Pros and cons
What SAP Business ByDesign does especially well — and the limits to anticipate.
Pros
- Complete ERP in all-in-one cloud mode.
- Faster implementation than classic SAP (6–12 months).
- Progressive scalability toward S/4HANA Cloud.
- Established and reliable SAP support.
Cons
- Inflexible multi-year contracts with annual price escalation.
- SAP announces sunset in favor of S/4HANA Cloud.
- Negotiation can meaningfully reduce the listed price.
- Implementation and integration costly (30k–100k).
SAP Business ByDesign: when it makes sense.
ByDesign suits growing SMEs/mid-market accepting SAP approach; its future is uncertain (sunset announced in favor of S/4HANA Cloud).
Keep if
You are a growing SME/mid-market (100–500 employees).. You accept 3-year commitment with annual escalation.
Challenge if
You are a micro-structure without complex operational needs.. You seek flexibility (short contracts, no escalation).
