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Key Highlights of SAP Business ByDesign—What’s New 26.05 Release Update SAP Business ByDesign is no longer offered to new customers, but SAP continues to support existing customers with quarterly updates that include new features, legal changes and localisation improvements. The May 2026 release update introduces several practical enhancements across supply chain, procurement and analytics. It is officially listed as the SAP Business ByDesign 26.05 What's New May 2026 update. 1. Supply Chain Improvements Better control over Sales Kits Partners and customers can now update the Distribution Percentage of Components in the Sales Kit Definition through PSM. This gives more flexibility when building extensions or automating kit maintenance. More useful Physical Inventory reporting A new Responsible ID field has been added to the Physical Inventory data source. This makes it easier to track who handled each count and improves audit clarity. Cleaner Bill To selection in Purchase Orders The value help for Bill To now shows the most up to date name. This reduces mistakes when creating POs and avoids outdated master data creeping into documents. Updated company names in GSA Company names in Goods and Services Acknowledgment documents have been refreshed to match current master data. 2. Supplier Relationship Management Enhancements New report for List Price and Scale Price A new analytics report is available in the Analytics Data Center. It helps buyers understand pricing tiers and negotiate better with suppliers. Protection against deleting acknowledged schedule lines If a supplier has already acknowledged a replacement schedule line, users can no longer delete it by mistake. This prevents accidental disruption to confirmed supply. Stronger procurement governance PO creation is now blocked for suppliers marked as obsolete or blocked. This avoids compliance issues and stops users from accidentally ordering from the wrong vendor. New approval condition for PO value changes There is now a Net Value Change condition that can trigger approvals when the PO value changes. This gives finance and procurement teams more control over spend. 3. Usability Improvements Registered Products DEXT tool gets two new sheets The data extraction tool now includes: "RegWarranty" sheet that shows multiple warranties assigned through PDI "Contact Person" sheet that supports multiple contacts per registered product This makes service processes easier to manage and improves data quality. 4. Partner and Extensibility Updates IRPA scoping question removed The Intelligent RPA scoping question has been removed from Business Configuration. This avoids confusion for customers who are not using IRPA in ByDesign. 5. Localisation and Legal Compliance Updates The SAP Business ByDesign 26.05 What's New May 2026 update also includes several localisation and legal compliance changes for selected countries. These updates ensure that customers remain aligned with local statutory requirements and continue to operate smoothly in regulated markets. As with every quarterly release, SAP delivers both minor and country‑specific adjustments that keep ByDesign compliant and up to date for global operations. 6. What This Means for Customers This release is all about tightening the small things that matter in daily operations. Here is what customers will notice: Fewer errors in procurement and supply chain processes Better reporting and more reliable analytics Cleaner master data usage More flexibility for partners building extensions Stronger governance and approval control These improvements may look small on paper, but they add up to smoother processes and fewer operational headaches. 7. Optima Cloud Consulting View: SAP Business ByDesign What's New May 2026 update 26.05 release For most customers, the quick wins from SAP Business ByDesign Release 26.05 are: Review PO approval rules to take advantage of the new Net Value Change condition Update procurement governance to reflect the new supplier blocking behaviour Refresh analytics dashboards to include the new Physical Inventory and pricing fields Check partner extensions to see if the new PSM write‑access can simplify custom logic This is a steady, practical release that strengthens the reliability of ByDesign without introducing disruption. Learn more on the SAP Help Portal

SAP Business ByDesign - What's New 26.02 Release Update SAP Business ByDesign 26.02 delivers a meaningful upgrade to the customer support experience, introduces new extensibility options, and strengthens core business processes. As part of the SAP Business ByDesign 26.02 What’s New update , the standout enhancement is the redesigned Built‑In Support experience, now fully aligned with SAP for Me and SAP’s broader Cloud ERP support model. Top 3 benefits for customers: Faster, clearer support resolution through a modernised Built‑In Support interface Better extensibility  with new PSM‑enabled fields, including updates to the Transportation Lane Improved consistency  with SAP’s cloud roadmap, especially around support, analytics, and integration touchpoints A Modern, Unified Built‑In Support Experience The biggest change in SAP Business ByDesign 26.02 is the next‑generation Built‑In Support (BIS). SAP has redesigned the support experience to match what customers already see in S/4HANA Cloud and other SAP cloud products, creating a unified and modern support model. What’s new in Built‑In Support? A cleaner, modern UI inside your ByDesign tenant Full integration with SAP for Me for seamless switching A unified support model across SAP Cloud ERP Flexible case management: Create and track cases inside ByDesign Manage everything centrally in SAP for Me Move between both without losing context Better transparency with clearer case history, attachments, and communication threads Why this matters This is a major quality‑of‑life improvement. Customers get faster answers, key users get better governance, and partners get a more predictable support workflow. SAP Business ByDesign 26.02 What’s New: Functional Enhancements Across Core Business Areas SAP continues to refine ByDesign with targeted improvements that make everyday operations smoother. Supply Chain Management New PSM read‑release fields added to the Transportation Lane Better access to logistics and sourcing data for integrations Stronger automation potential for partners and customers These updates form