How to Calculate Your SAP Maturity Gap Using the 8-Dimension Assessment Framework

This is Why 90% of SAP Leaders Have No Idea How Large Their Maturity Gap Actually Is

Almost every CIO has a good feel for the own SAP landscape. They know which systems are up. They know the roadmap. Moreover, they know the budget.

But when S/4HANA projects stall, so does value realization that is too slow, or transformation results are lackluster there is one inevitable uncomfortable truth that surfaces:

In Addition, Hardly any companies actually know how large their gap is between the start to End of SAP, if at all. They assume maturity. They don’t measure it.

And lacking any established means of measuring readiness, decisions on SAP transformation are made based on gut feel, legacy, or vendor claims and not data.

This is precisely why the SAP maturity gap calculator is emerging as a must-have for business executives. It offers a data-driven view into where the organization sits today and what it needs to change to unlock real value from S/4HANA.

What is an SAP Maturity Gap Calculator?

Definition of an SAP maturity gap calculator

The SAP maturity gap calculator is a formal assessment-based model that quantifies the delta between:

• Your present SAP operational maturity level, and
• The maturity needed to fully exploit S/4HANA and the new SAP platforms

The maturity gap calculator does not work like a top-down readiness checklist, but rates the organisation across various aspects that affect performance, risk and ROI.

It creates not some kind of generic score, but a strategic clarity device for executives.

The Importance of a Structured SAP Maturity Gap Calculator for the Executives

Assumptions Are Dangerous to Transformation

The majority of SAP programmes are based on assumptions:

• “Our processes are mature enough.”
• “Data quality problems will get better after the move.”
• “Change adoption will catch up.”

In fact, the age difference just gets bigger as time goes on.

A calculator for the SAP maturity gap replaces assumptions with quantified reality so that leaders can:

• Make informed investment decisions
• Prioritise high-impact improvements
• Align SAP projects to business strategy
• Reduce post-go-live surprises

This is not an operational tool for CIOs and EA, it is a tool of governance and decision making!

The 8-Dimension SAP Maturity Gap Assessment Framework

Now it is time to reveal the 8D maturity model!

A strong SAP maturity gap calculator will assess your level of maturity across eight interdependent dimensions. Combined, they offer an integrated view on readiness, resilience and value potential.

This model is intentionally built for executive clarity – not technical detail.

Dimension 1: Maturity of SAP Architecture and Landscape

This dimension evaluates how far your SAP landscape enables the scalable, integrated standing and future change of such value.

Low maturity indicators:

• Heavy customisation
• Tight coupling between systems
• Fragile integrations
• Limited cloud or SAP BTP consumption

High maturity characteristics:

• Clean-core principles
• Modular architecture
• Integration-first design
• Platform extensibility

Why it matters:
Architecture maturity measures how fast your organization can change without breaking everything.

Dimension 2: Process Standardization and Optimization

Here and now, the SAP maturity gap calculator determines whether processes are planned for efficiency—or left for comfort.

Low maturity:

• Replicated legacy processes
• Manual workarounds
• Inconsistent workflows across regions

High maturity:

• End-to-end process ownership
• Standardised global templates
• Embedded automation
• Continuous improvement mindset

Why it matters:
S/4HANA speeds things up  assuming that speed is what you’re after.

Dimension 3: Data Quality & Governance Maturity

This is the trust of data at decision time dimension.

Low maturity:

• Conflicting reports
• Poor master data governance
• Spreadsheet dependency
• Unclear data ownership

High maturity:

• Defined data governance model
• Single source of truth
• Embedded analytics
• Confidence in real-time insights

Why it matters:
Without data maturity, S/4HANA provides speed  without vision.

Dimension 4: Security, Risk & Compliance Readiness

Risk management and SAP maturity are inextricably linked.

Low maturity:

• Role complexity
• Weak access controls
• Manual audit processes
• Reactive compliance management

High maturity:

• Role simplification
• Automated controls
• Continuous compliance monitoring
• Security embedded in design

Why it matters:
Contemporary SAP platforms improve transparency  but open up that much more exposure if maturity is behind.

