If you’re running SAP processes, you know one thing for sure—it’s not something you can just set up and forget.
It’s the core of your business. It touches everything. From finance to procurement, HR, supply chain—it all runs through SAP.
And when something breaks, or when a report won’t run, or when a user gets stuck, you need someone who can step in. Someone who knows what they’re doing and who can get you back on track—fast.
So, the question is: Who’s that going to be?
Do you build an in-house team to handle everything? Or do you work with a partner that provides SAP application management services?
There’s no simple answer. It depends on your business—your size, your complexity, your priorities. But there are trade-offs. And if you’re thinking about this decision right now, it’s worth taking the time to weigh them.
Let’s break it down.
The Case for In-House Support
The idea here is simple: build your own SAP team comprising functional experts, technical specialists, developers, Basis administrators, security professionals, and possibly data architects—all within your organization.
When it works, it can feel great. Your team knows your business. They know the specifics of your processes. They understand the little things that make your company unique.
If an issue comes up, they’re right there—no need to explain the backstory. They already know.
But building and maintaining that team is not easy.
Finding SAP talent isn’t like hiring for other roles. It’s a specialized skill set. And the demand for good SAP professionals is high—always has been.
Keeping those people? That’s another challenge. Turnover is a real risk, potentially leading to knowledge gaps and disruptions in service continuity.
Then there’s the cost. Salaries. Training. Certifications. Benefits. It adds up quickly.
And what happens when you suddenly need expertise in an area your team isn’t familiar with—like a new module, a cloud migration, or an upgrade?
With in-house support, you have control—but that control comes with a lot of responsibility. And sometimes, a lot of risk.
What SAP Application Management Services Bring to the Table
Now let’s talk about SAP application management services.
The idea here is different. Instead of managing everything in-house, you work with a partner.
They handle the day-to-day support, the technical side, the functional side, the troubleshooting, the updates, the performance tuning—all of it.
They become your go-to team for SAP.
One of the biggest advantages is the depth of expertise.
You’re not limited to the skills of whoever’s on your payroll. With an AMS partner, you get access to a wide range of experts—finance specialists, supply chain experts, basis pros, developers, security gurus, you name it.
Moreover, you’re not worrying about whether you have the right person for the job. They already have the right person.
That’s a big deal. Especially when you’re dealing with complex issues that cross multiple areas.
Another benefit is flexibility.
Your needs aren’t static. Some months, you might need heavy support for finance processes.
Other times, you might be rolling out a new module, or working on data cleanup, or integrating with a new system.
An in-house team can only stretch so far. But with SAP application management services, you can scale support up or down as needed.
And let’s not forget about coverage.
Many AMS partners offer 24/7 support. That’s a big plus if you’re running global operations, or if you need peace of mind that someone’s watching your system around the clock.
The Cost Side of Things
Let’s talk cost—because that’s always part of the conversation.
At first glance, in-house might seem cheaper. You’re paying salaries instead of service fees.
But it’s not that simple.
Think about what you’re really paying for.
Hiring takes time and money. Training takes time and money. Losing a key team member? That has a cost too—sometimes a big one.
And what about when something breaks and your team doesn’t have the right skill set? Or when you’re trying to roll out a new project and you need expertise you don’t have?
With SAP application management services, you’re paying for access to a team that’s ready to step in—anytime. You’re paying for coverage, for expertise, for peace of mind.
It’s not always the cheaper option on paper. But when you factor in risk, flexibility, and the true cost of downtime or delays – the picture changes.
Thinking Beyond Today: The Value of SAP Advisory Services
Here’s another piece that often gets overlooked: long-term strategy.
It’s one thing to keep your system running. But what about making it better?
Many AMS providers don’t just offer support. They also provide SAP advisory services.
That means they help you think beyond the immediate problem. They help you ask:
- Are we using SAP to its full potential?
- Could we automate more?
- Is it time to think about moving to the cloud?
- How do we make our processes faster, simpler, smarter?
That kind of strategic input?
It can be invaluable—especially if your in-house team is focused on day-to-day support and doesn’t have the bandwidth to step back and look at the bigger picture.
So, What’s the Right Choice?
The honest answer? It depends.
In-house support might make sense if:
- You have a stable, experienced team.
- Your SAP environment is relatively straightforward.
- You prefer full control and are ready to invest in retaining top talent
SAP application management services might be the better fit if:
- Your SAP system is complex, with multiple modules and integrations.
- You want access to a wider range of expertise.
- You need flexibility and scalability.
- You’re looking for strategic guidance, not just day-to-day support.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s about what works for your business.
Final Thoughts
SAP is critical to how your business runs. How you support it? That’s a decision that deserves careful thought.
It’s not just a question of who can fix a problem when it happens. It’s about who can help you get the most out of your investment. Who can help you move from just keeping the lights on to driving real, lasting value.
In-house or SAP application management services—there are pros and cons to both. What matters is finding the approach that fits your goals, your team, your budget, and your long-term vision.
Take your time. Ask the right questions. And choose the path that gives you the confidence to move forward.
That’s what it’s really about, isn’t it? Keeping your business moving—without missing a step.
