Among the top 10 worldwide – ifm sets new standards with SAP clean core certification

ifm business solutions gmbh is one of the first ten add-on providers worldwide to receive the "SAP Certified for clean core with SAP S/4HANA Cloud" certification. The company has taken the first steps towards a clean core in line with the motto "Just do it". Over the next few years, intensive work will be carried out to fully align the software with the clean core principles.

By: Sonja Telscher

In November 2023, SAP announced that it was abolishing certification for classic ABAP add-ons. This decision is part of SAP’s clean core strategy, which aims to free the S/4HANA core from customer-specific extensions and customisations in order to ensure a stable, maintainable and “clean” system basis. In future, extensions may only be made via clearly defined interfaces – a mammoth task for all SAP partners who were previously closely involved with the core system.

The path to the clean core certification – a major challenge

Implementing the clean core strategy requires a radical rethinking of existing solutions. The requirements for a “clean” extension of the S/4HANA system are high and demanding. It is particularly challenging to restructure existing add-ons so that they are fully compliant with the new requirements and the SAP cloud approach. Development under clean-core conditions requires far-reaching changes to the architecture and programming. Each extension must be designed to work seamlessly with the S/4HANA core without affecting it. This changeover is a complex, resource-intensive process that requires not only technical adjustments but also the development of new, innovative concepts in order to meet the strict requirements.

A central element is the integration of Embedded Steampunk – the technology that makes it possible to develop ABAP add-ons in accordance with the SAP public cloud standards. Solutions can be designed directly on the SAP platform, which further increases complexity. To ensure the highest quality standards and upgrade stability, the latest SAP versions are used and SAP beta testing is regularly participated in.

Strategic roadmap for the next steps

With version 25.0 of the Supply Chain Excellence solution, which was released in January 2025, the first clean core-compatible components were rolled out, which SAP has already certified. However, the transition to a clean-core approach is far from complete, as the aim over the next few years will be to make as many functions of the SCX suite as possible available in the clean core. Further development in the clean core and of the suite on stack is an ongoing process, in which it will remain necessary to respond to the latest SAP developments and further optimise the solutions. The step towards the clean core strengthens the position as a pioneer in the field of SAP add-ons and underlines the commitment to always offer customers future-proof and powerful solutions.