Ryan Hurney

Digital transformation is critical for staying competitive in today’s fast-paced business landscape. As an SAP expert system implementation partner, we specialize in guiding organizations through their transition to the cloud. SAP offers two primary solutions for adopting SAP S/4HANA Cloud: GROW with SAP and RISE with SAP. While both aim to streamline cloud adoption, they serve distinct purposes and cater to different situations and needs. In this blog, we break down the key differences between SAP GROW and SAP RISE to help you decide which path aligns best with your organization’s goals. What Is GROW with SAP? GROW with SAP is tailored for new SAP customers, particularly small to mid-sized businesses, who are seeking a fast and standardized cloud ERP solution. It leverages SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, a ready-to-run system fully managed by SAP that is always on the latest release. With short implementation times — as quickly as four weeks — GROW enables businesses to rapidly adopt processes tailored to their industry’s best practices. Key Features of GROW with SAP: Rapid deployment: Predefined processes enable a swift activation Simplicity: Ideal for businesses with straightforward or standardized needs Public cloud: Built on SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, a multi-tenant environment Limited customization: Emphasizes efficiency with minimal modifications Cost-effective: Lower total cost of ownership (TCO) due to its standardized approach What is RISE with SAP? RISE with SAP is a more comprehensive and flexible offering designed for existing SAP customers and larger enterprises with complex requirements. It provides a customizable path to SAP S/4HANA Cloud, available in public and private editions. SAP RISE includes a robust suite of tools — like business process intelligence, technical migration support, and access to the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) — to help businesses tailor their ERP system to unique needs. Key Features of RISE with SAP: Flexible deployment: Options include SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public or Private Edition High customization: Perfect for businesses with specialized processes Broad services: Offers tools for optimization, migration, and more Two-tier ERP: Supports hybrid deployments across business units Scalability: Suited for complex, large-scale operations Key Differences Between SAP GROW and SAP RISE Cloud Deployment Explained GROW with SAP uses SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, a multi-tenant environment managed by SAP. This ensures automatic updates and a standardized experience. RISE with SAP offers a choice between public and private editions. The private edition is a single-tenant environment, providing greater control and customization. RISE also supports a two-tier ERP strategy, enabling businesses to use the public cloud for some operations (e.g., subsidiaries) and the private cloud for others (e.g., headquarters). Service and Support Both solutions include a service level agreement (SLA) from SAP for high availability and performance. However, partners like New Era Technology play a vital role in implementation, offering advisory, deployment, and ongoing management services to maximize your ERP investment. Choosing the Right Path for Your Business The decision between GROW and RISE hinges on your business’s size, complexity, and goals. Here are some practical scenarios: Small businesses with simple needs: A small manufacturer or retailer with standardized processes might select GROW with SAP. Its rapid deployment and affordability make it ideal for quick wins and minimal disruption. Large enterprises with complex operations: A multinational company with diverse supply chains or existing SAP systems might choose RISE with SAP. Its customization and integration capabilities ensure alignment with intricate requirements. Long-Term Considerations GROW with SAP: Offers scalability as your business grows, with easy access to new features via the public cloud. RISE with SAP: Provides control over upgrade paths and customizations, crucial for regulated industries or unique operational needs. How We Can Help As your SAP partner, we’re here to simplify your cloud journey. Our expertise helps you select and implement the right solution for your situation: For GROW with SAP: Fast deployment and configuration of standardized processes Training to get your team up to speed quickly Ongoing support to optimize your system For RISE with SAP: Customization and integration with existing systems Migration services for a seamless transition Long-term optimization to meet evolving needs At New Era Technology, we specialize in guiding organizations through every stage of their digital transformation journey. Our deep expertise in SAP solutions means we’re uniquely positioned to help you evaluate your needs and select the best approach—whether it’s RISE with SAP for a comprehensive transformation or GROW with SAP for a targeted, scalable solution. Our Services Include: Strategic assessment: We conduct detailed assessments to understand your current state and future goals Roadmap development: Our experts work with you to develop a tailored transformation roadmap that aligns with your business strategy Implementation & support: We ensure a smooth transition and long-term success from planning and deployment to ongoing support Change management: We provide comprehensive change management services to help your teams adapt and thrive in a digital environment Conclusion Both SAP RISE and SAP GROW offer unique pathways to digital transformation. While RISE with SAP is geared toward comprehensive, enterprise-wide change, GROW with SAP provides a flexible, agile, and cost-effective entry point for businesses looking to modernize their operations quickly. The key is to choose the solution that best aligns with your organization’s needs and transformation readiness. We’re here to help you get started. Contact us today to learn more.