SAPInsider Innovation Series

Oct 28 (Chicago) | Oct 30 (Detroit) | Nov 12 (New York) | Nov 13 (Boston)
US

Vortex Consulting is excited to travel to the multi-city SAPinsider Innovation Series, an interactive learning experience designed for peer-to-peer discussions on the most critical challenges facing SAP IT professionals. The series provides a curated educational experience with lessons, customer stories, tools, and resources to help organizations navigate SAP transformation. Our team looks forward to connecting with industry experts and sharing insights on optimizing SAP landscapes for sustainable transformation. Click here to learn more – and if you plan to attend contact us to setup a time to connect!

ASUG Michigan Chapter Meeting – Fall 2025

September 19, 2025
Hotel David Whitney, Detroit

Vortex Consulting’s native Michigan team is excited to attend the ASUG Michigan Chapter Fall Meeting on September 19 at the David and Whitney Hotel in Detroit. This event offers a valuable opportunity to connect with SAP peers, share insights, and explore innovative solutions to enhance SAP expertise and drive digital transformation. Visit the ASUG event listing for more details – see you there!

SAPInsider ERP Transformation Summit

October 22-23, 2025
New Orleans

Vortex Consulting is excited to attend the SAPinsider ERP Transformation Summit in New Orleans on October 22–23, 2025. This summit offers a deep dive into SAP S/4HANA strategies, cloud readiness, and continuous innovation through real-world case studies and hands-on workshops. Our team looks forward to engaging with industry leaders and sharing insights on optimizing SAP landscapes for sustainable transformation. Learn more here and if you plan to attend contact us to setup a time to connect!

ASUG {Tech Connect}

November 4-6, 2025
Kentucky International Convention Center

Join Vortex Consulting at ASUG Tech Connect 2025, where SAP professionals converge for three days of immersive, hands-on learning and networking. This premier in-person event, held at the Kentucky International Convention Center, offers deep dives into SAP’s latest technologies, including ABAP Cloud, Cloud ALM, SAP Build, and Process Automation. Attendees will engage in interactive sessions, collaborate with peers, and gain practical insights to accelerate their digital transformation journeys. Learn more here – we look forward to seeing you in person!

SAP TechEd

November 4-6, 2025
Berlin, Germany and Virtual

SAP TechEd is the premier global conference for developers, technologists, and business leaders, offering deep-dive sessions, hands-on workshops, and access to SAP’s latest innovations. Join the Vortex Consulting Team as we participate virtually, exploring advancements in AI, cloud technologies, and the SAP Business Technology Platform to enhance skills and drive digital transformation. Get full event details here.

SAP Connect 2025

October 6-8, 2025
Las Vegas

Vortex Consulting Team is thrilled to attend SAP Connect in Las Vegas on October 6–8, 2025—an exciting new annual event where we’ll explore live demos, real-world case studies, and insights from SAP leadership to empower businesses across every line of business. We’re eager to connect with peers, partners, and SAP customers as we dive into solution tracks like Finance, Supply Chain, Customer Experience, Success, and Spend—all designed to help organizations maximize the full benefits of SAP. Learn more about the event here.

SAP’s Cloud Journey: Private to Public Cloud – What July’s Announcement Means for You

SAP ERP Public and Private Cloud Vortex Consulting Support

At Vortex Consulting, we’ve been helping clients navigate the complexities of SAP transformation for decades. This past July, SAP reinforced its innovative vision for the future of ERP by further clarifying the journey between private cloud and public cloud options. This evolution is about giving SAP customers the flexibility to choose a path that matches their pace, industry requirements, and IT growth ambitions.

The Big Cloud Picture

SAP repositioned its cloud ERP strategy to better reflect the journey its clients take as they move to the cloud. What was once known as RISE with SAP is now presented as the SAP Cloud ERP Private Edition—an evolution that emphasizes flexibility, investment protection, and a structured journey for complex enterprises. At the same time, GROW with SAP continues to anchor the Public Edition journey, offering a fit-to-standard SaaS model for organizations seeking speed and simplicity. Together, these two paths highlight SAP’s commitment to meeting clients where they are—whether preserving the value of existing systems or embracing a clean, future-ready cloud foundation.

What’s the Difference Between Public and Private Cloud Journeys?

