As businesses evolve, they face increasing complexity and new demands. To meet these challenges, organizations are turning to modern ERP (enterprise resource planning) platforms to meet their specific needs – whether that is supporting growth, adding combabilities, or taking advantage of technical advances such as AI. SAP’s next-generation cloud ERP, SAP S/4HANA, is the leading modern ERP.  It serves as an organization’s digital core, allowing firms to optimize business performance, improve the customer experience, and provide scalability for future growth.

For firms considering deploying SAP S/4HANA, there are two preeminent offerings: GROW with SAP and RISE with SAP. Both are designed to help businesses improve their performance, management, and scale through digital solutions. 

To determine which offering fits best, organizations should explore the differences between GROW and RISE, and the advantages and benefits of each. We will compare the pros and cons of each offering below and discuss how Navisite, part of Accenture, can help determine the right path forward for a business.

Getting to Know GROW with SAP and RISE with SAP

First, let’s get to know the two offerings a little better…

GROW with SAP is a public cloud option designed as more of a pre-configured, “ready to run” option.  As such it is best suited for small and mid-sized businesses or larger enterprises with limited ERP needs that want to focus on a fit to standard solution that can be deployed quickly and with a controlled budget.  Furthermore, as a public cloud model it puts the management – upgrades, etc. – of the on-going solution onto SAP.

Sound like a good fit? Read more about GROW with SAP in this recent blog.

RISE with SAP is a private cloud option and delivers a flexible, configurable solution to implement SAP S/4HANA. It can be bundled with other SAP products (SAP Business Technology Platform and Analytics, Signavio, SAP Cloud, SAP Business Network) to create a complete solution. Finally, RISE is positioned for midsize to large enterprises, which may either be existing SAP customers or net-new implementations with complex requirements. 

Key Differences: GROW with SAP vs. RISE with SAP

When looking at the differences between GROW and RISE, we can divide them into two groups – technical differences and business differences.

Technical Differences:

• Deployment options
  • GROW: Public cloud only
  • RISE: private cloud, providing more flexibility (AWS, Google Cloud or Azure)

• Implementation methods
  • GROW: Greenfield approach (starting from scratch)
  • RISE: Greenfield, Brownfield (moving existing SAP system to S/4HANA), or Bluefield (hybrid configuration) approaches

• Customization capabilities
  • GROW: Pre-configured solution with limited customization
  • RISE: More flexibility for customization

• System support and upgrades
  • GROW: Regular upgrades every six months
  • RISE: Flexible support model and upgrade options

Business Differences:

• Target company size and profile
  • GROW: Fast-growing, innovative organizations needing an ERP to scale without extensive internal resources
  • RISE: Mid-size to large enterprises ($300M to $8B)

• Existing SAP system considerations
  • GROW: Ideal for companies new to SAP and currently outgrowing spreadsheets or standalone and disparate department-based applications
  • RISE: Suitable for organizations with existing SAP systems or net new SAP customers who are changing from one legacy ERP system to another

• Standardization vs. customization needs
  • GROW: Standardized processes
  • RISE: Customizable bespoke system

• Investment and resource requirements
  • GROW: Lower upfront investment and less support cost
  • RISE: Larger upfront investment with long-term value and flexibility

Finding the Right Fit for an Organization 

Choosing between GROW and RISE depends not only on company size but also on the ability to adopt SAP best practices. Consider the following factors:

Businesses More Likely to Choose GROW with SAP:

• Size: Early-phase companies growing rapidly or those needing simplification
• ERP: Net new SAP customer
• Environment: Simple and less complex, with no legacy infrastructure
• Processes: Ability or desire to fit-to-standard business processes
• Mindset: “Born in the cloud” or strong cloud mindset – focused on speed and/or cost

Businesses More Likely to Choose RISE with SAP:

• Size: Mid-size or large enterprises
• ERP: New or existing SAP customers
• Environment: Heterogeneous and complex; often with legacy infrastructure
• Processes: Mature and entrenched business processes
• Mindset: Heavy emphasis on business transformation vs. fit-to-standard approach

Getting Started on the Path Forward: Working with Navisite, Part of Accenture

Both GROW and RISE empower customers to transform without limits and tap into the advanced capabilities of SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).

Navisite is uniquely positioned to support both GROW and RISE – working closely with customers to determine the optimal path for digital transformation, innovation, and modernization.

Navisite: Your Trusted Partner

At Navisite, Part of Accenture, we understand that adopting a new solution is a significant step for any business. As an award-winning SAP Gold Partner and Partner of Excellence in the Midmarket, we bring over 20 years of SAP experience with deep technology, industry, and functional knowledge and expertise. Our team of certified SAP professionals is here to guide you through every step of the journey.

We offer an end-to-end software and services bundle for S/4HANA Cloud, public edition, as well as implementation services and post-implementation managed services and support. Benefit from our flexible, cost-efficient model and our team of dedicated SAP experts.

Ready to start your journey to SAP S/4HANA, or have more questions? Contact Navisite today to explore which option is right for your business and how we can help you achieve your digital transformation goals.