In today’s technology-driven business landscape, the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) combined with SAP S/4HANA Cloud promises to redefine success. But does it really deliver? Dive into our latest article where we present key facts and figures from an IDC study. Find out more about the financial benefits, productivity gains, ROI and how it’s accelerating business success!
Proven Value in Facts and Figures: SAP BTP with SAP S/4HANA Cloud
Results from the IDC Study About SAP BTP
In an era where technology is not just an enabler but a critical component for business success, the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) with SAP S/4HANA Cloud stands out as a game-changer. But how effective is it really? Can it deliver tangible benefits that impact the bottom line? The purpose of this article is to answer these questions by presenting key facts and figures that demonstrate the effectiveness and utility of the SAP BTP with SAP S/4HANA Cloud.
Before diving into the details: You are interested in the methodology behind the compelling facts and figures? We’re providing insights into how these significant results were calculated.
1. Financial Benefits: The Bottom-Line Impact
One of the most compelling ways to evaluate the effectiveness of a technology solution is to look at its financial impact. According to the Business Value White Paper, organizations using the SAP BTP experience significant financial gains across various categories.
Unplanned Downtime and Revenue Gains
Downtime is a costly affair. According to the study, organizations using SAP Business Technology Platform with SAP S/4HANA Cloud managed to avoid an average of $1.70 million in lost revenue per year. This figure assumes a 15% margin, which means that not only are businesses avoiding losses, but they’re also safeguarding their profit margins. Imagine the competitive advantage this could give you over rivals who are still grappling with downtime issues.
Higher Line-of-Business Team Productivity
Productivity gains are often the unsung heroes of technological investment. The study found a 10% average increase in productivity among Line-of-Business (LOB) teams. This translates to a 14.8 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) gain. In monetary terms, that’s a salary savings of $865,400 based on an average salary of $70,000. These aren’t just numbers, they represent the human capital that can be redeployed to other critical projects, thereby accelerating innovation and growth.
Operational Cost Savings
Operational efficiency is a key performance indicator for any organization. SAP BTP contributed to an average annual operational cost savings of $200,000. When adjusted for a 15% margin, this amounts to $166,800. These savings could be reinvested in other areas of the business, such as R&D or marketing, providing a multiplier effect on the organization’s overall performance.
Higher Net Revenue and Business Enablement
Finally, let’s talk about revenue. The study found that organizations experienced an average of $7.44 million in higher total revenue, assuming a 15% margin. In a business where every dollar counts, these gains are not just incremental, they can be transformative. This additional revenue can be the difference between maintaining the status quo and scaling to new heights.
A Significant Financial Benefits of Using SAP BTP with SAP S/4HANA Cloud
Interviewed SAP customers attributed total revenue gains of an average of $7.44 million per year to use of SAP BTP with SAP S/4HANA Cloud. For purposes of its financial analysis, IDC applies a 15 percent margin to total revenue gains, resulting in average net revenue gains of $1.12 million per year per organization.
White Paper: “The Business Value of SAP Business Technology Platform with SAP S/4HANA Cloud”, by IDC Research, Inc., Mickey North Rizza, Lara Greden, Matthew Marden, January, 2023, page 20,
2. Productivity Gains: More Than Just Numbers
Productivity isn’t just about doing more with less; it’s about optimizing resources for maximum output. In the context of SAP BTP, productivity gains are realized in multiple dimensions, from IT staff to business operations.
IT Staff Productivity benefits
According to the study, organizations experienced an average annual benefit of $126,800 per 100 users in IT staff productivity. This isn’t merely a cost-saving measure. Enhanced IT staff productivity means quicker response times, faster issue resolution, and more time for strategic initiatives. In a world where IT is the backbone of business operations, these productivity gains are invaluable.
Business Productivity and Risk Mitigation Benefits
The product also contributes significantly to business productivity and risk mitigation, with an average annual benefit of $519,700 per 100 users. This goes beyond just numbers, it impacts the very way businesses operate. Enhanced productivity means faster decision-making, better risk management, and ultimately, a more agile and resilient organization.
Both benefits are a testament to the platform’s comprehensive approach to enhancing organizational productivity.
3. Time Efficiency: Accelerating Success
In business, time is often equated with money, but it’s also a critical factor in agility, innovation, and competitiveness. The SAP Business Technology Platform has proven to be a significant accelerator in these aspects, as evidenced by the study’s findings.
Project Completion Time
One of the most telling metrics is the average time to complete projects. The study found that organizations using the product reduced the average time to complete a project from 16.8 weeks to just 10.6 weeks. This 37% reduction is not just a time-saver, it’s an enabler for quicker market entry and responsiveness to business challenges.
Time to Innovate
When it comes to launching and completing innovative projects, SAP BTP also shines. The average time was reduced from 21.3 weeks to 13.8 weeks, a 35% decrease. This faster time-to-market for innovations can be a game-changer, allowing organizations to stay ahead of the competition and respond to market needs more effectively.
4. ROI Summary: The Financial Verdict
ROI serves as the ultimate yardstick for success in the world of technology investments. It quantifies the financial returns you can expect from your investment, providing a clear picture of its value. SAP BTP has undergone rigorous ROI analysis, and the results are compelling.
ROI Calculations
According to the IDC study, the 3-year ROI calculation was by 514%. The calcuclations were based on a depreciated cash flow analysis conducted over a three-year period. The ROI is calculated as the ratio of the net present value (NPV) to the discounted investment. This provides a comprehensive view of the financial returns, taking into account both the costs and the benefits.
Payback Period
Another critical metric is the payback period, which is the time it takes for the benefits to equal the initial investment. A shorter payback period indicates quicker returns, and according to the study, organizations using the platform expected a 8 month payback period.
The Business Value of SAP BTP with SAP S/4HANA
As we've seen, SAP BTP offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond mere technological capabilities. From significant financial gains and productivity boosts to time efficiency and a favorable ROI, the platform stands as a comprehensive solution for modern businesses. Get the most important figures at a glance in the IDC infographic.
Let’s Talk about Your Business Value of SAP BTP
Whether you are in the planning phase of SAP S/4HANA implementation or looking to enhance your existing setup with SAP BTP, we are here to guide you.