The clean core concept is fundamental to SAP’s cloud strategy and governs how organizations should structure their ERP systems to remain flexible, upgradeable, and stable. One key dimension isConfigurations, which must follow SAP-recommended patterns and avoid unnecessary customizations that compromise upgradeability. Configurations define how the system behaves, and keeping them standardized ensures that the core can remain clean.

A second dimension isIntegrations. Clean core principles emphasize using SAP-approved integration patterns, APIs, and event-driven models rather than modifying the underlying system. By handling extensions and integrations through platforms like SAP Business Technology Platform, organizations avoid invasive changes that would otherwise jeopardize upgrades or system stability.

A third dimension isProcesses, referring to the ability to adopt SAP’s standard end-to-end processes wherever possible. Aligning with SAP best practices minimizes the need for enhancements in the core system and ensures compatibility with future innovations.

Applications and operations are not part of the formal clean core dimensions; rather, they are broader parts of the overall IT landscape. The clean core dimensions focus specifically on system configuration, integration behavior, and business process alignment—ensuring that SAP systems remain cloud-ready and agile.