an important part of the SAP Business ByDesign 26.02 What’s New  enhancements for logistics and sourcing. Finance & Controlling While this release is not finance‑heavy, SAP has aligned ByDesign more closely with SAP Cloud ERP innovations: Improved consistency with S/4HANA Cloud reporting structures Better integration points for analytics and liquidity planning Platform & Extensibility Additional PSM and API updates Cleaner data structures for reporting and integration More flexibility for partner‑built extensions New APPLICATION_LOG  fields exposed in the Public Solution Model for custom analytics Together, these improvements strengthen the extensibility pillar of the SAP Business ByDesign 26.02 What’s New  release. Alignment with SAP’s Cloud ERP Strategy SAP is clearly positioning ByDesign as a stable, mid‑market cloud ERP that integrates smoothly with the wider SAP ecosystem. Strategic signals from this release: Built‑In Support now mirrors S/4HANA Cloud and SuccessFactors SAP for Me becomes the central cockpit for lifecycle and support Extensibility updates ensure ByDesign remains integration‑friendly SAP continues to invest in consistency rather than disruptive change This is reassuring for customers who value continuity and long‑term stability. What This Means for End Users A simpler, more intuitive support experience Faster case creation and tracking Clearer communication with SAP Support A consistent experience across SAP cloud products What This Means for Key Users & Administrators Reduced admin overhead Better governance through SAP for Me More predictable support workflows Improved integration options via new PSM fields What This Means for Partners & Consultants For partners, SAP Business ByDesign Release 26.02 brings: More efficient support processes Cleaner integration design Better reporting alignment with SAP’s cloud roadmap Faster troubleshooting and escalation Final Thoughts on SAP Business ByDesign 26.02 What’s New SAP Business ByDesign 26.02 is a strategically important release. The new Built‑In Support experience alone delivers immediate value for every customer, while the incremental enhancements across Supply Chain, Finance, and Platform Services strengthen ByDesign’s position as a reliable, cloud‑native ERP for mid‑market organisations. Optima Cloud Consulting will continue to analyse each release and provide clear, practical guidance to help customers maximise their SAP investment. Learn more on the SAP Help Portal

E-Invoicing Mandates with SAP Business ByDesign Complying with Global E-Invoicing Mandates, with solutions for SAP Business ByDesign As digital transformation reshapes global commerce, electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) is now a legal requirement in many countries. Governments enforce e-invoicing mandates to reduce fraud, boost tax collection, and streamline business processes. For companies operating internationally or in countries with active or upcoming mandates; compliance is essential to avoid penalties and gain process efficiency. This blog outlines the evolving landscape of e-invoicing mandates, highlights key compliance models, and shows how SAP Business ByDesign helps businesses meet local requirements, even as rules change. Understanding Global E-Invoicing Mandates E-invoicing  is the electronic creation, exchange, and processing of invoices in a structured digital format that can be automatically checked and validated by tax authorities. Mandates Active in 130+ Countries:  Including Brazil, Italy, India, Mexico, France, Poland, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and nearly all EU members. Mandate Variants:  Rules vary by country; scope (B2B, B2G, B2C), required formats (UBL, XML, PEPPOL), and compliance models. Common Compliance Models Clearance Model:  Invoices are sent to the tax authority for real-time validation before being sent to customers (e.g., Italy, Brazil). Post-Audit Model:  Businesses exchange invoices directly but must keep detailed audit records for authorities (common in parts of Europe). Continuous Transaction Controls (CTC):  Real-time reporting with validation (e.g., Mexico, and coming EU updates). The regulatory focus has expanded in recent years; from government contracts (B2G) to now cover private sector transactions (B2B), with mandates and deadlines evolving rapidly. E-Invoicing Compliance Challenges Regulatory Complexity:  Every jurisdiction enforces unique invoice formats, tax rules, signatures, and deadlines. Integration Needs:  Synchronizing ERP, tax authority platforms, and third-party solutions calls for strong data transformation and reliable connectivity. Audit and Security:  Businesses must maintain tamper-proof records and be prepared for audits, all while ensuring data privacy and confidentiality. How SAP Business ByDesign Supports E-Invoicing Compliance SAP Business ByDesign is a cloud ERP solution for small to midsize businesses and subsidiaries. It offers e-invoicing capabilities/mandates for a few localized countries to help meet country-specific e-Invoicing requirements. In regions without direct localization, it integrates with trusted third-party solutions and add-ons to meet evolving mandates. This flexible approach ensures continuous, scalable compliance across diverse markets. Key Features Flexible XML Invoice Transformations:  Supports custom XML and XSLT mappings for country-specific schemas (e.g., UBL, PEPPOL BIS). Can also handle receiving and processing incoming e-invoices for validation and integration. Web Services Integration:  Enables real-time or batch invoice submissions to clearance platforms or validation hubs, supporting all major e-invoicing models. Third-Party Solution Integration:  Compatible with leading third-party compliance providers when local legal requirements call for external certification or connectivity. Multi-Country and Multi-Legal Entity Support:  Manage multiple formats, tax rules, and compliance requirements from one system. Automation and Error Reduction:  Automates invoice generation, validation, and delivery for faster, more accurate invoicing. Archiving and Audit Trails:  Invoices are securely archived to meet legal retention periods, with comprehensive logs for audits. Compliance Updates:  SAP updates fully localised countries, with country-specific compliance content to meet new legal changes. Benefits of Using SAP Business ByDesign for E-Invoicing Regulatory Compliance: Maintain alignment with