Why it is important to check the Compatibility Scope Matrix

The Compatibility Scope Check plays a crucial role for companies transitioning their existing SAP ERP systems to SAP S/4HANA. It helps identify temporarily supported functions that will no longer be available after a certain date. This is essential to ensure that companies rely on a stable and supported system in the long term, without encountering surprises during system migration.

What is the Compatibility Scope?

The Compatibility Scope includes functions from older SAP ERP systems that can continue to be used in SAP S/4HANA only until 31 December 2025. After this date, these functions will no longer be officially supported. 

The Compatibility Scope Check helps identify outdated functions and plan the transition to newer solutions, such as Stock Room Management (SRM) or Extended Warehouse Management (EWM).

Why is the Compatibility Scope Check important?

The Compatibility Scope Check is essential for several reasons:

1. Avoiding Operational Risks Functions used beyond the transition period will no longer be officially supported. This could lead to failures or security issues, as no patches or fixes will be provided. The check allows companies to identify and eliminate these risks in time.

2. Planning Security Companies planning a Brownfield migration – the gradual transition of their existing systems to SAP S/4HANA – can use the Compatibility Scope Check to determine which functions need to be replaced or migrated. This helps better plan the migration and avoid unexpected bottlenecks.

3. Cost Control The check allows precise calculation of the migration effort by determining early on which functions need to be replaced by more modern solutions. This enables companies to plan their budgets accordingly and minimise total cost of ownership (TCO).

When should the Compatibility Scope Check be performed?

It is advisable to perform the Compatibility Scope Check as early as possible in the migration process. An early check gives you enough time to switch to newer solutions, such as Stock Room Management or EWM, before official support for outdated functions ends.

Ideal Timing for the Check:

• Before Migration Planning Begins: To ensure that all relevant processes are considered.
• During System Analysis: To identify which outdated functions need to be replaced by more modern solutions.
• Regular Updates: Throughout the transition to ensure no new, unsupported functions are added to the system.

Who needs the Compatibility Scope Check?

The Compatibility Scope Check is particularly important for:

• IT Managers and System Administrators responsible for the SAP system transition.
• CEOs and CFOs looking to manage budgets and minimise risks.
• Warehouse and Logistics Managers who need to ensure their systems remain stable and future-proof.

Conclusion

The Compatibility Scope Check is a crucial step for any company migrating to SAP S/4HANA. It provides planning security, minimises risks, and ensures that all functions are replaced in time before official support ends. Companies that start the check early will be well-prepared to fully leverage the benefits of SAP S/4HANA without compromising system stability.

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Author
Thorsten Buchta

Thorsten Buchta has been working in SAP logistics since 2008 and has been Managing Director of agisolo GmbH since June 2021. With over 20 successfully completed full cycle SAP projects, particularly in SAP EWM, WM, and SRM, he possesses extensive experience in the implementation of SAP S/4HANA across various industries. He continues to lead large-scale projects and international SAP implementations, with a focus on the seamless integration of EWM.