Exploring Clean Core Fundamentals

Introduction to Clean Core

Clean core is a modern approach of designing business processes and extensions that are standardized and stable. If the business processes and data underlying ERP operations are standardized, the software can flexibly grow and evolve over time without causing any issues in the core system.

Graphic showing the text Clean with A system that is up-to-date, transparent, unmodified, consistent, efficient, and cloud compliant on one side with a plus in the middle and text on the other side with Core and Describes the main aspects of an ERP system, including processes, extensions, data, integrations, and operations.

What is the "Core"?

By "Core" we are referring to several dimensions, with each representing a different way a customer can think about and analyze their ERP system. Those dimensions are:

Processes: Actions presented in an end-to-end sequence.
Extensions: Added functionality beyond the standard ERP software.
Data: Configuration, master, and transactional data.
Integrations: Communication between solutions.
Operations: Ongoing governance and monitoring.

What is "Clean"?

For each dimension above, a set of best practices, methodologies, and tools exist. If these are used during the implementation of an SAP software solution, the customer can consider that dimension to be "clean".

Guidance in how to address each dimension over the course of an implementation project can be found in the relevant SAP Activate Methodology roadmap that accompanies the product to be implemented. The roadmap includes a list of tasks and deliverables that need to be completed to successfully implement the solution, along with resources ("accelerators") to support the implementation team in completing each task.

What is "Clean Core"?

The best case scenario describes an up-to-date system on the latest release, with cloud-compliant extensions and integrations, excellent master data quality, and perfect process design. A newly provisioned SAP S/4HANA Cloud (Public or Private Edition) system using standard business processes from SAP Signavio Process Navigator is "clean" by definition. The goal is to continue to keep the system clean moving forward as extensions and integrations are built, and as data is migrated into the system.

For example, rather than building complex extensions directly in the SAP S/4HANA Cloud system, they can be hosted in SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) to separate the extension from the core ERP software. SAP BTP can be used again to build and host an integration that connects the extension to the target system. There are services on SAP BTP that support low/no-code development (SAP Build Apps, Process Automation) and services that support pro-code development (Business Application Studio, ABAP environment, SAP Build Code) along with integration services (Integration Suite, Connectivity Service) described in the SAP Discovery Center.

For ongoing operations, customers should establish a Customer Center of Expertise as a governing body to stay up-to-date with future release upgrades and connect different areas of the business with the IT team to make critical decisions, such as whether or not to activate new functionality that has just become available. The customer's IT team should use the SAP Cloud ALM Operations apps that are included in their Enterprise Support for cloud editions at no additional cost to maintain the health of their entire landscape of systems.

Note

Learn how SAP Cloud ALM supports the adoption of Clean Core.

How does a Clean Core differentiate from traditional on-premise systems?

A system with a clean core has the following characteristics:

Minimalism: The clean core promotes simplicity by identifying and eliminating redundant or obsolete functionalities, ensuring only essential components remain.
Modularity: It facilitates dividing a complex ERP system into modular components that are loosely coupled, enabling easier maintenance and adaptability.
Scalability: A clean core architecture allows the ERP system to accommodate growth and change without sacrificing performance or stability.
Maintainability: By removing unnecessary complexities, it streamlines the code base, making it easier for developers to understand, modify, or enhance the ERP system.
Stability and Reliability: A clean core fosters stability by reducing dependencies and making it less prone to bugs and inconsistencies, and improving the system's reliability.

Graphic that compares traditional on-premise systems with clean core systems. For on-premise, there is an inability to access new software innovations from running old versions, data quality and consistency challenges from lack of standardization, and complex and costly upgrades from customized extensions. On the clean core side, there is rapid, continuous innovation by running the latest version of cloud software, better execution from improved data quality and processes, and efficient operations with new levels of IT efficiency and security.

The concepts of clean core play a pivotal role in achieving efficiency, scalability, and reduced technical debt.

By eliminating unnecessary complexities and focusing on essential functions, developers can streamline ERP systems, leading to improved performance, stability, and maintainability.

Understanding the business needs for a clean core underscores its significance in ERP implementation. By embracing minimalism, modularity, scalability, and maintainability, developers can build ERP systems that align with business objectives, enhance productivity, and position organizations for growth in a dynamic market.