In previous units we have discussed a variety of topics. From why organizations should adopt a clean core approach to exactly what constitutes a clean core doing so principle by principle. In this final unit we turn our attention to the relationship between Rise With SAP concepts and how they interact with (and reinforce) clean core principles.
RISE with SAP Methodology - What is It?

![]() | RISE With SAP and clean core mutually support one another. |
RISE with SAP is a comprehensive journey to help on premises installed base customers to modernize and move to running ERP systems in the cloud. The journey is anchored in the RISE with SAP Methodology—a proven approach from SAP that bundles together several elements to support customers in their digital transformation journey. The RISE with SAP Methodology is designed to provide a holistic approach to cloud transformation, replacing legacy systems with SAP Business Suite, reducing complexity and facilitating a smoother transition for businesses of all sizes. It helps customers modernize their business processes based on clean core principles to enable continuous innovation.
The methodology provides structured guidance and recommended steps throughout a series of defined phases, based on the established SAP Activate methodology. It is built on a clean core strategy, with all services and tools working together throughout the customer lifecycle. Expert guidance from SAP and qualified partners through an end-to-end engagement model assures organizations can implement a tailored transformation roadmap that meets their business needs .
Make no mistake about it. RISE with SAP methodology and clean core are not separate. Clean core is embedded directly into the methodology.
Key Components of the RISE with SAP Methodology:
- Standardized Framework: Accelerates adoption of SAP Business Suite applications by providing a tailored transformation roadmap that aligns with specific business needs.
- Integrated Toolchain: The integrated toolchain is a core enabler of all of clean core, and is a fundamental part of clean core operations. It facilitates streamlined collaboration and efficient project execution, ensuring a cohesive and effective workflow.
- Expert Guidance: Offers comprehensive support through an end-to-end engagement model, providing access to expert advice and insights.
The RISE with SAP Methodology stands as the central mechanism for achieving and maintaining a clean core strategy.
How RISE With SAP and Clean Core Support Each Other
Clean core provides the strategy of keeping your SAP Cloud ERP as standard and "clean" as possible. RISE with SAP directly enables the clean core methodology by providing a "business transformation as a service." It provides the core components organizations need to modernize their landscape based off of SAP Cloud ERP, infrastructure, and crucially, access to SAP BTP. RISE With SAP is the technical foundation and service package for moving to the cloud. In short clean core maximizes the value of an organizations RISE with SAP investment. Some of the specific ways RISE With SAP supports clean core are:
Enhanced Onboarding Service
Customers benefit from one-to-one sessions with a dedicated SAP launch advisor, who oversees the initial setup of the clean core success plan and guides task execution. These sessions also include coaching on the first Quality Gate (Q-Gate), complemented by guided online learning sessions for each project phase, featuring webinars with Q&A and recordings.
Quality Gates and Expert Feedback
At the conclusion of every project phase, quality gates are used to review whether the clean core principles have been followed. Expert feedback provided during this review may require additional tasks to be included in the project's success plan, called the runbook, to guarantee ongoing compliance with clean core standards. The status of task execution is again verified during the next quality gate review.
RISE with SAP Methodology Dashboard on SAP Cloud ALM
This dashboard serves as a reference point, offering actionable insights on the clean core initiative. It supports businesses in adopting a clean core approach, focusing on resilient processes, seamless integration, efficient operations, and data quality. The dashboard emphasizes standard processes and extensions for differentiation, leading to streamlined operations and increased efficiency. Details of the RISE with SAP Methodology have been detailed in a separate chapter.
In addition to the above, Further support is available for the customers from SAP & qualified partners through the below channels:
One-to-One Onboarding Sessions
A dedicated launch advisor prepares the project team, sets up project management tools, and introduces the clean core principles and success plan.
Quality Gate Support
SAP experts offer guidance that aligns with clean core principles. Recommendations derived from quality gate reports focus on enhancing implementation and operational practices. This guidance is further supported by SAP's Preferred Success and MaxAttention services, ensuring comprehensive expertise in applying these principles.
For more information on RISE with SAP Methodology check out the learning journey: Introducing the RISE with SAP Methodology for SAP Partners and Customers
For more information on SAP Activate check out the learning journey: Discovering SAP Activate - Implementation Tools and Methodology
Conclusion
The RISE with SAP offering is anchored by its dedicated Methodology—a holistic approach designed to guide on-premise customers to the cloud. Built upon the SAP Activate framework and a clean core strategy, this methodology provides structured guidance for modernizing business processes. By leveraging an integrated tool-chain for efficiency and offering a tailored transformation roadmap, it ensures a faster, smoother adoption of cloud ERP. With end-to-end expert guidance from SAP and its partners, the RISE with SAP Methodology facilitates a complete and well-supported digital transformation journey.
![]() | RISE With SAP provides the vehicle and clean core provides the driving style. |
