SAP Clean Core strategy has evolved significantly since its introduction. When SAP first unveiled the “clean core” concept, the messaging was confusing and left many customers wondering if they were expected to survive on SAP standard alone.
But as the dust settled, it became clearer that clean core doesn’t mean “plain vanilla core”—it’s more of an inspiration than a dogma. SAP currently defines clean core as “a set of guiding principles that support continuous business transformation and modernization.”
While the concept is still open to interpretation, the main value of a clean core strategy is clear:
- Easier upgrades with less disruption
- Lower technical debt and reduced maintenance costs
- Streamlined business processes that lend themselves to automation and innovation
- Better integration with SAP BTP and cloud services
How Clean Is Your Core?
One of the main obstacles to achieving a clean core has been the lack of a way to measure how “clean” a system actually is.
SAP’s initial offering was available only to RISE customers, and there was very little information about it. But recently, there has been some progress in clean core tooling. Enter Project Kernseife.
Project Kernseife is an open-source tool that uses ATC (ABAP Test Cockpit) checks to identify and measure classic ABAP code in terms of clean core compliance. Key details:
- Requires ABAP 7.58 (many customers are just one version away)
- Uses automated checks to assess compliance
- Can run remotely, so access to just one system with the required stack may be enough
- Provides measurable metrics for tracking clean core progress
Hello, SAP, Where Are Our APIs?
A vital part of the clean core strategy is using released objects and available public APIs. That’s where things get fuzzy, because sometimes, sadly, no such objects exist.
For example, a recent search for a public API to replace an accounting document posting BAPI led to disappointing results. This has been a known concern for years, with many SAP Mentors and influencers pointing out the obvious. And while there has been some progress, it’s still not keeping up with SAP’s own pace of innovation.
What can be done? Unfortunately, not much. SAP recommends using the Influence website to submit API requests. The caveat is that SAP must first open an appropriate project, and then customers need to drum up support for their request.
If you need a specific API, telling SAP about it is the only move you’ve got right now. In the meantime, SAP BTP can help bridge gaps through side-by-side extensions using SAP Build.
“Cleanish” is Better Than “Dirty”
In 2017, Bon Appétit magazine introduced the concept of “healthyish” food with the motto “because healthy should still be delicious.”
Let’s be honest: whole wheat pasta is an abomination, and low-fat versions of everything are just stuffed with thickeners and other questionable ingredients. I’d rather have less of a good thing than more of its bad “healthy” imitation.
I believe many SAP customers could benefit from aiming for a “Cleanish Core” that’s easier to achieve and more practical—especially considering the aforementioned lack of APIs and other limitations.
As the business consultants say, “done is better than perfect.” It’s always great to aspire to perfection, but don’t forget to keep reality in mind. A pragmatic clean core approach focuses on:
- Isolating custom code in BTP extensions rather than eliminating it entirely
- Using available APIs where they exist, and documenting where they don’t
- Prioritizing changes that deliver the most value (easier upgrades, reduced risk)
- Measuring progress with tools like Project Kernseife
- Planning for the future by building new functionality on SAP BTP
Need Help with Your Clean Core Strategy?
Mindset helps organizations navigate the realities of clean core implementation with practical, proven approaches. Our services include:
- Clean Core Assessment – Evaluate your current landscape and measure compliance
- Extension Strategy – Design side-by-side extensions on SAP BTP that keep your core clean
- API Gap Analysis – Identify missing APIs and build workarounds or influence SAP roadmap
- Roadmap Planning – Prioritize clean core initiatives based on business value
- Implementation Support – Execute your clean core strategy with expert guidance
Interested in learning more about Clean Core strategy and what it can do for your organization? Looking for guidance in implementing Clean Core initiatives and staying the course? Contact us today to discuss your clean core journey.
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