SAP systems are among the most comprehensive and flexible ERP tools that can be implemented in an enterprise. Their modular structure and support for best industry practices make them suitable for almost any organization, regardless of size or industry. However, no two companies are identical—they differ in structure, processes, and business goals.
Therefore, SAP customization, or adapting the system to the unique needs of the company, is a key element of any implementation. Let’s take a look at what SAP customization involves and how to properly prepare for it.
Functionality Extensions: What Does SAP Customization Really Mean?
SAP customization is the process of adapting the standard functionalities of the system to the unique requirements of a given organization, to best support its specific operational and strategic needs. The definition may sound a bit artificial, but paradoxically, it perfectly captures the essence of customization—or rather, “individualization”—of SAP. It is nothing more than utilizing the broad range of capabilities to make the system respond as much as possible to even the most specific needs of the entity using it. Customization can be carried out at various levels, depending on the complexity and specificity of the business processes. At a basic level, we deal with system configuration (customizing), which allows changes within the available options—such as defining organizational structures, configuring financial and logistical processes, or managing workflows.
When the standard capabilities of the system prove insufficient, one can use so-called enhancements, i.e., extensions of existing functionalities. This is an ideal solution when modifications are needed that do not alter the system’s standard code but allow for the introduction of additional business logic or form elements. In case of even more advanced requirements, organizations can opt for custom development—creating dedicated software that meets the company’s specific needs. Using ABAP language or the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), one can build custom reports, applications, or integrated interfaces for communication with other systems.
Although SAP offers a wide range of standard business processes designed based on best practices, it often happens that organizations need modifications to fully exploit the system’s potential in their industry. Standard SAP functions are universal, which is a huge advantage, but they may require adaptation to specific processes or exceptional business cases. Therefore, customization not only supports the company’s current operations but also allows for strategically building a competitive advantage by tailoring technological tools to individual business goals. Understanding these needs and taking a conscious approach to customization is the foundation of effectively using the SAP system.
Types of SAP Customization: Here Are the Key Ones
Let’s revisit the types of customization mentioned earlier and take a closer look at them. Customization can vary in scope and complexity. The basic level is customizing, which involves configuring the available system options, such as defining organizational units, financial processes, workflows, or logistical parameters. This approach allows for quick system adjustment without altering the source code, which is beneficial both from the implementation time perspective and for future system updates.
For more advanced needs, one can use enhancements. These are extensions that allow for adding new functions or adjusting existing ones without modifying the standard code. Thanks to tools like the Enhancement Framework, companies can introduce custom business logic, additional fields in forms, or changes in data flows without risking the loss of SAP’s technical support.
The most advanced form of customization is custom development, which involves creating dedicated solutions from scratch. Using ABAP language or platforms like SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), developers can build custom applications, reports, or integration interfaces. This type of customization is especially useful in companies with very specific business requirements that go beyond the capabilities of standard SAP modules.
One should not forget about user interface customization, which is becoming increasingly important in the era of SAP Fiori. Thanks to intuitive tools, users can adjust views, add tiles, and automate repetitive tasks, which significantly improves their experience with the system.
Examples of SAP Customization in Practice
SAP customization can take various forms depending on the industry and the needs of the organization. In manufacturing companies, customization often concerns the SAP PP (Production Planning) module. For example, one company customized production schedules by adding custom fields related to the specification of made-to-order products. As a result, the production process became more precise and tailored to customer requirements.
In the financial sector, it is common to customize the SAP FI module. An international corporation could configure accounting processes to generate reports compliant with local legal regulations in different countries, while also integrating with the global financial reporting system.
In logistics, companies often customize the SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management) module, introducing algorithms to optimize warehouse layouts or space management in dynamic environments.
Step-by-Step Preparation for SAP Customization
Effective customization requires careful planning. The first step is to conduct a business requirements analysis. Key questions to answer include: which processes need adjustment, what are the business goals related to customization, and which tools will be necessary to achieve them.
The next step is choosing the appropriate customization strategy. Can the goals be achieved using standard configuration options, or will advanced enhancements or custom solutions be required? At this point, it is worth involving both the IT team and key business users to ensure that the project meets the needs of all stakeholders.
Every change in the SAP system should be thoroughly tested in a test environment before being deployed in production. Testing should include both technical aspects and business scenarios to ensure full functionality and compatibility with the company’s processes. Proper change management is also important—employees must be aware of the changes being introduced and appropriately trained to effectively use the new features.
A Challenging Process, but Worth the Patience
SAP customization is a process that allows companies to fully exploit the potential of this ERP system. By adapting the system to the specific needs of the enterprise, one can increase process efficiency, improve reporting quality, and optimize workflows. The key to success, however, is proper preparation—requirements analysis, careful planning, testing, and change management. SAP offers great customization opportunities, but only a well-thought-out project will allow it to reach its full potential.
