From SAP Portal to SAP Work Zone
From the Past to the Future: The Revolution of Digital Workplaces with SAP Build Work Zone
The digital transformation is relentless, and with it comes the evolution of workplaces. A fundamental pillar of this development is the transition from outdated employee portals to modern solutions. A prime example of this shift is the move from the SAP NetWeaver Portal to the SAP Build Work Zone. This step marks not only a technological update but also a strategic realignment towards more flexible, user-friendly, and innovative work environments.
The End of an Era: Farewell to SAP NetWeaver Portal
On December 31, 2027, not only will the maintenance commitment for SAP ERP HCM end, but the official maintenance period for the SAP NetWeaver Portal version 7.5 will also come to an end. This affects not only the portal itself but also related products such as the TREX search engine, the Universal Work List (UWL) task system, or SAP Knowledge Management (KM). Despite the possibility of extending maintenance until December 31, 2030, at a higher cost, the SAP community faces an inevitable upheaval.
The Risks of Holding on to the Old – The Consequences Can Be Severe:
- A declining willingness of SAP to invest in these products, leading to a reduction in functional enhancements.
- The absence of bug fixes, even in combination with other solutions.
- Potential security risks, which will only increase in importance in the coming years.
Overcoming the Barriers to Change
Despite the clear need for modernization, many customers hesitate to switch to the SAP Build Work Zone. Reasons for this include the previously free use of the SAP Enterprise Portal, the necessary internal training of employees, and internal resource conflicts. Additionally, there is some skepticism towards dependency on SAP and cloud solutions, as well as the fear of high project efforts due to the lack of migration tools.
The Motivation Behind the Change
But what drives companies to take this step? The answer lies in the numerous benefits that modern portal solutions like the SAP Build Work Zone offer.
- A modern user experience and the simplification of applications and processes.
- More independence and the ability to implement central solutions worldwide.
- Mobile access and the use of product innovations in the cloud, such as artificial intelligence.
- The replacement of outdated systems and the reduction of operational effort.
The Variety of SAP Build Work Zone Editions
The SAP Build Work Zone offers various editions and development options, allowing companies to choose a solution tailored to their needs. From central entry points in SAP Cloud solutions to individual design to advanced structuring options and free design of the user interface, each version offers specific advantages.
With the “Standard Edition,” companies have the opportunity to provide an employee portal, particularly focusing on applications. Users can conveniently access all content with their device of choice, saving valuable working time. The Standard Edition centralizes access to relevant business applications and processes at a unified entry point. The mobile app “SAP Mobile Start” is also included in the license.
With the “Advanced Edition,” you centralize access to relevant business applications and processes, and beyond that, companies also offer their users content and communication at a unified entry point. The aspect of collaboration can be enabled through so-called workspaces. Editorial content and complex navigation structures are also implementable here compared to the Standard Edition.
New Opportunities Through Digital Working
The SAP Build Work Zone exemplifies the Digital Workplace, which is based on clear focuses and as few redundancies as possible. The challenge lies in showing users the diverse possibilities in everyday life and correctly explaining the functions of existing tools. A crucial role is played by the integration and networking of various tools to create real added value.
A direct comparison of the user interfaces can be found here:
![From SAP Portal to SAP Work Zone 1 SAP NetWeaver Portal](https://www.scdsoft.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SAP-NetWeaver-Portal.png)
![From SAP Portal to SAP Work Zone 2 SAP Build Work Zone](https://www.scdsoft.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SAP-Build-Work-Zone.png)
Migration: A New Beginning
The migration from the SAP Portal to the SAP Build Work Zone is not just a technological leap but also a conceptual one. There is no direct migration path, giving companies the chance to rethink and future-proof their digital workplaces. They can draw on the experiences of other customers who have already successfully taken this step.
Conclusion
The transition from SAP NetWeaver Portal to SAP Build Work Zone is more than just a change from one platform to another. It is an opportunity to drive digital transformation in companies, optimize work processes, and create a modern, future-proof working environment. The time to act is now, to set the course for a successful digital future.
Would you like to learn more about the SAP Build Work Zone and get tips & tricks?
Read the whitepaper from our partner VANTAiO GmbH & Co. KG: https://www.vantaio.com/wartungsende-sap-portal-checkliste-tipps-und-tricks.
You can also watch the related presentation from the scdsoft Information Days 2023 here.