SAP GRC: Building Resilient Governance in a Shifting Landscape

Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) solutions are vital in modern business. SAP GRC offers a powerful and integrated suite built to streamline risk management, ensure regulatory adherence, and promote ethical operations. As the business landscape rapidly transforms, SAP innovates with its GRC solutions. Let’s explore some of the latest enhancements and the emerging future of SAP GRC.

SAP GRC – The Current State

The most current version of the core SAP GRC suite is SAP GRC 12.0. This version offers significant advancements over its predecessors, including:

• Enhanced User Experience: SAP GRC 12.0 focuses on intuitive interfaces and simplified workflows for improved user adoption and efficiency.
• Streamlined Implementation and Configuration: Tailoring your GRC solution is more accessible, leading to faster time-to-value.
• Advanced Analytics and Reporting: Gain deeper insights from your GRC data with expanded reporting functionalities.
• Tighter Integration within the SAP Landscape: Seamlessly connect your GRC processes with other SAP modules like S/4HANA for a holistic approach to risk management.

Key Modules: What’s Available

The primary modules within SAP GRC 12.0 include:

• SAP Access Control: Manages user access rights and authorizations, mitigating the risk of fraud and segregation of duties (SoD) conflicts.
• SAP Process Control: Automates internal control monitoring, providing continuous process oversight for increased agility and reduced compliance costs.
• SAP Risk Management: Helps organizations centralize risk assessment, develop effective response strategies, and streamline risk management workflows.

The Next Generation: SAP GRC Edition for SAP HANA

While SAP GRC 12.0 remains a robust solution, SAP is developing the next iteration—SAP GRC edition for SAP HANA. This new edition is slated for a release in Q1 of 2026 and promises a revolutionary approach to GRC.

Here’s what to expect:

• Cloud-Optimized Architecture: Engineered for the cloud and SAP HANA, unlocking the power of in-memory computing and scalability.
• Advanced Technologies: The SAP GRC edition for SAP HANA will leverage AI, machine learning, and other cutting-edge technologies to provide proactive risk insights and predictive analytics.
• Redesigned Workflows: Expect completely reimagined workflows across GRC processes to enhance efficiency and maximize usability.

Important Note: Mainstream maintenance for SAP GRC 12.0 is planned to continue until the end of 2027. For further details, refer to official SAP Support communications.

The Future of GRC – Staying Ahead

As businesses face evolving risks and regulatory complexities, GRC technology will be increasingly critical. SAP is committed to driving innovation in this space, ensuring its solutions enable:

• Data-Driven GRC: Harnessing the power of information will be crucial for faster and more accurate risk assessments, leading to proactive decision-making.
• Intelligent Automation: Expect more routine GRC tasks to be automated, freeing up valuable time for strategic initiatives and analysis.
• Focus on Agility: GRC solutions must enable businesses to respond rapidly to changing regulations, emerging threats, and market shifts.

Getting Started

If you’re considering implementing or upgrading your SAP GRC solution, here are some resources to help you:

• SAP Support Portal: Access official documentation, support notes, and best practices 
• SAP Community: Engage with experts and peers 
• SAP Consulting Partners: Find a qualified partner to guide your implementation or upgrade process.