In today’s economy, digital transformation is no longer optional—it’s imperative. Enterprises across industries are racing to modernize legacy systems and scale operations through intelligent technologies. At the center of this transformation is SAP, the ERP platform that serves as the digital backbone for more than 440,000 organizations globally.

As SAP advances into the next generation—through S/4HANA, real-time analytics, AI-enhanced workflows, and cloud-based models—the critical question for IT leaders is no longer if they will transform, but how they will do so effectively and on time. Unfortunately, many are finding that the right talent is in short supply.

The Talent Gap in SAP Transformation

While SAP provides the technical framework for resilience, scalability, and intelligent enterprise operations, its success is dependent on people who can configure, implement, optimize, and support the platform within real business environments. Yet across multiple industries, there is a shortage of experienced SAP professionals, particularly those with deep functional expertise and industry-specific knowledge.

As more companies migrate to S/4HANA and adopt innovations like SAP’s Business Technology Platform (BTP), the skills required to drive success have become more specialized. At the same time, seasoned consultants, many of whom led ECC implementations, are exiting the workforce, creating a widening experience gap. For organizations navigating this transition, traditional recruiting models are proving insufficient. Enterprise transformation demands precise, strategic talent acquisition—not generic hiring practices. And the search is no longer local. It is global.

A Strategic Partner in SAP Delivery

Apolis helps organizations address this gap by delivering certified SAP professionals and outcome-driven consulting models that accelerate transformation. With 29 years of experience and more than 700 SAP projects completed, Apolis blends global delivery with local accountability. Capabilities include:

• Certified consultants across key SAP modules including S/4HANA, ABAP, FICO, SuccessFactors, and BTP
• Flexible delivery models (onshore, nearshore, offshore) tailored to client needs
• Global support and continuity from delivery centers in the U.S., India, and LATAM
• Rapid deployment of teams for upgrades, rollouts, integration, and support

Apolis focuses on aligning talent with strategic objectives, ensuring every resource brings not just technical skills, but business alignment and functional relevance.

Real-World Example: ECC to S/4HANA Migration Support

At a recent SAP SAPPHIRE event, an enterprise client was surprised to learn that over 60% of SAP customers are still operating on ECC. Recognizing the urgency to modernize, the client initiated a transition to S/4HANA RISE (Private Cloud), supported by a global systems integrator. But for key roles and ongoing managed services beyond the technical scope, they turned to Apolis. Apolis is currently providing:

• Legacy ECC support while internal teams focus on transformation
• Industry-aligned senior consultants to optimize processes and manage customizations
• PMO-side advocates to protect stakeholder interests
• Comprehensive QA and testing resources

This scenario follows a broader trend: Over the next 2–3 years, organizations across sectors will face similar upgrade cycles, each requiring specialized talent and agile delivery strategies.

Data-Driven Talent Deployment

Apolis uses proprietary tools, including its Talent Insight Model, to match consultants with precision. Factors include past project performance, industry benchmarks, and client-specific criteria. This approach reduces time-to-value, minimizes risk, and enhances project outcomes. Consider these recent engagements:

• A global consumer goods company was six months behind on its S/4HANA deployment. Apolis deployed a high-performing offshore team (FICO, MM, ABAP), reducing backlog by 47% within one month. The client achieved a successful go-live with no critical issues.
• A Fortune 100 retailer required a global rollout of SuccessFactors across 18 markets. Apolis built a hybrid team (U.S., India, LATAM) in under two weeks, delivering the program 40% faster and saving over $1.2 million.

Apolis actively monitors macroeconomic trends, workforce dynamics, and emerging technologies to guide long-term investment. Current areas of focus include:

• SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) adoption
• Sustainability and ESG integration in SAP landscapes
• AI and predictive analytics within ERP systems
• Cloud-native architectures and DevOps enablement

By investing early in these areas, Apolis ensures its clients stay ahead of the curve.

It’s Not Just About Technology—It’s About People

Apolis does more than provide resumes. It builds customized workforce strategies designed to scale, adapt, and deliver lasting value. Whether supporting a multi-country rollout, consolidating post-merger ERP systems, or launching an internal Center of Excellence, Apolis becomes a strategic extension of the client’s IT and business teams.

The future of enterprise IT is powered by intelligent ERP, embedded analytics and AI. But at the core of every successful transformation is talent. Apolis believes that great technology decisions begin with the right people. That’s why it remains committed to delivering not just talent, but outcomes—and not just projects, but progress.

If your organization is preparing for an SAP transformation, Apolis is ready to help. Contact us to learn how we can support your success with speed, precision, and global reach. Visit Apolisrises for in-depth case studies, white papers, and insights on SAP modernization.