SAP GRC 12: Approaching End of Life – What’s Next?

SAP Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) is a powerful suite of tools that assists companies in automating and streamlining processes surrounding access controls, risk management, and regulatory compliance. SAP GRC 12, a significant software version, is heading towards the end of its support lifecycle, making it a crucial time for businesses to plan their next move.

End of Maintenance Deadline

SAP has announced the following timelines for SAP GRC 12.0 (including Access Control, Process Control, and Risk Management):

• Mainstream Maintenance: Ends December 31, 2027
• Extended Maintenance: Available until December 31, 2030
• Customer-Specific Maintenance: Possible beyond 2030 on a case-by-case basis

What Is ‘End of Life’ and Why Does it Matter?

Once a product reaches its end of life, the following implications may occur:

• No More Regular Updates: SAP will cease to provide regular software updates and patches for SAP GRC 12.
• Limited Support: SAP support availability will gradually decrease, potentially resulting in longer resolution times for issues.
• Security Vulnerabilities: With no more security patches, your systems might become vulnerable to new threats.
• Compliance Challenges: Outdated software could leave you struggling to meet evolving compliance regulations.

Your Options For the Future

As the deadline approaches, businesses that use SAP GRC 12 have several options to consider:

Upgrade to a Newer SAP GRC Solution: SAP supports you in this transition. We encourage customers to migrate to a more recent strategic offering, such as the SAP Access Control edition for SAP HANA. This provides a future-proof solution with enhanced capabilities and continued support, giving you peace of mind as you navigate this change.Explore Alternative Solutions: If a complete SAP GRC upgrade is feasible after some time, you may investigate other GRC software solutions. It’s essential to research and choose a solution that best fits your organization’s current and future needs. We’re here to guide you through this process, ensuring you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.Continue with Extended Maintenance: Businesses can opt for SAP’s extended maintenance program if an immediate transition is too disruptive. While this will provide some additional support time, it’s essential to begin planning your eventual migration. However, it’s important to note that [potential risks or limitations] and [potential benefits or advantages].Critical Considerations for Your Migration Strategy

• Complexity and Customization: Factor in the complexity of your current SAP GRC 12 setup and the extent of any customizations you’ve made.
• Business Processes: Assess how process changes or updates might impact your GRC landscape during the migration.
• Timeline: Set a realistic timeframe for the migration process, taking into account testing, training, and potential change management.
• Resources and Budget: Allocate appropriate resources and budget for the migration. This may include internal team involvement or consulting with migration experts.

Conclusion

The approaching end-of-life status of SAP GRC 12 presents a vital decision point for organizations. Taking proactive steps and planning a smooth migration strategy is crucial to ensure continuous compliance and a robust risk management framework. For assistance in determining the most suitable path forward for your business, feel free to contact SAP partners and consultants, who can provide [specific types of assistance or services].