ECC), the previous-generation suite still widely in use. SAP Business One / Business ByDesign, ERP for smaller and mid-market companies.
What is connected to SAP products in an SAP landscape?
SAP HANA, the in-memory database. SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform), the cloud platform for extension, integration, analytics and AI. SAP Analytics Cloud, Datasphere/BW, analytics and data warehousing.
What tends to go wrong with SAP products?
Confusing products with modules, SuccessFactors is a product; FI is a module of the ERP core. Assuming everything is on-premise, many products are cloud-only. Overlooking BTP, it is where modern SAP extension happens.