What is a Clean Core?
A 'Clean Core' strategy, in software terms, refers to the central part of the system when kept simple and organized without any additional complexities or dependencies as such.
This concept is essential in efficient software maintenance, upgrade, and testing. With certain cloud-compliant extensions, add-on customizations can also be integrated with core elements without any disruptions.
It also assists in running enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms to adapt to changing business scenarios, with its ability to easily build innovative customizations from the core that are cloud-ready.
The Clean Core strategy
A Clean Core can be achieved by focusing on the six key elements that make up the core of an ERP software.
- Software stack
- Information (Data)
- Extensibility
- Add-on integrations
- Process involved
- Operations overview
Dissecting the various elements that make up the ERP core
Where does SAP BTP come in?
The SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) plays an important role by providing users with a platform to build and run custom-made applications and extensions outside the core ERP system.
Integrations and flexibility
With services like SAP Integration Suite and SAP Extension Suite, companies can easily integrate other ERP systems and build custom features without changing the SAP core. The above services on the SAP BTP platform work like bridges, connecting your system with external apps, cloud services, and more, without complicating the core itself.
Cloud advantage
SAP BTP operates over the cloud, therefore, it offers businesses scalable computing power and accessibility without the need for existing infrastructure. This helps companies innovate in a cost-effective manner.
Innovations and extensions on SAP BTP
Making any modifications to your SAP core can make the overall system slower, and a pain to upgrade with ease. Which is why building custom apps and extensions in the SAP BTP environment is advisable, in order to keep your SAP system cleaner and easier to upgrade, while fulfilling your business objectives.
Why will your business benefit from adopting a Clean Core strategy?
The primary goal for most ERP systems has been to keep organizations running smoothly without disruption and easily adapt to ever changing market scenarios, which is the reason why Clean Core as a concept works well. It is essentially designed to keep your core SAP ERP system in check to make sure it is transparent, efficient, consistent and flexible.
Over the years, many businesses have adopted huge software stacks with plenty of customizations and redundant integrations, in order to replicate the workings of a highly intelligent ERP system. But that is necessarily not needed; with a Clean Core, you can achieve better results with added efficiency.
The right approach towards building a cleaner core starts with identifying what parts of the ERP drive value. You can then categorize them into two separate sections
- Elements driving value for your business
- Basic functions that keep your business going
(without creating value as such)
Using these, you will get an understanding of which functions set your business apart from the rest of your competition, and if they are being handled by cumbersome integrations and custom code. Through which you will get an idea of whether the core ERP system is fulfilling the necessary business objectives.
Implementing competitive differentiators by building on your existing foundation can help you in developing a business platform that sets you apart from the rest.
The future belongs to organizations that will nurture innovation and growth by embracing Clean Core.