SAP Cloud ERP Private Edition (formerly RISE with SAP)

RISE with SAP Private Cloud officially known as SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition is a cloud-based ERP journey designed to help organizations smoothly transition existing on-premises SAP ERP or SAP S/4HANA environments into a fully managed, single-tenant cloud setup. Every organization’s journey to the cloud looks different—but RISE with SAP makes it easier to get there. As a subscription-based service, it blends structure with flexibility: offering ready-to-use solutions while adapting to your company’s unique needs. Scalable and efficient, it can be implemented quickly and evolves as your business grows, making cloud-based digital transformation more accessible than ever.

As offered by Vortex Consulting, this solution combines the structure of a subscription-based service with high flexibility and customization—enabling fast deployment, real-time insights, and integration across automation, cybersecurity, analytics, and other essential capabilities.

SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition is more than just ERP stand along solution, it delivers a modular, secure ERP infrastructure hosted via hyperscaler partnerships with SAP managing core cloud operations, SLAs, and technical support, while clients maintain control over customization and scaling.

RISE with SAP (now Cloud ERP Private Edition) offers:

  • A comprehensive transition path that modernizes on-premises ERP systems via a cloud operating model built on a proven methodology.
  • Investment protection, enabling organizations to preserve legacy systems while embracing innovation.  

Learn more at: http://vortexconsulting.net/sap-solutions/rise-with-sap/

Private Cloud: Control and Flexibility

For large enterprises with complex operations, strict regulatory obligations, or extensive customizations, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition delivers the control and flexibility some SAP customers require while still providing the advantages of a managed cloud environment. Unlike a standardized public cloud model, the private edition allows organizations to preserve their unique processes and tailor the system to fit their business without sacrificing security or compliance.

Key Benefits Include:

  • Tailored system configurations and custom code compatibility: Companies can migrate existing SAP environments—including legacy custom code—without starting from scratch, ensuring continuity of mission-critical functions.
  • Greater flexibility in defining business processes: Enterprises have the freedom to design, adjust, and evolve workflows at their own pace, aligning with industry-specific requirements and long-term transformation goals.
  • Enterprise-grade security and governance: The solution provides advanced data protection, compliance management, and governance tools to meet global regulatory standards, making it ideal for organizations operating in highly regulated industries.

SAP’s July update introduced new transition options to make the private cloud journey smoother, ensuring customers can modernize at their own pace while preparing for the future beyond 2030.

SAP Cloud ERP Public Edition (GROW with SAP)

GROW with SAP Public Edition officially known as SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition is a standardized SaaS ERP solution, ideal for organizations seeking rapid, fit-to-standard deployments with future scalability. SAP Cloud ERP Public Edition, branded as GROW with SAP, is a modern, ready-to-run cloud ERP offering built on the SAP S/4HANA Cloud platform. Tailored for mid-market and rapidly expanding businesses, it delivers preconfigured, industry-aligned best practices, embedded AI and analytics, and continuous quarterly innovation—all without the complexity traditionally associated with ERP implementations. This solution empowers organizations to scale operations, launch new business lines, and modernize outdated systems, while maintaining enterprise-grade security, compliance, and cost predictability through a subscription-based model

Vortex Consulting enhances the GROW experience through a deep partnership with SAP, offering personalized, hands-on support that leverages exclusive resources, training, and roadmap alignment. Their services span the full spectrum—from cloud-readiness assessments and rapid deployment (via SAP Activate) to legacy data migration, analytics enablement, change management, and post-go-live optimization. Backed by nearly three decades of SAP expertise as a Silver Partner, Vortex deploys seasoned consultants who help mid-sized organizations adopt cloud ERP smoothly and strategically.

Public Cloud: Agility and Innovation

For organizations that prioritize rapid deployment and standardized best practices, the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition provides a streamlined and cost-effective alternative to traditional ERP implementations. Designed as a ready-to-run solution, it allows businesses to adopt modern ERP capabilities quickly without the need for heavy customization. This makes it especially valuable for growing companies that want to accelerate digital transformation while staying agile and cost-efficient.

Key Benefits Include:

  • Preconfigured industry best practices: Built-in, proven process templates reduce implementation time and ensure alignment with industry standards.
  • Regular quarterly updates: Continuous innovation is delivered seamlessly, keeping systems current with the latest functionality, compliance, and security improvements.
  • Lower total cost of ownership with faster ROI: Subscription pricing and reduced infrastructure costs allow businesses to see value quickly while minimizing financial risk.
  • Embedded AI, analytics, and automation tools from day one: Intelligent features drive smarter decision-making, streamlined workflows, and operational efficiency.

