The end of SAP BPC and BFC: Key considerations for finance leaders

The SAP BFC and BPC products are approaching the end of their lifecycle and are currently used by approximately 2,000 enterprises and 4,000 clients, respectively. While most of these solutions will be phased out by 2027, some maintenance contracts will remain in place until 2030. 

These organisations must now decide whether to transition to SAP’s cloud-based system and remain within SAP’s ecosystem or explore alternative technologies that better align with their business needs and goals. 

What does this mean for you? 

End-of-life for SaaS products creates a natural inflection point for finance teams. The most obvious requirement is to identify a replacement product. However, this moment often sparks a deeper, strategic conversation. We frequently see clients refocus their efforts on understanding broader business goals, revisit requirements gathering, and explore how a new solution might drive automation and transformation within the finance function. 

A transition from SAP isn’t just about finding a substitute, it’s about seizing an opportunity to enact change. It prompts a necessary dialogue between leadership, finance, and IT, enriching the overall strategy and trajectory of the business. By approaching it strategically, organisations can turn what seems like a disruption into a catalyst for growth and modernisation. 

Understanding the timeline 

The end-of-life timelines for these products are as follows: 

• SAP BPC 10.1 for Microsoft: Mainstream maintenance will end in June 2026. 

• SAP BPC 10.1 for SAP NetWeaver: Support will continue until the end of 2027, with an optional extended maintenance period until 2030. 

• SAP BPC for SAP BW/4HANA: Support is assured until at least 2040. However, SAP advises customers to transition to SAP Analytics Cloud for developing new planning scenarios. 

• SAP BFC users (especially in Europe): Support will continue until the end of 2030. SAP recommends migrating to SAP S/4HANA for group reporting, which can function as a standalone consolidation tool or integrate with SAP Analytics Cloud. 
  
  

Something to consider while you are making this decision: Implementing a replacement financial performance management solution can take one to two years. A well-thought-out transition plan is essential to avoid disruptions and maintain operational efficiency. 

The advantages of cloud-based financial performance management solutions 

If your organisation still relies on SAP BPC or BFC, now is the time to explore alternative solutions. Cloud-based financial enterprise performance management (EPM) systems provide several benefits: 

• Scalability: Adapt resources to evolving business demands. 

• Cost efficiency: Reduce infrastructure maintenance expenses. 

• Enhanced collaboration: Enable real-time data access and seamless team collaboration. 

• Automatic updates: Stay current with the latest features and security enhancements without manual intervention. 

When selecting an alternative, it’s crucial to evaluate integration capabilities, user experience, and vendor support to ensure alignment with your long-term financial strategy and operational needs. 

Considering alternatives to SAP’s cloud platform 

While SAP recommends its own cloud-based solutions, organisations may find them costly or complex. Exploring alternative vendors that specialise in financial performance management can lead to more tailored and cost-effective solutions. 

Why choose VantagePoint as your financial performance advisory and management partner? 

At VantagePoint, we understand the complexities of financial transformation and offer expertise in transitioning organisations from legacy systems like SAP BPC/BFC to modern, efficient financial performance management solutions. 

Key benefits of partnering with us 

• Fit-for-purpose solutions: Our team develops tailored strategies to align with your organisation’s specific financial processes and goals. See how we helped a global enterprise streamline their consolidation process.

• Deep industry expertise: We have extensive experience in deploying cloud-based FPM systems across various industries. Read our case study on a multinational company’s transition to a modern FPM solution. 
• Ongoing support: We provide continuous guidance and assistance to ensure your financial management systems operate optimally. 
  
  

As you evaluate your next steps, ensuring your financial systems remain robust and future-ready is crucial. We're here to support you through this transition, helping you secure a sustainable financial performance management solution. Learn about our US operation here. 

Download the SAP replacement checklist for a clear roadmap to choosing the right finance technology with confidence.