Dimension 5: Operating Model & Delivery Maturity

This dimension evaluates the manner in which SAP work is accomplished.

Low maturity:

• Project-based delivery only
• Siloed teams
• Reactive support models

High maturity:

• Product or platform-centric ownership
• Agile delivery practices
• Business-IT collaboration
• Continuous enhancement cycles

Why it matters:
S/4HANA is not a project; it’s a platform.

Dimension 6: Skills and Capability Readiness

Technology maturity without T-skills is a deception.

Low maturity:

• Dependency on external consultants
• Limited internal SAP expertise
• Opposition to a new way of doing business

High maturity:

• Strong internal capability
• Clear role evolution
• Ongoing upskilling strategy

Why it matters:
In the end, it is people who drive [the use or ignore] of SAP capabilities.

Dimension 7: Change Management & Adoption

This is the dimension that asks whether transformation sticks.

Low maturity:

• Poor communication
• Limited business engagement
• Change fatigue

High maturity:

• Clear transformation narrative
• Executive sponsorship
• Embedded change enablement
• Adoption metrics tracked

Why it matters:
Without adoption, improvements in maturity never emerge.

Dimension 8: Innovation and Value Creation

And the last dimension is about whether SAP is pushing business innovation or mere operational stability?

Low maturity:

• Single-minded in their “keeping the lights on” efforts
• No structured innovation roadmap
• SAP BTP underutilised

High maturity:

• Clear value-realisation framework
• Continuous innovation pipeline
• Business-led use cases
• Measurable outcomes

Why it matters:
This is how “maturity with SAP” becomes competitive advantage.

The SAP Maturity Gap Calculator in Practice

Each dimension is measured using specific criteria, moreover, which are normally scored on the maturity scale (e.g. initial, evolving, established, advanced).

SAP maturity gap can be measured through the comparison amongst:

• Current maturity level
  vs.
• Maturity needs to support the business objectives

The result:

• A quantified maturity gap
• Clear priority areas
• Actionable improvement roadmap

It enables the CX leaders to advance from opinion-oriented talks to evidence-based decisions.

SAP Maturity Gap Calculator  What It Tells You That a Dashboard Does Not

Traditional SAP reporting focuses on:

• System performance
• Project milestones
• Budget tracking

A maturity gap calculator reveals:

• Structural weaknesses
• Hidden risks
• Value leakage points
• Capability constraints

It tells you why performance stalls  not just where.

When is an SAP Maturity Gap Calculator Necessary?

Leading enterprises use it:

• Before S/4HANA migration: De-risk transformation
• During implementation: Course-correct early
• Post go-live: Expedite value realisation

In every instance, a calculator becomes a tactical alignment vehicle from IT to the business.

The Price for NOT Measuring Your SAP Maturity Gap

Companies that don’t carry out maturity assessment typically encounter:

• Prolonged hypercare
• Escalating support costs
• Missed innovation opportunities
• Executive dissatisfaction with SAP ROI

The irony is simple:
The price we pay to assess maturity is nothing compared to the cost of denying it.

Final Thoughts

You Can’t Fix What You Don’t Measure

SAP transformations don’t break with a bang, they break as zombified organisations unable to reach their true potential.

The SAP maturity gap calculator provides a view that helps business leaders to:

• Understand readiness honestly
• Prioritise what truly matters
• Align SAP investments with strategy
• Make S/4HANA a value platform, not just an ERP

Migration moves you forward.
The level of maturity is what limits the degree of your advancement.

Whether your organization is in the process of executing, planning, live or up and running on S/4HANA, it’s important to calculate where your current SAP maturity level resides using a methodical, multipronged framework.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your digital transformation journey, connect with Cremencing today. Together, we’ll explore tailored solutions that drive efficiency, innovation, and growth.

Resources

SAP Enterprise Architecture Maturity Model – 8 Dimensions
SAP Readiness Check for S/4HANA