At Vortex Consulting, we’ve seen mid-market companies in particular thrive with the Public Edition. For these organizations, scalability and speed are critical for growth, and the public cloud model provides both—helping them modernize processes, adapt to market changes, and unlock innovation at a pace that supports long-term success.

Learn more at: http://vortexconsulting.net/sap-solutions/sap-cloud-erp-public-edition/

Why This Matters Now

SAP’s July announcements highlight one truth: there is no “one-size-fits-all” cloud journey. Some organizations will move directly to the public cloud to capture innovation quickly, while others will need the flexibility of the private edition to protect critical custom processes.

The good news is that SAP is providing structured, supported pathways for both. Whether it’s leveraging the transition option for private cloud or accelerating growth with public cloud, businesses can move forward with confidence.

How Vortex Consulting Can Help

Choosing the right path is a strategic decision—one that requires balancing business needs, IT landscapes, and long-term goals.

At Vortex, we help SAP clients:

  • Assess their current SAP environments and readiness for cloud migration
  • Define the right cloud strategy (private, public, or hybrid)
  • Implement and optimize either your SAP ERP Public or Private solutions
  • Support ongoing innovation and adoption with minimal disruption
  • Prepare for their transformation with our OnRamp Methodology

SAP’s recent announcement underscores the flexibility organizations have in their cloud journey. With the 2030 deadline is on the horizon for legacy ERP support, companies that start evaluating their options now will be best positioned to make smooth transitions, avoid disruption, and fully realize the value of cloud ERP. Whether you’re ready for the agility of Public Cloud or require the stability of Private Cloud, the future of SAP ERP is about choice—and Vortex Consulting is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation with a SAP solution architect.

 

SAP for Utilities Conference Presented by ASUG

September 8-10, 2025

Colorado Convention Center

The Vortex Consulting Team is excited to be on-site at SAP for Utilities 2025, the premier North American gathering for utility ERP professionals, taking place September 8–10 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. We’ll be engaging with cutting-edge sessions on SAP-driven transformation—from Cloud strategies and asset management to AI-powered analytics—helping SAP clients turn complexity into competitive advantage. To learn more about the conference click here – see you there!

SAP S/4HANA Ground Zero Starts Before Phase Zero – Where Transformation Begins

Blog SAP S/4HANA Ground Zero Starts Before Phase Zero – Where Transformation Begins

Motivations for SAP upgrades range from cost, compliance, and revenue growth to financial performance, among others. However, nearly all these drivers face hidden barriers. In discussions with customers about data quality and archiving, two recurring themes often emerge and are highly relevant to SAP S/4HANA transformations:

• Misaligned data retention and destruction practices
• Limited exposure to enterprise-wide information governance principles within the business

Defining your Ground Zero, where your foundation is solid and where it needs reinforcement, begins with one simple, strategic question:

“How do we handle data retention and destruction?”

The answer to this question reveals more than just policy gaps; it shows how much control you have over cost, timeline, agility, and ultimately, transformation success.

Information Governance is Ground Zero, before Phase Zero even starts.

It’s where you start:

  • Controlling project scope and cost.
  • Reducing long-term IT operating costs.
  • Enabling agility to shift with markets and tech.
  • Creating a foundation for trustworthy, transparent data.

From Patchwork to Purpose

My first encounter with SAP archiving was 25 years ago. Imagine this: 18 months into a multi-plant rollout, it stalls at “Live” sites due to data volume issues in revenue-critical processes. We fixed it with archiving, but it was a patchwork solution.

Even today, archiving is still often viewed as a technical cleanup, disconnected from broader governance and transformation strategies. That perspective limits its value. The great news in the Ground Zero perspective is that you have a clean slate to innovate governance that can scale with your company’s ever-evolving requirements.

A future post will cover the essentials of Phase Zero. For now, let’s stay focused on the bigger picture.

Why ILG?  Why Now?

Information Lifecycle Governance (ILG) is the management of data from creation to destruction.  Wrapped around that lifecycle are the Three P’s:

  • Policy – Is it modern, enforceable, and relevant?
  • People – What is the RACI for ILG?
  • Processes – Are they scalable, cost-effective, and structured to service your business?

Many organizations still depend on data retention policies designed for paper records or legacy systems.  That’s like trying to increase revenue with a CRM that holds both current and obsolete contacts and preferences—it slows down progress, obscures insights, and risks eroding trust.  Why would out-of-date policies still meet today’s goals for growth, compliance, or customer experience?