evolving e-invoicing mandates across multiple countries, helping reduce the risk of rejected invoices, tax penalties, and compliance breaches by leveraging SAP’s updates for fully localised countries. Operational Efficiency: Automate and streamline your invoicing workflows to minimize manual data entry and errors, accelerate invoice processing, and improve cash flow and payment cycles. Seamless Integration: SAP Business ByDesign connects with tax authority platforms through certified and approved third-party agencies and e-invoicing solutions via web services. Because local e-invoicing rules vary widely, many businesses use trusted partners or middleware alongside ByDesign to ensure smooth, compliant invoice processing across regions. Scalability and Flexibility: Benefit from SAP Business ByDesign’s scalable cloud architecture that supports business growth and adapts quickly to new or changing regulatory requirements, plus flexible XML/XSLT transformation capabilities. Global Reach with Local Adaptation: Leverage built-in support for localized e-invoicing mandates in key countries, combined with third-party integrations for regions without native localization, facilitating compliant operations in multiple markets while maintaining centralized control.   E-Invoicing Implementation: Implementing e-invoicing with SAP Business ByDesign typically involves these key steps to ensure compliance and efficiency: Configure e-invoicing and integrations:  Set up country-specific features and connect with tax authorities via third-party providers as needed. Customize invoice templates:  Adapt layouts and formats to meet local rules. Scope and configure incoming invoices:  Handle manual and electronic invoices with XSLT transformations. Testing support:  Assist with test scenarios and validations before go-live. Documentation and training:  Provide clear guides and train your team. Go-live transition:  Manage smooth switch-over to live environment. Post go-live support:  Offer dedicated help to resolve issues and optimize processes. This structured approach ensures a smooth, compliant, and reliable e-invoicing rollout tailored to your business. Conclusion E-invoicing mandates have become a critical part of doing business worldwide, and the rules continue to evolve from country to country. SAP Business ByDesign offers integrated compliance tools, XML customization, web service connectivity, and trusted partner integrations to help organizations align with these local requirements.   Because each business and jurisdiction operates differently, the most effective setup is one that is configured to your specific operational, legal, and technical landscape. Navigating e-invoicing mandates can be complex, but a well-designed SAP Business ByDesign environment can provide a streamlined, scalable foundation for staying compliant and efficient as regulations change over time.

SAP Business ByDesign Tenant Management Introduction SAP Business ByDesign Tenant Management is important for administrators and users alike. Whether you are new to the platform or have experience with SAP’s cloud ERP, having a good understanding of tenant management helps your organisation maintain reliable operations, comply with business rules, and get the most out of support services. This guide offers practical tips for SAP Business ByDesign Tenant Management, supporting businesses and ByDesign clients with useful advice on how to manage tenants effectively. 1. Understanding SAP Business ByDesign Tenant Management A tenant is your organisation’s dedicated SAP system. Most businesses have more than one tenant, which is an important part of effective SAP Business ByDesign tenant management. The production tenant is used for business operations and holds your live data, and it typically comes with one test tenant for training, development, or trying out new features. Sometimes, you may need additional test tenants for specific purposes, such as user acceptance testing or specialised development projects; these can be arranged with SAP at an extra cost. Keeping these environments separate reduces the risk of mistakes and allows safe experimentation without disrupting daily business operations. Tenant lifecycle events, such as refreshing a test tenant with production data or terminating a test environment, can be managed directly via the Service Control Center work center in your production tenant. This enables administrators to coordinate tenant refreshes, deletions, and other actions more efficiently, with less reliance on SAP support. 2. Setting Up a New Tenant (Initial Implementation) When onboarding your organisation’s first SAP Business ByDesign tenant: Select the appropriate region or data centre and language for your business. This decision is critical for regulatory compliance, onboarding efficiency, and ensuring alignment with UK and EU data protection requirements (e.g., GDPR). Collaborate with your SAP System Integrator or Partner to configure the tenant according to your business-specific needs and operational workflows. Define and assign user roles and permissions meticulously from the outset to safeguard sensitive business processes and control access. Plan your data migration strategy carefully; map and validate all existing business data as it is imported into SAP ByDesign to ensure completeness and accuracy before go-live. 3. Refreshing a Test Tenant with Live Data Refreshing a test tenant with production data is useful for realistic testing before going live. Contact SAP support to request this refresh. Coordinate with your team to ensure a suitable timing, as your production system may need to be offline. Downtime can vary depending on the data volume and SAP’s availability. Coordinate closely with SAP support and your project team to pick suitable timing and minimise business disruption; consider critical business periods. After the refresh, check company structures, integration links, and user accounts for accuracy. Limit the number of refreshes to keep development and testing environments organised. Tenant refresh activities can only be performed outside of the contractual maintenance period (CMP) window. 4. Requesting a New Test Tenant You can also ask for an empty tenant without live data if that suits your project. A new test tenant can only be requested after scheduling deletion of the current one, with both usable in parallel for up to three weeks. Avoid requesting new tenants from two days before the test system upgrade until two weeks before the production upgrade. Always check upcoming upgrade schedules and reference the SAP release calendar before submitting test tenant requests to avoid delays. 