Fit to Standard: Efficient SAP Implementation through Best Practices
April 14, 2025 | Reading time: Approx. 6 minutes
Experts from the FIS Group
The implementation of an ERP system such as SAP S/4HANA – whether as an on-premise solution or in the cloud – confronts companies with the question as to whether processes are to be adjusted to the software solution or vice versa. While the fit-gap approach dominated in the past, now the fit-to-standard approach is becoming increasingly popular. But what exactly does that mean?
What is the fit-to-standard approach?
The objective of the fit-to-standard approach is to adapt business processes as far as possible to the predefined best practice processes of SAP software. This particularly applies to SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud as individual adjustments are only possible to a limited extent here.
In spring 2025, SAP renamed its cloud ERP products:
The solution previously known as SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition has been called SAP Cloud ERP since then, whereas SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition is now described as SAP Cloud ERP Private. In this specialist article, however, the old names remain unchanged.
Instead of making tailor-made adjustments, it is checked to what extent the existing processes correspond to the standard functions of SAP S/4HANA Cloud. Individual developments and modifications are reduced to a minimum.
The concept is based on the preconfigured processes by SAP. These and cloud-based deployment models in particular are based on best practices from different industries.
Companies benefit from faster implementation, reduced costs and higher future security. Standard solutions are regularly developed further and maintained by SAP. Moreover, maintenance efforts are reduced as adjustments to new SAP versions are required less often.
An additional feature is the scalability of the fit-to-standard approach. Companies can start with a proven standard solution and extend it if required. This enables a flexible response to changes in the market environment or new statutory requirements.
Furthermore, this approach supports companies in integrating new technologies, such as artificial intelligence or machine learning, more easily into existing business processes.
Fit-to-standard vs fit-gap approach: What are the differences?
Traditionally, the fit-gap approach was used to adjust ERP systems to individual business needs. This approach analyzes which processes are covered by the standard software solution (“fit”) and what gaps exist (“gap”). The gaps are closed by tailor-made adjustments, extensions or in-house developments.
The fit-to-standard approach is based on standard processes and asks companies to adjust their individual procedures to the software solution instead of changing it. This provides several advantages:
What are the benefits of the fit-to-standard approach?
What are the challenges when using the fit-to-standard approach?
Companies with highly differentiated business models in particular might reach their limits if standard processes are not sufficient. In such cases, a hybrid approach can be useful: it adjusts critical processes while other processes remain standardized.
Fit-to-standard workshops: a central element of SAP implementation
Fit-to-standard workshops play a decisive role during the explore phase of an SAP S/4HANA implementation. In these workshops, the predefined best practice processes of SAP software are introduced and compared with the corporate processes. The most important aims of these workshops are:
In addition, the workshops intensify cross-divisional cooperation. The shared development of a solution creates higher acceptance and a stronger identification with the new system. Potential problems can be identified and eliminated at an early stage.
Another workshop aspect is the prioritization of business needs. Companies can define the processes that are indispensable and where compromises can be made. This helps design the implementation extent realistically and avoid unnecessary adjustments.
What are the factors for a successful fit-to-standard implementation?
To successfully implement the fit-to-standard approach, companies should consider some central factors:
A structured implementation approach is essential to successfully implement the fit-to-standard approach. Detailed process analysis and targeted employee training courses therefore play an important role. Moreover, companies should define in advance a clear strategy for future extensions and optimizations.
The involvement of external consultants may be an advantage as well. They have a great deal of experience with fit-to-standard projects and can bring best practices from other companies. It should also be reviewed regularly whether the defined processes work in practice or whether readjustments are necessary.
Outlook: the future of the fit-to-standard approach
The fit-to-standard approach will probably become more and more important with the growing digitization and increasing importance of cloud solutions.
SAP is constantly developing its standard processes and integrates new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. This enables companies to benefit from innovative functions without having to make own developments.
At the same time, flexibility within a standard frame will increase. SAP is working on extending its configuration options. In this way, companies can improve the mapping of their individual requirements without leaving the standard path. As a consequence, the traditional conflict between standardization and individualization might continue to be mitigated.
This means that companies analyze intensively the possibilities offered by SAP standard. In addition, processes must be reviewed regularly. The fit-to-standard approach therefore becomes a dynamic process: companies and SAP are in constant dialog to find the balance between standardization and individuality.
Conclusion: The fit-to-standard approach as a future model for SAP implementations?
The fit-to-standard approach provides companies with an efficient and inexpensive possibility of implementing SAP S/4HANA.
The use of standardized best practices accelerates implementation projects and reduces long-term maintenance efforts. However, this approach requires a high willingness to change as well as the adjustment of existing processes to SAP standard versions.
Companies should assess where standard processes are sufficient and where individual adjustments are necessary, in particular if they rely on flexibility and tailor-made solutions. Here, fit-to-standard analyses play an essential role in enabling well-founded decisions.
Eventually, the fit-to-standard method is not only a technical implementation strategy but also a cultural change. It is a matter of adopting proven processes. At the same time, this increases efficiency and corporate innovation capability.
Companies accepting this change can benefit from a future-proof ERP implementation. The challenge is to find the balance between standardization and individual flexibility. In this way, you secure long-term competitive advantages.
Questions about this topic? Our team will be happy to assist you personally.
Read, take a look, inform yourself
In our download section, you will find a large number of SAP contents worth knowing – expert talks, white papers and flyers. To find right away what you are looking for, please use the filter function for topics and content type.
