More than two thirds of organisations (69%) in the UK are now using the latest version of SAP’s core ERP business suite, ERP 6.0, with a further 22% still using the older R3 4.7 platform, according to a new research by the UK & Ireland SAP User Group.
The research, however, said only 7% of SAP users were currently using SAP BusinessObjects, showing that the adoption of the business intelligence product is slow while SAP has to put efforts to convince users.
The UK & Ireland SAP User Group chairman Alan Bowling said here at the User Group they have highlighted the potential benefits of upgrading to ERP 6.0, such as enhanced levels of functionality and support.
"Indeed, we have seen many users come to us who see the need to upgrade but require advice and support on the best way to migrate," Bowling said.
The biggest drivers to adopt SAP ERP 6.0 are the ability to network with other SAP users, gain customer access to customer insight and being able to advance their understanding of current SAP products and services, the research indicated.
According to 78% of respondents, the User Group had the right levels of influence over SAP when it came to getting users’ voices heard.
Of those surveyed, over two-thirds (67%) are now on the Enterprise Support offering, compared to 11% on the recently re-introduced Standard Support, according to the survey which questioned 204 SAP user organisations in the UK and Ireland.
While the cost of Enterprise Support will rise this year, increasing the gap between the two support options to more than 1%, these figures seem to show that it is currently the favoured option in the majority of organisations.
Only 14% of respondents said they had been certified by SAP recognising their organisations’ commitment to continuous improvement of SAP operations.
A lack of understanding of the benefits and the lack of a clear financial incentive to take part in the certification process may have led to the relatively low number of Centres of Expertise (CoEs).
"It will certainly be interesting to see how many customers stay on Enterprise Support when the next set of price rises comes into effect in the next year," Bowling said.
"The survey results also highlight that SAP could still be doing a lot more to help educate its users about the benefits of the products and services it offers."