5. Data Protection and Backups in SAP ByDesign With SAP Business ByDesign, backups and disaster recovery are handled by SAP. You do not need to make backups yourself, nor can you create or download system backup files as you might with on-premise solutions. You can still regularly export important reports and business records for your own audits. SAP automatically manages daily backups and several other backup types, such as full, differential, and log backups, for all tenants. If there is a system failure, major error, or data loss, SAP can restore your system to any available backup within their retention period (normally ranging from 14 to 28 days, depending on tenant type and contract). When you request a system restore, all changes made since the restore point will be lost. This means any transactions, updates, or configuration changes added after that backup will be removed and cannot be recovered. SAP’s backup system provides security and business continuity. Your own responsibility is managing exports of reports, data, and critical business objects that you wish to keep locally. 6. Decommissioning, Protecting Development Work and Managing Costs Unused tenants cost money, so keep track of your tenant count. Before removing any tenants, ask your implementation partner to support the process, and always export essential business data and reports to meet legal, audit, or day-to-day requirements. If your organisation has developed custom features, add-ons, reports, or integrations using the SAP Business ByDesign SDK or SAP Cloud Applications Studio, make sure all development work (such as scripts, code, bespoke configurations, and integration artefacts) is securely backed up outside the tenant before deletion. Development artefacts left inside the tenant will be permanently unrecoverable once deleted, ensure all key work is exported. Ask SAP or your implementation partner to remove tenants no longer needed. Update all system integrations and connections so they do not reference any tenant that has been decommissioned or removed. 7. Troubleshooting Common Issues Some frequent problems and solutions: Tenant setup fails: Check for valid licences and submit clear requirements to SAP. Integration breaks after refresh: Review integration settings and user details. Access or login issues: Revisit user roles and permissions after system changes. Unexpected charges: Maintain a list of active tenants and check all invoices carefully. Missing users or login problems after a refresh may need a user reset or update. 8. Best Practice Summary Review tenant setup, access rights, and backup procedures for development work regularly. Stay up to date with SAP release notes and ‘What’s New’ documentation. Use SAP support and ByDesign online communities for tricky issues. Regularly schedule exports of important business data and reports. Make sure your processes comply fully with UK regulations and GDPR. Conclusion Effective SAP Business ByDesign Tenant Management helps your business stay efficient, secure, and cost-effective. Backups and disaster recovery are fully managed by SAP, allowing your team to focus on business outcomes rather than technical worries. If you need advice on tenant management or any aspect of SAP Business ByDesign cloud ERP, contact Optima Cloud Consulting for expert support. This guide shares the main practical points for SAP Business ByDesign Tenant Management and data protection. For further detail or advice on specific situations, please refer to official SAP resources or contact Optima Cloud Consulting.

SAP Business ByDesign - What's New 25.11 Release Update SAP Business ByDesign 25.11 What's New: Full Release Highlights If you are searching for details about SAP Business ByDesign 25.11 What's New, this article shares a complete breakdown of all release updates. This release brings a wealth of changes to improve automation, compliance, analytics, usability, and partner enablement. Here is a complete breakdown of SAP Business ByDesign 25.11 What's New - this November 2025 update helps you see at a glance what matters for your team. CROSS TOPICS Accessibility:  Employee Responsible is now mandatory for task assignments, highlighted if not filled in, boosting data accuracy. Application Management:  When locking a business user, a confirmation prompt helps prevent accidental lockouts. E-invoice Output:  Customer Invoice allows you to send PDF as an additional output alongside XML (for corporate accounts). DSX Migration Notice:  Pop-up notifies non-China tenants about the Digital Support Experience migration, with a link to the Knowledge Base article for DSX. Attachment Extraction:  A new self-service lets you extract attachments from ByDesign to SAP-managed SharePoint. Bilingual EULA:  Mobile app now provides a bilingual English-Chinese license agreement for users in China. Partner Enablement:  New APPLICATION_LOG fields are exposed in the Public Solution Model for custom analytics. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT Invoice Merging:  Merge multiple invoice requests even with address differences, simplifying invoicing. Outlook Integration:  Outlook Add-in receives security improvements and is available for download. Service Orders API:  Service Category and Incident Category fields are now available and writable via web service in Service Orders. Price List Analytics:  New data source and analytical report for “Sales Price/Discount List Item Count,” letting teams track item counts in price and discount lists. Customer Quote API:  Additional fields and associations are now writable, improving integrations and reporting. Contract Migration:  Value conversion is now available for “Employee Responsible” and “Contract Administrator” fields during migrations. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AP Confirmation:  Accounts Payable Balance Confirmation cut-off date now uses the Invoice document date instead of Posting date. Bank Statements:  CAMT53 processing now handles creditor/debtor IBAN, SWIFT/BIC, and party name fields. Clearing Documents:  Resetting clearing documents is blocked if posting date is in a closed fiscal year, with a relevant error message. Germany DTAZV:  ISO20022 pain.001.001.09 format mandatory after Nov 2026; DTAZV will be deprecated. Germany VAT/CSV:  EC Sales Tax Return CSV now merges country ID and VAT ID, formatted in UTF-8 (no longer ISO-8859-15). Austria ERV-JAb:  New version 4.0 of ERV-JAb year end reporting file, with new tags, deletions, and XML schema. Netherlands Audit File:  NL Audit file updated, reducing data fields from 250 to 90 and improving data quality. US Tax Codes:  New withholding codes for excess golden parachute payments, consent fees, loan syndication, settlement, etc. US Form 1099:  Excess golden parachute payments must now be reported on 1099-NEC, not 1099-MISC. Malaysia/Saint Lucia Tax Numbers:  New tax types including BRN, TIN, STRN, and VAT Registration Number available. SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT Invoice Reporting:  Payment Baseline Date now shown in supplier invoice data sources, supporting payment planning. Template Deletion:  Can’t delete supplier invoice templates linked to unposted invoices; triggers error for data safety. Supplier Quotes:  Requested and Offered Delivery Dates now visible in Supplier Quotes for better supplier negotiations. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT Inventory Extraction:  New Stock Type Description field in inventory data extract for better inventory clarity. PO Upload BOT:  Automated Purchase Order Upload BOT now includes an ItemID tag in v1.0.6, keeps item sequence correct. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Leave Approval:  Subject line for approvals triggered by Special Attendance now includes that category, improving manager responses. Expense Attachments:  Data extraction of attachments in Create Expense Report mobile app deprecated in release 2602. Termination Restrictions:  For exited employees, termination date edits can only be performed in the correct section with a clear error message if done incorrectly. PROJECT MANAGEMENT Time Zone:  Enhanced compatibility for Project Stock Orders in UTC+12 (such as NZST), so future-dated transaction errors do not appear. Project Analytics:  Ongoing improvements to analytics, assignment transparency, and time tracking. PARTNER ENABLEMENT APPLICATION_LOG API:  Partners can now access additional actions/fields in APPLICATION_LOG for better analytics and integration. Service Order API Enhancements: Service category/incident category fields now writable for improved partner integration. USABILITY AND STRATEGY Attachment Extraction:  Self-service for extracting attachments to SharePoint now has stage and extract steps, plus overview/reset for failed records. Enablement requires a support case. DSX Feature Notice:  Informational popup after log-in for upcoming built-in support. Legal & Compliance OSS Libraries:  Various upgrades for security and stability, including Outlook Add-in and mobile app technical upgrades.   This release delivers meaningful upgrades for every team and business area. Whether you’re focused on finance, supply chain, compliance, HR, or technical integrations, SAP Business ByDesign 25.11 equips companies with better data, smarter automation, and enhanced security. With these new features, businesses are set to respond faster, reduce errors, and stay agile in an evolving market, all while maintaining robust compliance and usability. Now is the time to explore what's new and unlock greater value from your SAP Business ByDesign solution. Learn more on the SAP Help Portal

Key Highlights of SAP Business ByDesign—What’s New 25.08 Release Update SAP Business ByDesign What's New 25.08 Release Update Explore what’s new in SAP Business ByDesign release update 25.08. This Release Update introduces important enhancements and features designed to improve business efficiency, compliance, and user experience. Key updates effective August 2025 include: Customer Relationship Management Enhanced filtering options for Sales Price Lists and Discount Lists now allow filtering by Price List or Discount List ID, Release Status, Validity Dates, and specific List Type Codes for better data management. Project Management Users can update participant details within the Baseline Project Business Object, enhancing project oversight and collaboration. Supplier Relationship Management The "Cancel Open Quantity" option automatically disables when open quantities reach zero in purchase requests, reducing errors. Detailed Master Data Synchronization information is now accessible in the Application and User Management work center. Supply Chain Management Inventory data sources include a new “Actual Movement Date” column, and enhancements allow extraction of Stock Type, Project ID, and External Stock Indicator for improved inventory tracking. Financial Management – Legal Compliance This release delivers tax compliance features including: A Traceable Payment Method in Italy for marking tax-exempt travel expenses. A new “Representative Indicator” checkbox for VAT declarations in Belgium. Updates to EC Sales Tax Return formats, SEPA ISO20022 standards, and new VAT Return Forms in Germany. New tax number types and withholding tax forms in India, Iraq, Mongolia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the US. Human Resource Management Mandatory hiring fields are now clearly highlighted for the US and Germany, and duplicate email detection in workplace contacts has been improved. Mobile App Stability The SAP Business ByDesign mobile app for Android and iOS has been upgraded with the latest libraries to enhance stability and performance. Partner Enablement and Performance New features include multi-file download options with safety confirmation, an upgraded SAPUI5 framework with security patches, and improved project stock order conversion with automated invoice requests. Usability Enhancements Key improvements let users merge multiple invoice requests into a single invoice, use an upgraded Outlook Add-in with enhanced security, and benefit from better error messaging, mandatory field alerts, and region-specific commodity catalogs. Feature Deprecation Notice The release also notes the upcoming deprecation of data extraction from attachments during mobile app expense report creation starting Release 26.02. Conclusion What’s New 25.08 Release Update for SAP Business ByDesign brings comprehensive improvements to help businesses streamline operations, maintain compliance, and improve user experience smoothly. For full details, visit the SAP Help Portal: What’s New in SAP Business ByDesign 25.08 . and Community Blog .

