SAP has confirmed that mainstream maintenance for SAP ECC 6.0 ends at the end of 2027, with optional extended maintenance available to the end of 2030 at additional cost. For Australian organisations still running ECC, the question is no longer whether to move to S/4HANA but how to find the people to do it.
Why SAP talent is getting harder to find
Many organisations are planning migrations in the same window. Experienced S/4HANA consultants, especially those who have delivered full migrations, are being booked months in advance. Partners and end-user organisations are competing for the same people.
The roles a migration usually needs
- S/4HANA solution and enterprise architects
- Functional consultants for FI/CO, SD, MM, PP, EWM and other modules
- ABAP, Fiori and BTP developers
- Data migration specialists
- Basis and HANA administrators
- SAP project managers, test managers and change leads
Five steps to resource your migration
- Decide your approach early. Greenfield, brownfield and selective data transition need different skills.
- Map internal capability. Identify which roles your own team can fill and where you need help.
- Lock in key people first. Architects and senior functional leads set the pace for everyone else.
- Blend contract and permanent. Contractors cover the peak; permanent hires keep the knowledge after go-live.
- Screen for real delivery. Check release versions, project roles and outcomes, not just SAP keywords.
Why our SAP recruitment is different
Zone IT Solutions is led by a founder who worked as an SAP consultant, so our team understands the difference between a configuration specialist and a solution architect, and between greenfield and brownfield experience. We maintain a vetted network of SAP professionals across Australia for contract and permanent roles.
Common resourcing mistakes on SAP programs
Starting recruitment after the system integrator is chosen. Your internal roles, such as product owners, data leads and change managers, need to be in place early to make good decisions.
Underestimating data migration. Data cleansing and migration often take longer than planned and need dedicated specialists.
Losing knowledge at go-live. If every key role is filled by contractors, the knowledge leaves when they do. Plan permanent roles for long-term support.
Budgeting for SAP talent
SAP day rates vary by module, seniority and demand. Build a realistic budget early using current market data, and allow for a premium on the hardest-to-find skills during peak migration years.
Frequently asked questions
When does SAP ECC support end?
Mainstream maintenance for SAP ECC 6.0 ends at the end of 2027. Optional extended maintenance is available to the end of 2030 at additional cost.
Should we hire SAP contractors or permanent staff?
Most programs use both: contractors for the migration peak and permanent staff to run and improve the system afterwards.
How early should we start recruiting for an S/4HANA migration?
Ideally six to twelve months before the build phase, starting with architects and functional leads.
Need help hiring? Talk to our SAP recruitment team, or share your requirement and we will come back within one business day.
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