RISE with SAP 2026 Guide
Strategic Start to the Year, Trends & Your Roadmap for a Successful RISE-Transformation
With the start of 2026, RISE with SAP (now: SAP Cloud ERP, Private Edition) is once again coming into focus for ambitious digitalization agendas, whether as the key to seamless cloud migration, comprehensive modernization of the ERP landscape, or as a central enabler for impactful AI and data strategies. However, 2026 is not a year of “business as usual.” It is the year in which precision in strategy, timing, and integration of disruptive technologies determines the sustainable success of your transformation. As a strategic advisor, PCG highlights the decisive levers.
1. The Ongoing Relevance of RISE with SAP: Why a Strategic Entry Must Happen Now
RISE with SAP often discussed in the context of SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition and Private Edition remains the definitive framework for companies transitioning from outdated on-premise or hybrid landscapes to an agile, cloud-native future. The standardized offering significantly reduces the inherent complexity of such a transformation and accelerates time-to-value through integrated services and expertise. For PCG customers, RISE specifically means access to rapid innovation, maximum standardization, and scalable operating models.
2. The Dominant Trend 2026: From ERP with AI to the "AI-Native" Business Suite
The year 2026 is characterized by the deep, systemic integration of artificial intelligence into business processes. SAP ERP is evolving into an “AI-native” platform based on context and knowledge graphs, enabling autonomous processes and predictive decision-making.
Our Recommendation for Your RISE Roadmap:
Start with the PCG SAP RISE Assessment. It provides transparency on your starting point, complexity, and concrete options for action forming the foundation for steering a cloud migration strategically and structuring it as a holistic transformation program.
The Strategic Journey to Digital Resilience and Agile Innovation
The year 2026 marks a new stage in SAP transformation:
- Precise TPM (Transition Project Management) and downtime optimization are top priorities.
- “AI-native” processes and generative interfaces revolutionize ERP interaction.
- Data and analytics capabilities become the decisive competitive differentiator.
- Proven methodology and the right partner are critical success factors.
Our final assessment: Do not view RISE with SAP in 2026 as an isolated IT project. It is the strategic roadmap for your company toward digital resilience, comprehensive automation, and agile, data-driven business models. The time for a well-founded strategic decision is now.
