SAP IS-U: The utility industry in transition

These changes open up opportunities—especially for companies that invest early in training their employees. Without in-depth knowledge, the new possibilities offered by S/4HANA cannot be used effectively. As a training partner with over 25 years of SAP experience, we would like to use this article to highlight the specific changes that are taking place, the challenges that lie ahead, and how you can best prepare your team for the transition.

The technological basis of SAP IS-U has been continuously developed over decades – but the basic architecture remained virtually unchanged until the 2010s. With the strategic shift to SAP S/4HANA, this has changed fundamentally. The future lies in the cloud – and thus also in a new generation of software that relies on real-time data, automation, and AI.

From classic system to cloud solution

SAP IS-U, as many users know it, is approaching the end of its life cycle. With the official end of maintenance for classic SAP ERP in 2027 at the latest, the switch to S/4HANA will be inevitable for utility companies. However, S/4HANA is not a simple version update, but a new platform with entirely different technological foundations.

The classic IS-U will be gradually replaced by modular cloud solutions such as SAP S/4HANA Utilities. For utility companies, this means that familiar processes must be rethought, interfaces redesigned, and workflows adapted. This transformation affects all areas – from technology and billing to customer service.

The need for training during transformation

Such upheavals require more than just technological migration. They make targeted training measures essential for all roles involved. Without the appropriate expertise, the new functions cannot be used efficiently – and the project is at risk of failure.

In the utilities' industry in particular, where SAP is often deeply integrated into business processes, a lack of knowledge has a direct impact on service quality, data consistency, and regulatory compliance. Investing in training at an early stage not only creates security in the project, but also acceptance and enthusiasm for innovation among users.

Designing effective training – beyond traditional training courses

In transformation projects such as the introduction of SAP S/4HANA Utilities, it is not enough to simply impart knowledge in isolation. It is crucial that employees be able to apply what they have learned in their new processes and systems.

Successful enablement approaches therefore combine training with change management and workplace support. The aim is not only to explain change, but to make it effective in everyday work in the long term.

To understand the scope of the change, it is worth having a look at the core functions of SAP IS-U – and how they will change under S/4HANA. Many familiar functions will remain, but they will be expanded, automated, or restructured.

Proven core functions for utilities

SAP IS-U traditionally covers key processes in the energy and utilities industry. These include in particular:

• Consumption billing: for electricity, gas, water, district heating, and other utilities
• Metering data management: collection, plausibility checking, and processing of meter data
• Customer and device management: management of customer master data, devices, technician assignments, and complaints

These core processes remain relevant in S/4HANA – but with significantly expanded technical capabilities and a new user interface (SAP Fiori).

New requirements due to S/4HANA & the cloud

The implementation of S/4HANA is shifting the requirements for IT teams and specialist departments. New topics such as real-time processing, artificial intelligence (e.g., for forecasts), and self-service portals for customers are gaining in importance. Integration with platforms such as SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform) is also opening up new potential.

All of this requires users to not only understand the business processes, but also to be able to use new tools, analysis functions, and workflows. The need for training is therefore high – especially for roles such as key users, technicians, or process owners.

The switch to S/4HANA is a project of enormous scope. It requires time, resources, and, above all, a well-thought-out training concept. But this is precisely where the opportunity lies: those who strategically combine migration and training lay the foundation for sustainable success.

Why the switch to S/4HANA is inevitable

Many organizations are still hesitating to make the switch – but the pressure is growing. Regular support for the classic SAP ERP will end in 2027. Those who have not yet migrated risk security gaps, compatibility problems, and high maintenance costs.

At the same time, S/4HANA offers concrete advantages: better performance, new automation options, simplified data models, and the option to digitize business processes end-to-end. In an increasingly competitive market environment, these are decisive factors.