SAP Business ByDesign Implementation Best Practices Implementing SAP Business ByDesign is a transformative step for any growing organisation, but true success hinges on following proven implementation best practices. Whether you’re deploying your first ERP solution or optimising an existing rollout, understanding and applying these principles will help you maximise business value, minimise project risks, and accelerate return on investment. Why Implementation Best Practices Matter A well-structured SAP Business ByDesign implementation ensures: The system is aligned with your real business needs Data, processes, and people transition smoothly Challenges are anticipated and managed proactively Ongoing improvements continue post go-live Following best practices not only reduces headaches, but also creates the foundation for greater efficiency, visibility, and growth. Key Implementation Best Practices for SAP Business ByDesign 1. Define Clear Business Objectives and Scope Begin with a detailed assessment of current processes, pain points, and future goals. Establish measurable objectives for your SAP project and clearly define its scope. This clarity focuses your team’s effort and guides configuration decisions. 2. Engage Stakeholders Early and Often Involve leaders and end-users from all relevant departments. Gathering input from across your organisation ensures the system is designed for real-world needs, drives user acceptance, and helps champion change throughout the business. 3. Select the Right Implementation Partner Work with a consultancy that specialises in SAP Business ByDesign and has SAP Certified Consultants. The right partner brings industry experience, technical expertise, and proven methodologies to guide you through each stage of your ERP journey. 4. Prioritise Data Migration and Quality Clean, accurate data is the backbone of a successful ERP rollout. Audit legacy data, resolve duplicates and errors, and map clean data to ByDesign’s structures before migrating. Test data migration early and often to prevent costly issues. 5. Use Standard Functionality First, Customise Wisely Leverage SAP Business ByDesign’s built-in capabilities to their fullest before pursuing customisations. Custom development should only be considered where genuine unique requirements exist. This keeps future upgrades simple and costs contained. 6. Plan for Change Management, Training, and User Acceptance Testing Change can be disruptive. Mitigate this by running frequent communications campaigns, training sessions, and interactive workshops. Additionally, conduct comprehensive User Acceptance Testing (UAT) with key business users representing different roles and functions. UAT ensures that the system operates as expected in real-world business scenarios, catches issues early, and builds user confidence for go-live. 7. Leverage SAP Best Practice Templates Make use of SAP’s pre-configured best practice business scenarios and templates. These are based on years of industry experience and can help you save time, reduce errors, and ensure regulatory compliance. 8. Comprehensive Documentation and User Guides Document key system configurations, process flows, integration points, and any customisations throughout the project. Develop clear user guides and training materials tailored to different roles within your business. Well-structured documentation is essential for onboarding new joiners efficiently, minimising knowledge loss, and providing ongoing reference for troubleshooting and continuous improvement. 9. Knowledge Transfer and Internal Champions Establish a structured knowledge transfer process with your implementation partner so your internal team understands the rationale behind system configurations, workflows, and custom processes. Train internal champions or “super users” who can support colleagues, act as first points of contact, and help drive process improvement and ongoing adoption within your organisation. 10. Monitor, Review, and Iterate ERP implementation is not a “set and forget” event. Establish key performance indicators, gather user feedback, and regularly review system usage. Be prepared to iterate; continuous improvement is at the heart of ERP value and business agility. Common Pitfalls to Avoid Skipping discovery and process analysis phases Underestimating the time or resource commitment required Over-customising or building complex processes unnecessarily Neglecting user training, support, or documentation after go-live Failing to conduct thorough user acceptance testing (UAT) Insufficient focus on knowledge transfer and documentation Conclusion: Achieve More With SAP Business ByDesign Mastering implementation best practices empowers your business to realise the full benefits of SAP Business ByDesign. By approaching your ERP project strategically, focused on clear objectives, with expert guidance, robust testing, strong documentation, and a commitment to ongoing improvement, you set your company up for sustainable operational excellence and agility as your team and processes evolve. Ready to maximise your SAP Business ByDesign journey? Make best practice the core of your implementation and future-proof your investment for continued business success.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying competitive means embracing change and innovation. One of the most powerful ways to achieve this is through digital transformation. I have seen firsthand how companies that adopt the right digital tools and strategies can streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and unlock new growth opportunities. This blog post explores how key digital services can drive success, offering practical insights and actionable advice for businesses looking to thrive in the digital age. Understanding the Role of Key Digital Services in Business Growth Digital services are no longer optional extras; they are essential components of a successful business strategy. These services include cloud computing, data analytics, automation, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, among others. Each plays a vital role in helping businesses operate more efficiently and respond quickly to market changes. For example, cloud-based solutions allow companies to scale their IT resources on demand, reducing costs and improving flexibility. Data analytics tools provide valuable insights into customer behavior and operational performance, enabling smarter decision-making. Automation streamlines repetitive tasks, freeing up staff to focus on higher-value activities. By integrating these key digital services, businesses can create a more agile and responsive organisation. This agility is crucial for adapting to evolving customer expectations and competitive pressures. Digital services powering business growth Exploring Key Digital Services That Transform Operations When I talk about key digital services, I refer to a set of technologies and solutions that collectively enhance business processes. Here are some of the most impactful: Cloud Computing Cloud platforms provide scalable infrastructure and software solutions. They enable remote work, improve collaboration, and reduce the need for costly on-premises hardware. