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GROW with SAP vs RISE with SAP: A Clear and Practical Comparison

Introduction GROW with SAP vs. RISE with SAP

SAP offers two major transformation programs to help businesses adopt cloud ERP: GROW with SAP vs RISE with SAP. Both are designed to modernize business processes, move companies to the cloud, and support long-term growth. But they serve different purposes, audiences, and starting points.

In this blog, we break down both GROW and RISE with SAP, showing their differences, benefits, and tools. Whether you are starting fresh or transitioning from an on-premise SAP system, this guide will help you understand the right path for your business.

What is GROW with SAP?

GROW with SAP is for new customers starting fresh with SAP. These businesses want to adopt cloud ERP quickly, using standard best practices.

  • GROW uses SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, which is a ready-to-run ERP system.
  • It facilitates greenfield implementation, which entails starting from the beginning.
  • It offers fast deployment, as quick as four weeks.
  • SAP fully manages it and always uses the most recent version.

This option is great for small and midsize companies or emerging markets. It includes pre-configured business processes, automation, and a user-friendly interface.

What is RISE with SAP?

RISE with SAP is for existing SAP customers who want to move from on-premise to cloud ERP. These businesses usually have customized processes and want more control.

  • RISE uses SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition.
  • It supports greenfield and brownfield implementations.
  • It allows for more customization and control over your setup.

Customers can move at their own pace and retain the complexity needed to support their unique business model.

GROW with SAP Packages

GROW with SAP offers two packages:

Base Edition:

  • Designed for small or midsize companies
  • Lower price point
  • Includes SAP BTP access, some finance entitlements, and Ariba Buying base edition

Premium Edition

    • For larger or more complex organisations
    • It includes everything in Base plus:
    • More BTP licenses
    • SAP Analytics Cloud Planning
    • SAP Sales Cloud V2
    • Concur Expense Professional

    You can use Cloud Platform Enterprise Agreement (CPEA) credits for services on SAP BTP in both editions.

    RISE with SAP Packages

    RISE with SAP offers three packages:

    Base Edition

    • Entry-level private cloud ERP functionality

    Premium Edition

    • Adds:
      • AI capabilities
      • Low-code development
      • Access to supplier networks

    Premium Plus Edition

    • Includes everything in Premium plus:
      • More AI scenarios
      • Sustainability tools
      • Advanced financial management

    Like GROW, RISE packages include CPEA credits and SAP Build tools.

    Service Delivery Model

    SAP manages the following under one Service Level Agreement (SLA):

    • Software availability and uptime
    • Infrastructure management
    • Technical operations, upgrades, and maintenance

    Partners provide:

    • Advisory and implementation services
    • Application management and release support

    This model ensures SAP handles the platform, while partners help you configure and customize it.

    Tools in GROW and RISE with SAP

    SAP Build

    SAP Build is a low-code/no-code platform that includes:

    • SAP Build Apps: Create business apps without coding
    • SAP Build Process Automation: Automate business workflows
    • SAP Build Work Zone: Create business portals for employees, partners, and customers

    These tools help keep the ERP system clean and upgrade-safe.

    SAP Mobile Start

    • A mobile app for employees to access SAP systems on iOS or Android
    • Supports notifications, widgets, and company branding
    • Requires setup via SAP Build Work Zone

    Cloud Platform Enterprise Agreement (CPEA) Credits

    • Work like a prepaid account to use SAP BTP services
    • Customers track usage in “SAP for Me”
    • Flexible and scalable for evolving needs

    Finance and Spend Management Tools

    Advanced Financial Management (Premium Plus)

    • Group Reporting: Automates financial consolidation
    • Advanced Financial Close: Speeds up period-end closing
    • Cash Management: Supports treasury operations
    • Receivables Management: Manages customer credit and collections

    Intelligent Spend Business Network

    • SAP Business Network Supplier Portal: Improves supplier collaboration and compliance
    • Ariba Buying (base edition): Simplifies procurement for employees
    • Ariba Central Invoice Management: Centralized invoice processing

    Customer Relationship and Analytics Tools

    SAP Sales Cloud V2

    • Combines CRM, sales, and retail execution in one platform
    • Helps manage the complete sales cycle

    Concur Expense Professional

    • Automates and manages employee expense reporting
    • Provides full visibility into employee spend

    SAP Analytics Cloud Planning

    • Delivers budgeting, forecasting, and predictive analytics
    • Helps align strategic goals with actual business performance

    Artificial Intelligence and Data Tools

    SAP Joule
    • A digital assistant powered by generative AI
    • Recommends actions, surfaces insights, and supports decision-making
    AI Units
    • GROW and RISE include credits for using AI services
    • Customers can choose how to spend credits across available services
    SAP Datasphere
    • Connects data across SAP and non-SAP systems
    • Ensures data consistency, governance, and analytics readiness

    Sustainability (Private Cloud Only)

    Included in RISE Premium Plus:

    • SAP Sustainability Control Tower: Tracks ESG metrics
    • SAP Sustainability Footprint Management: Calculates and optimizes carbon footprints

    Conclusion

    GROW and RISE with SAP are two strong options for businesses aiming to move to the cloud. GROW is ideal for new customers who want quick, standardized ERP. RISE supports current SAP customers who need flexibility and control during transformation.

    Both programs include tools for customization, automation, analytics, and AI—making it easier for companies to modernize at their own pace.

    Choose GROW if you’re starting new. Choose RISE if you’re modernizing. Either way, SAP gives you the tools and support to succeed.

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