Why Managed Services for SAP?
Digital transformation
as a competitive factor
Mid-sized companies can only remain competitive in the long term if they consistently drive their digital transformation forward. A modern, high-performance application landscape is essential for this – with ERP systems such as SAP S/4HANA as a central building block.
Growing complexity of IT
landscapes
However, given the increasing complexity of today’s IT infrastructures, many mid-sized companies face the challenge of providing suitable solutions, operating them efficiently, and continuously adapting them to new requirements.
Application Services
as a solution
This is where Application Service Providers come into play: they take over the management of complex and support-intensive IT applications – creating noticeable relief for internal IT teams and delivering clear advantages for the entire organization.
What are Application Managed Services (AMS)?
AMS include the ongoing support, maintenance, and optimization of SAP applications – from traditional ERP systems such as SAP ECC or SAP S/4HANA to cloud solutions like SuccessFactors, Ariba, or SAP BTP.
They support applications throughout their entire lifecycle – from initial conception through introduction and implementation to operations, monitoring, maintenance, regular updates, and strategic enhancement.
These services are typically provided by specialized IT service providers focusing on Application Management Services (AMS) – often with deep expertise in solutions such as SAP S/4HANA.
The difference from traditional SAP support: while traditional support primarily handles end-user requests, Application Services focus on the strategic management and continuous development of the SAP system landscape.
Typical AMS services
- User support (2nd & 3rd level)
- Incident, problem, and change management
- Customizing and adjustments
- Release and patch management
- Monitoring & ystem operations
- Performance optimization & troubleshooting
- Consulting on enhancements, upgrades & projects
Benefits of AMS
- Relief for internal IT resources
- Access to SAP expertise without the need to maintain in-house specialists
- High availability and stability of SAP systems
- Fast response times in case of disruptions
- Predictable costs through SLAs and service models
- Scalability depending on company size and requirements
How AMS contribute
to your company’s development
Greater flexibility and
scalability
By working with an external Application Service Provider, IT resources can be adjusted quickly and according to demand. This increases agility and enables companies to respond more flexibly to changing market conditions and business requirements.
Stronger
innovative capability
Regular system updates and continuous development by the service provider create the foundation for leveraging modern technologies. This continuously opens up new opportunities for developing innovative solutions.
More efficient
business processes
Application Services support the optimization and automation of core business processes. This leads to leaner workflows, reduces manual effort, and sustainably increases operational efficiency.
Improved customer experience
and stronger customer loyalty
Stable and reliable applications contribute significantly to a positive customer experience. An improved user experience strengthens customer loyalty – with positive effects on satisfaction, retention, and revenue growth.
Efficient
use of resources
Internal IT resources are strategically relieved while the external partner takes over routine and support tasks. The IT department can focus on strategic initiatives.
Holistic
impact
AMS have a comprehensive impact on several key success factors for mid-sized companies – particularly efficiency, flexibility, innovative strength, and customer centricity.
AMS – Application Management:
Typical operational and strategic hurdles
For many mid-sized companies, application management represents a challenging balancing act.
On the one hand, there is the expectation to provide modern, high-performance, and tailored applications. On the other hand, the scope of tasks is complex and multifaceted – and often there is a lack of sufficient personnel and financial resources.
Companies are currently facing the following IT challenges in particular:
Limited resources
These bottlenecks make stable and efficient support, maintenance, and further development of the existing application landscape more challenging.
High complexity of IT infrastructure
Increasing security and data protection requirements
This requires technical expertise, constant vigilance, and up-to-date security standards.
Availability and performance
System outages or slow performance disrupt processes, cause costs, and negatively impact customer satisfaction – often requiring investments in IT infrastructure to mitigate risks.
Growing need for customization
Standard solutions are increasingly insufficient to meet the specific requirements of individual industries, business processes, and customer groups. Customized applications and interfaces provide a solution – but at the same time increase complexity and support efforts within the IT department.
.XPN Workshop –
Application Management Services (AMS)
Rethinking application management – AMS as a key success factor
In our AMS workshop, we demonstrate in a practical way how professional SAP application management ensures operational stability and strategic advancement of your SAP system. Together with your team, we analyze the current situation, identify areas for action, and develop concrete steps toward a sustainable operations and support model.
Workshop Content:
- Fundamentals & success factors of SAP AMS
- Typical challenges in SAP application management
- AMS service components: support, maintenance, optimization, enhancement
- Roles, processes & tools in managed services
- AMS in the cloud environment: SAP BTP, S/4HANA Cloud & hybrid operations
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs) & quality management
- Operating models (internal, external, hybrid)
- Preparation for a successful AMS rollout
Your added value:
- Clear definition: what belongs in AMS operations – and what does not?
- Identify optimization potential in ongoing SAP operations
- Develop a future-proof support strategy
- Impulses for professionalizing support & service processes
- Guidance in selecting a suitable AMS partner
Who is the Workshop intended for?
- IT management and SAP managers
- Service managers & process owners
- Decision-makers who want to strategically manage SAP operations, support, and innovation
.XPN – YOUR PARTNER FOR APPLICATION MANAGED SERVICES (AMS)
We support companies in the structured management and continuous development of their SAP applications throughout the entire lifecycle.
Request workshop
Fill out the form and we will contact you shortly to discuss the next steps together and schedule a date for your individual workshop – tailored to your SAP topic and your company’s objectives.