Breaking Up Is Hard: Navigating Your BPC Migration with Ease

Ah, BPC. You’ve been through a lot together—countless closes, budgeting cycles, late-night reconciliations. It’s been a solid partnership, but deep down, you know it’s time for a change.

Like any long-term relationship, breaking up isn’t easy. You’ve built processes, routines, and maybe even a little emotional attachment. But with BPC’s end of maintenance dates quickly approaching, staying in this relationship could mean increased risks, instability, and missed opportunities.

So, how do you move on without heartbreak? Let’s talk about navigating a SAP BPC migration because the right match is out there, and we’re here to help you find it.

How Do You Know It’s Time to Move On from SAP BPC?

Not sure if you’re ready to take the leap? Here are a few signs that your relationship with BPC is heading toward its final chapter:

• It’s no longer supporting your needs – With SAP’s official end-of-maintenance deadlines approaching in 2026 and 2027, future updates and support will become a thing of the past.
  
• Security and stability are at risk – Unsupported systems can expose your organization to security vulnerabilities and compliance challenges. Regulatory frameworks evolve, and without updates, your finance team may struggle to meet new requirements.
  
• Performance issues and inefficiencies – Legacy systems often struggle to keep up with modern finance demands. Slow processing times, outdated interfaces, and integration challenges can slow down reporting, forecasting, and close cycles.
  
• You need more advanced capabilities – Today’s finance leaders require real-time insights, automation, and AI-driven analytics. BPC wasn’t built for this level of agility, which can limit your ability to scale and innovate.
  
• You’re stuck on-premise while the world moves to the cloud – Most versions of BPC require on-premise infrastructure, while modern finance solutions offer cloud-based flexibility, lower maintenance costs, and remote accessibility. If cloud migration is a priority for your organization, staying on BPC could hold you back.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to start exploring your options.

How to Navigate the SAP BPC Breakup Without the Heartache

Change can be overwhelming, but with the right plan, your transition can be smooth—dare we say, even exciting? Here’s how to take the next step with confidence:

1. Reflect on what you really need in a new system – Think about what worked well with BPC and what left you frustrated. Do you need stronger reporting capabilities? A cloud-based solution? A platform that integrates better with your existing tech stack? Knowing what you need in a new partner (or system) will help you find the right match.
   
2. Explore Your Best BPC Migration Options – The right system depends on your business model, existing tech stack, and long-term goals. Here are two leading options:
   
   • SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) for Planning – If you want to stay within the SAP ecosystem, SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) for Planning is SAP’s preferred alternative to BPC. Key features include:
     • Integrated planning and analytics – Combines financial and operational planning with built-in AI and machine learning.
     • Cloud-based flexibility – No need for on-premise infrastructure, reducing maintenance costs.
     • Seamless SAP integration – Works well with SAP S/4HANA and other SAP tools.
       
       However, SAC does not include financial consolidation, meaning companies may need SAP’s Group Reporting module to handle complex consolidations separately.
       
   • OneStream – For organizations looking for a more comprehensive CPM solution, OneStream offers:
     • Unified planning, budgeting, and consolidation – All in a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple tools.
     • Flexibility – OneStream’s MarketPlace allows companies to add new features without third-party integrations.
     • Scalability – Designed for growing enterprises needing advanced automation and reporting.
       
       Choosing between SAC and OneStream depends on whether you prefer SAP continuity or a fully unified finance platform.
       
3. Get expert guidance – Breakups are easier with a good support system. A trusted consulting partner can help you evaluate your options, develop a roadmap, and execute a seamless migration.
   
4. Don’t wait until the last minute – Procrastinating only makes things harder. The closer we get to the end-of-maintenance deadlines, the more rushed (and costly) migrations become. Starting now gives you time to make a thoughtful, strategic transition.
   

Ready to Find the Perfect Match for Your Finance Solution?

Breaking up with BPC might feel daunting, but the right system is out there—one that meets your needs today and grows with you into the future.

At SandPoint Consulting, we’ve helped countless organizations transition from BPC to modern solutions like SAP Analytics Cloud and OneStream. Our team of finance and accounting professionals understands the technical and strategic challenges of migration, ensuring a seamless and stress-free process.

Whether you’re ready to explore your options or just need advice on where to start, we’re here to help. Let’s find the best path forward together. Contact us today.

FAQs

1. When is SAP BPC’s end-of-maintenance date?
   SAP has announced that mainstream maintenance for BPC will end in 2026 for standard versions and 2027 for embedded versions. After this, SAP will no longer provide updates, security patches, or official support.
   
2. What are the risks of staying on BPC after support ends?
   Continuing to use an unsupported system can lead to security vulnerabilities, compliance challenges, and performance issues. Without regular updates, your organization may also struggle to adapt to new regulatory requirements and evolving business needs.
   
3. What are the best alternatives to SAP BPC?
   The best alternative depends on your needs. Two leading options are:
   • SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) for Planning – A cloud-based planning and analytics solution that integrates with SAP systems.
   • OneStream – A unified CPM platform that combines planning, reporting, and financial consolidation in one system.
   
4. How long does a typical BPC migration take?
   Migration timelines vary based on factors like data complexity, system integrations, and customization needs. A well-planned transition can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, so it’s best to start early.
   
5. How can I choose the right finance solution for my business?
   Consider factors such as cloud readiness, integration needs, reporting complexity, and long-term scalability. Working with an experienced consulting partner like SandPoint Consulting can help you assess your options and ensure a smooth transition.