Qualification as the key to successful migration

Technology alone does not guarantee successful migration. The system only delivers its full benefits once those involved understand the new environment and can use it confidently. That is why role-based qualification is essential – tailored to the different requirements of:

• Project managers (e.g., S/4HANA migration projects, change management)
• Key users (e.g., process design, test management)
• Technicians and administrators (e.g., system integration, cloud architecture)

A coordinated training concept not only improves the quality of the migration, but also boosts employee motivation and confidence.

Migration success is reflected in usage

The long-term success of an S/4HANA utilities transformation is not determined by the go-live, but only when new processes are stable, efficient, and accepted.

This requires an integrated approach that combines change management, role-based training, and adoption. Only when learning, working, and change work together can new SAP solutions unfold their true added value.

Such a comprehensive change requires guidance. Organizations that take a systematic approach to training benefit twice over: they ensure knowledge transfer and reduce project risks at the same time.

Role-based qualification instead of rigid training catalogs

For the transformation from SAP IS-U to SAP S/4HANA Utilities, it is crucial to align qualification not with individual courses, but with specific roles, processes, and project phases.

Successful qualification approaches combine functional, technical, and methodological content – tailored to the requirements of project management, key users, specialist departments, and IT. Different learning formats can be usefully combined, from structured training courses and practical workshops to workplace support in the system.

Standardized SAP training courses can form a basis for this, but they only unfold their full potential when embedded in a comprehensive enablement and change concept.

Best practices: How to make continuing education a success in your company

We recommend a multi-stage qualification approach:

1. Needs analysis: Which roles require which skills?
2. Pilot phase: Training selected key personnel and multipliers
3. Rollout: Comprehensive training programs including e-learning and practical phases
4. Sustainability: Regular updates, feedback loops, and community offerings

Anchoring learning in the work context

Modern enablement concepts focus on not only imparting knowledge in training courses, but also making it available directly in the work process. Digital learning paths, context-related support in the system, and continuous enablement measures help to provide knowledge exactly when it is needed.

This transforms training from a one-off project component into a lasting success factor in ongoing operations.

SAP knowledge is not an end in itself—it becomes a competitive advantage. Digitalization is creating new job profiles, new requirements, and new opportunities for qualified professionals.

New job profiles in the utilities industry

The role of SAP users is changing. Instead of just working with fixed transactions, the focus is now on topics such as process analysis, data analytics, and system integration. New profiles are in demand:

• SAP cloud consultants
• Data analysts in the energy industry
• S/4HANA process optimizers

Younger talents in particular are finding exciting career paths in these areas – provided they have access to the latest training.

Why continuous training remains essential

S/4HANA is not “finished” – it is constantly being developed. New releases, new functions, and new regulatory requirements ensure that SAP expertise is never static.

Organizations therefore need a culture of lifelong learning: with flexible continuing education opportunities, internal training platforms, and regular knowledge updates. Those who take a strategic approach here will remain competitive in the long term – even beyond migration.

Technological change in the utilities industry is irreversible – and SAP IS-U is at the heart of this development. For organizations, this means that it is not enough to migrate systems. You also have to get people on board.

Summary: Change = opportunity through knowledge

S/4HANA not only brings new technology – it also brings new opportunities. Those who are prepared to invest in the knowledge of their employees can improve processes, increase efficiency, and tap into new business models. The basis for this is training: well-thought-out, practical, and future-oriented.

Successfully anchoring change

Successful SAP S/4HANA utilities projects are characterized by the combination of technological innovation, organizational change, and user empowerment. The key is an approach that guides people through change in a targeted manner, empowers them, and ensures the sustainable use of new solutions.

It is precisely this combination of change, enablement, and adoption that makes the difference between a successful implementation and a lasting successful transformation.

Your next step: How to get your team ready for SAP IS-U/S/4HANA

As an SAP qualification provider with over 25 years of experience, we can support you on this journey. From needs analysis and customized training programs to workshops and support in your day-to-day work, we offer everything your company needs for a successful transformation.

Take the next step now – and play an active role in shaping the future of SAP.