A VP and a CFO from two separate companies recently discussed similar objectives for their ILG efforts.

  • Accountability for governance
  • Ownership roles that drive clarity
  • Best practices that minimize silos and promote transparency
  • Reducing data footprints ahead of upgrades or cloud migrations

Sound familiar?

Before You Plan Your SAP S/4HANA Transformation

What could your transformation look like with early visibility into quiet barriers—and a clear path to address them before Phase Zero begins?

Positioning Information Lifecycle Governance (ILG) as Ground Zero sets a foundation for buildable value. It identifies the same decisions, innovations, and ownership models that your S/4 transformation will rely on.

By addressing these barriers early, Phase Zero gains meaningful traction, with a clean core strategy, stronger accountability, and alignment across the business.

Let’s start the conversation…

That’s how transformation builds lasting momentum. And that’s where we bring focus, structure, and value. If you’re ready to explore where your ILG stands today, we’re here to help. Learn more about Vortex Consulting’s SAP Data Volume and Archiving services, or contact us to get started today! 

Unlock SAP S/4HANA Success: Attend Vortex Consulting’s Readiness Workshop on August 14

Vortex Consulting's SAP S/4HANA Readiness WorkshopThe move to SAP S/4HANA is more than just an upgrade project—it’s a strategic transformation that touches every part of your business. But how do you know if your organization is truly ready or where to start? That’s where Vortex Consulting’s SAP S/4HANA Readiness Workshop comes in.

Join us on Tuesday, August 14, where we are inviting SAP IT and business leaders to attend a live, expert-led session presented by Vortex’s Sven Wierzbicki, Senior Vice President, SAP Solution Architecture a veteran SAP strategist with over 20 years of experience guiding global enterprises through complex ERP transformations.

Register now for the August 14 Workshop

Why attend?

SAP S/4HANA initiatives fail when organizations underestimate the complexity of early-stage planning. Our workshop helps eliminate that risk. Based on Vortex’s proven OnRamp Methodology, our interactive session will guide you through the critical steps to ensure your migration starts strong and stays on track.

You’ll gain practical answers to questions like:

  • Are we ready for a transformation to SAP S/4HANA?
  • Which deployment approach makes the most sense—Brownfield, Greenfield, or Hybrid?
  • What internal and external resources will we need?
  • How can we reduce project risk before implementation even begins?

What to expect during the workshop:

  • Gain a clear understanding of the benefits for SAP S/4HANA
  • Identify the key business drivers for SAP S/4HANA
  • Insights into the business and functional impacts of S/4HANA 
  • A high-level transition strategy – to set roadmap and timeline expectations
  • Guidance on tools, timelines, migration approaches and project teams
  • Learn how to assess your system landscape and business readiness for the transformation
  • Understanding the importance of how to plan for success with an OnRamp assessment
  • Real-world lessons from organizations like yours
  • Q & A with seasoned SAP strategic advisor Sven Wierzbicki

Who should attend?

If your organization relies on SAP and is considering or preparing for the upgrade to SAP S/4HANA, this workshop is for you.

Whether you’re in the early stages of exploring the transition or already mapping out your upgrade path, this session will equip you with the insights, tools, and strategic guidance needed to navigate the complexities of SAP S/4HANA adoption. 

  • CIOs and IT Leaders
  • SAP Project Managers
  • Business Process Owners
  • Transformation Leads

Meet your presenter:

Sven Wierzbicki, Senior Vice President of SAP Solution Architecture 

Sven is a seasoned senior IT executive and strategic advisor. He boasts a demonstrated history of successfully implementing technology and business process service capabilities on an enterprise scale for international corporations. With expertise gained over 3 decades in corporate business, consulting, and entrepreneurship, he has played a pivotal role in guiding various companies through transformative initiatives.

As senior vice president of SAP solution architecture at Vortex, Sven taps into the knowledge gained from those thirty years worth of experience in SAP and the larger digital transformation landscape. From conceptualizing enterprise visions to executing intricate global projects, Sven consistently delivers results. His extensive experience encompasses areas such as SAP ECC and SAP S/4HANA strategy and delivery, global IT strategy, program and portfolio management, and budgeting, as well as contract and supplier management.

📅 Save Your Spot: August 14, 2025

Seats are limited to ensure direct interaction with our experts.
Reserve your place today >>> Register for the SAP S/4HANA Readiness Workshop