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

Why Does End of Life 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• Compliance Challenges: Outdated software could leave you struggling to meet evolving compliance regulations.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:

1. Upgrade to a Newer SAP GRC Solution: SAP encourages 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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. Feel free to contact SAP partners and consultants to assist in determining the most suitable path forward for your business.