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems ERP systems like SAP Business ByDesign integrate core business functions such as finance, supply chain, and human resources into a single platform. This integration improves data accuracy and operational efficiency. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tools CRM software helps businesses manage customer interactions, track sales pipelines, and personalise marketing efforts. Data Analytics and Business Intelligence These tools turn raw data into actionable insights, helping businesses identify trends, forecast demand, and optimise performance. Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Automation reduces manual work and errors, while AI can enhance decision-making through predictive analytics and natural language processing. By leveraging these services, businesses can reduce costs, improve productivity, and deliver better customer experiences. Dashboard displaying key performance indicators What is a digital transformation service? A digital transformation service is a specialised offering designed to help businesses adopt and integrate digital technologies into their operations. These services cover a broad range of activities, from strategy development and technology implementation to ongoing support and optimisation. In practice, a digital transformation service provider works closely with a business to understand its unique challenges and goals. They then recommend and deploy solutions that align with these objectives. This might include migrating systems to the cloud, implementing ERP software like SAP Business ByDesign, or automating workflows. The goal is to create a seamless digital ecosystem that enhances efficiency, agility, and innovation. Importantly, these services are not one-size-fits-all; they are tailored to the specific needs of each organisation. For example, a manufacturing company might focus on automating its supply chain, while a retail business might prioritise improving its online customer experience. A trusted digital transformation partner guides businesses through this journey, ensuring technology investments deliver measurable value. Consultant guiding digital transformation strategy How digital transformation services accelerate business success I have observed that businesses embracing digital transformation services gain several competitive advantages: Improved Efficiency : Automating routine tasks and integrating systems reduces errors and speeds up processes. Enhanced Customer Experience : Digital tools enable personalised interactions and faster response times. Data-Driven Decisions : Access to real-time data helps leaders make informed choices. Scalability : Cloud-based solutions allow businesses to grow without major infrastructure investments. Innovation Enablement : Digital platforms support the development of new products and services. To maximise these benefits, businesses should take a strategic approach. This includes: Conducting a thorough assessment of current processes and technology. Defining clear goals for digital transformation. Choosing the right technology partners and solutions. Investing in employee training and change management. Continuously monitoring and refining digital initiatives. By following these steps, companies can ensure their digital transformation efforts deliver lasting success. Embracing the Future with Confidence Digital transformation is not just a trend; it is a fundamental shift in how businesses operate and compete. I encourage organisations to view this journey as an opportunity to reinvent themselves and unlock new potential. If you are considering how to start or accelerate your digital transformation, exploring digital transformation services can be a game-changer. These services provide the expertise and technology needed to navigate complex changes and achieve your business goals. Remember, the right digital strategy combined with the right partners can empower your business to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Embrace the change with confidence and take the first step towards a more agile, efficient, and innovative future.

SAP Certified Consultants for SAP Business ByDesign No matter where you are in your SAP Business ByDesign journey, whether preparing for deployment, navigating an active rollout, or optimizing an established system; having expert guidance makes all the difference. That’s why partnering with Optima Cloud Consulting and our SAP Certified Consultants for SAP Business ByDesign (ByD) gives your business a decisive advantage. With over 13 years of hands-on experience across diverse industries, our SAP Certified Consultants deliver outstanding value through practical expertise, tailored advice, and dedicated support. We help you unlock the full potential of SAP Business ByDesign ERP, ensuring your system is always aligned with your evolving business needs. Explore the Advantages: Strong Foundations for New SAP ByDesign Projects : We guide new implementations with strategic planning and robust configuration, setting you up for success right from the start. Expertise Through Every SAP Business ByDesign Challenge : If you're mid-implementation and facing integration, documentation, UAT, or process design hurdles, our consultants accelerate resolution, reinforce best practices, and help you achieve a smooth Go-Live. Continuous Value for Existing SAP Business ByDesign Users : Already live with SAP ByDesign? Benefit from comprehensive system health checks, audits, targeted customisation, process optimisation, and ongoing improvement support to maximize your return on investment. Ongoing SAP Business ByDesign Support and Consultancy : Our commitment doesn’t stop at Go-Live. Enjoy peace of mind with proactive post-implementation support that keeps your SAP system efficient, secure, and ready to adapt. Ready for Growth and Change with SAP ByDesign Extensibility : As your business expands or when legislation evolves—such as new e-invoicing requirements—our consultants help you utilize SAP Business ByDesign extensibility. Seamlessly integrate new features and maintain compliance without disrupting your operations. The Optima Cloud Consulting Advantage: Choosing  SAP Certified Consultants for SAP Business ByDesign  means you have a partner committed to your long-term success; who can tackle complex technical challenges, anticipate future needs, and keep your business a step ahead. Contact us today and see how we can help your business grow. Whatever stage you’re at in your SAP Business ByDesign journey, and regardless of the size of your requirements, Optima is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.

Optimising Your SAP Business ByDesign Implementation In today's fast-changing business environment, having an efficient software solution is crucial for success. SAP Business ByDesign is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) tool tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. However, maximizing its potential requires careful planning and execution. This blog post will explore practical strategies for optimising your SAP Business ByDesign implementation to boost performance and efficiency. Understanding SAP Business ByDesign SAP Business ByDesign offers an integrated suite of applications that cover various critical business functions, including finance, human resources, supply chain management, and customer relationship management. It is specifically designed for organizations looking for a scalable solution that can grow alongside them. With its cloud-based architecture, users can access real-time data and analytics, which is vital for informed decision-making. However, to fully utilize these features, companies need to ensure they implement the system effectively. Key Steps in Optimising Your SAP Business ByDesign Implementation 1. Define Your Business Requirements Start with a clear understanding of your business needs. Conduct a detailed analysis of existing processes, pain points, and goals; this will allow you to select the right features in SAP Business ByDesign. Engage teams from different departments to offer their insights. For instance, if the finance department struggles with budgeting, make sure to identify features that help streamline that process. Pinpointing these needs will help you configure the system for your specific goals. 2. Engage with Experienced Partners The complexity of implementation projects makes it essential to have knowledgeable consultants on your side. Choose a partner specializing in SAP Business ByDesign. A good partner will help you align the system with industry best practices. For example, they might guide you in selecting modules like Project Management or Sales force automation, which can significantly streamline operations in your industry. 3. Emphasize Change Management Employee resistance can be a significant hurdle during transitions. A solid change management strategy is essential to ease this resistance. Establish regular training sessions and workshops, clearly communicating the benefits of SAP Business ByDesign. Surveys indicate that companies that invest in change management can enhance user adoption rates by up to 70%. Keeping lines of communication open will help employees feel supported and informed. 4. Customize and Configure Wisely While SAP Business ByDesign provides many built-in features, each business has unique needs. Tailoring the solution to meet your company's requirements is necessary. However, over-customization can complicate updates and maintenance. Focus on configuring essential features, and only customize functionalities where absolutely needed—for example, adjusting inventory management settings to match your specific supply chain. 5. Data Migration and Integration The effectiveness of your SAP Business ByDesign implementation significantly hinges on the quality of your data. An effective data migration plan is vital. Ensure your existing data is clean before migrating. Studies show that accurate data entry can improve reporting accuracy by at least 30%. Also, consider integrating existing systems with SAP Business ByDesign to create a seamless data flow and improve consistency across platforms. 6. Leverage Analytics and Reporting Features SAP Business ByDesign offers powerful analytical tools. Utilize these for real-time insights and reporting to optimise your implementation. Custom dashboards can help track key metrics relevant to your business. For instance, such tools allow sales teams to monitor performance and identify trends efficiently. Providing training on these tools is essential for ensuring your team can leverage them effectively. 7. Monitor and Iterate After implementing the system, continuous monitoring is essential to adapt to evolving business needs. Regularly evaluate system performance and gather user feedback. Be ready to adjust features or processes based on this input. A proactive approach can enhance the value derived from the software and help you stay ahead in a changing market. 8. Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement Finally, instill a culture of ongoing improvement within your organization. Encourage employees to highlight areas that need enhancement, not just in SAP Business ByDesign, but within everyday processes. Promoting an innovative mindset can help your business remain agile. For instance, teams that suggest efficiency improvements can help save up to 20% on operational costs, allowing you to invest more in other growth areas. Final Thoughts Implementing SAP Business ByDesign demands more than simply upgrading technology; it's about strategically enhancing business performance. By focusing on these key steps - defining requirements, engaging knowledgeable partners, managing change effectively, customizing when necessary, migrating data smartly, leveraging analytics, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement; you can maximize the return on your ERP investment. Though the journey may be complicated, a successful implementation leads to improved operational efficiency, exceptional performance, and a stronger competitive edge. Continuous optimisation is essential, as technology and market demands will always evolve. Stay informed and adaptable to fully harness the capabilities of SAP Business ByDesign. Whatever stage you’re at in your SAP Business ByDesign journey, and no matter how big or small your needs are, if you get stuck or need guidance, Optima is here to help. Contact us today whenever you’re ready.