What About RISE with SAP?

If you’ve been exploring SAP solutions, you’ve likely come across RISE. Think of RISE as a bundled offering that helps accelerate cloud transformation by combining SAP S/4HANA with the tools, services, and support to simplify migration and improve performance.

But here’s the key: RISE isn’t a deployment model; it’s a flexible framework. You’ll still need to choose the right environment for your business: public cloud, private cloud, on-premise, or hybrid.

The rest of this article helps you weigh those options based on your infrastructure, compliance needs, and goals.

Upgrading to SAP S/4HANA is a major milestone in your enterprise application services strategy—but it’s not just about the technology.

From choosing between on-premise, cloud, or hybrid ERP deployment models to evaluating broader transformation offerings like RISE with SAP, the decisions you make now can shape your business’s ability to grow, scale, and stay secure for years to come.

Whether you’re in manufacturing, healthcare, finance, or retail, your ERP deployment strategy should reflect your IT infrastructure, compliance requirements, and long-term digital transformation goals.

So which SAP S/4HANA deployment model is right for your business? Let’s walk through your options.

SAP S/4HANA Deployment Options: On-Premise vs. Cloud vs. Hybrid

1. On-Premise Deployment

SAP S/4HANA is installed on your own servers, giving you full control over updates, customizations, and infrastructure.

• Best for: Highly regulated industries (like healthcare and finance), businesses with heavy customization needs, or those with existing IT investments.

• Cost: Higher upfront investment in servers, licenses, and IT support.

• Scalability: Limited by your hardware; scaling requires physical upgrades.

• Compliance: Easier to manage internally, especially for strict data governance.

2. Cloud Deployment

Your ERP is hosted by SAP or another cloud provider like AWS or Azure. This deployment offers faster implementations, lower infrastructure overhead, and greater flexibility.

It’s also a common component of RISE, which bundles S/4HANA Cloud with tools and services to support broader business transformation.

• Best for: Companies seeking flexibility, faster innovation, and reduced CapEx.

• Cost: Subscription model with predictable OpEx. Fewer in-house resources needed.

• Scalability: Extremely high—you can adapt to demand quickly.

• Compliance: You share responsibility with the provider. Check certifications and SLAs carefully.

Need help navigating SAP in the cloud? Our Cloud Consulting Services team works with you to assess readiness, choose the right cloud environment, and support a secure, scalable deployment strategy.

3. Hybrid Deployment

Not quite ready for a full cloud migration? A hybrid ERP model gives you the best of both worlds, preserving legacy systems while modernizing where it matters most.

• Best for: Enterprises with legacy infrastructure, compliance variability, or a phased digital strategy.

• Cost: More complex but flexible. Can extend ROI on existing investments.

• Scalability: Moderate; scales faster than on-prem but slower than full cloud.

• Compliance: Sensitive workloads stay in-house while less critical functions leverage the cloud.

How to Choose the Right Deployment Model

So…how do you decide between on-premise and cloud for SAP S/4HANA?

It depends on your industry, compliance needs, existing systems, and business goals. Here’s a simple decision framework to help guide you:

Choose On-Premise if:

• You have strict data residency or compliance requirements.

• You’ve already invested in on-premise infrastructure.

• Your ERP is heavily customized and difficult to migrate.

Go Cloud if:

• You need scalability, faster deployment, and lower maintenance costs.

• Your business model demands agility and frequent updates.

• You lack the internal IT resources to manage on-prem systems.

Consider Hybrid if:

• You want to modernize at your own pace.

• You need to balance cloud innovation with legacy stability.

• Your organization is large, global, or spans multiple compliance frameworks.

• You’re using RISE with SAP and want flexibility between cloud and legacy systems.

Industry-Specific Deployment Trends

Manufacturing & Consumer Goods

Leaning into hybrid S/4HANA deployments, manufacturers often keep plant-floor systems on-premise while migrating analytics or supply chain modules to the cloud.

Retail & CPG

Retailers need agility, especially during peak seasons and sudden demand spikes. That’s why many are going cloud-first to stay nimble and competitive.

Healthcare & Insurance

Compliance often favors private cloud or on-premise systems for core applications, while hybrid models enable secure innovation in patient experience or customer portals.

Financial Services

Security and auditability remain key. Many choose SAP S/4HANA private cloud deployment to strike a balance between control and modernization.

For financial institutions evaluating broader transformation strategies, RISE with SAP can also offer a structured, compliance-ready path backed by bundled services and support.

Curious how companies like yours transition to S/4HANA and ensure post-go-live ROI? Read our blog: Beyond Go-Live: Maximizing ROI from Your SAP S/4HANA Investment

Why Hybrid ERP Deployments Are on the Rise

Not every company is ready to go all-in on cloud—and that’s okay.

Gartner predicts that by 2027, 90% of midsize enterprises will have adopted a hybrid ERP strategy. More than just a hedge; it’s a deliberate path that balances continuity with modernization.

What are the benefits of SAP S/4HANA hybrid deployment?

• Migrate in phases, not all at once.

• Keep critical legacy systems operational.

• Test cloud modules in real-world use cases.

• Gain cloud benefits without overhauling everything overnight.

For many companies, hybrid isn’t just a stopgap. It’s a smart, flexible strategy that supports long-term transformation without forcing an all-or-nothing decision.

Fun Fact: Artemis’ Business Intelligence & Analytics team often supports clients using hybrid models to bring real-time insights into cloud-hosted platforms.

Final Thoughts: Make ERP Work For You, Not Against You

No matter which deployment model you choose, your ERP implementation strategy should align with business goals, not just IT preferences.

Whether you’re optimizing for compliance, scalability, or speed—or rolling out S/4HANA as part of a RISE with SAP strategy—working with an experienced partner ensures your deployment becomes a growth driver rather than a frustrating roadblock.

Let’s work together to build a roadmap that fits your business, on your terms and timeline.

Need help mapping the right strategy?

From enterprise application services to SAP strategy consulting, Artemis can help businesses like yours design ERP deployments that perform today and scale for tomorrow.

Contact us to talk through which SAP S/4HANA deployment model aligns with your goals.

Editor’s note: a version of this article was originally published by Selectemp. Along with Artemis, we’re part of the Talentlaunch network of top staffing and recruiting companies.

IT leaders are not ok. They’re feeling the pressure like never before.

Economic uncertainty has many business leaders questioning every investment—including hiring.

A hiring freeze might seem like the safest option, but without a scalable workforce, how do you keep up with projects, deployments, or digital transformations?

If you were a fly on the wall at a coffee shop overhearing a conversation between two IT managers, we’re willing to bet it sounds something like this:

“I feel like I’m constantly putting out fires. The CIO wants to pause hiring because of budget cuts, but expects the same delivery timeline for our cloud migration. I don’t know how they think that’s going to work.”

“Oh, I hear you. My team is being asked to cut costs and lead innovation. It’s like they want magic.”

“Exactly! And the worst part? We need people. We’ve got mission-critical roles open, but leadership is too spooked to commit to full-time hires.”

Sound familiar?

Cost Effective Staffing: Why Agencies Are a Smart Investment in Uncertain Times

Between budget tightening, tech layoffs, and pressure to innovate without overextending, the idea of bringing on full-time staff may feel like a financial risk your company can’t afford to take.

But what if you could fill critical roles without the long-term commitment or overhead?

For many IT leaders, the challenge is keeping digital initiatives on track while controlling spend and protecting agility.

That’s why many companies are turning to tech staffing agencies as a strategic, risk-free way to maintain project implementation without the burden of full-time commitments.

Here’s why it’s worth looking into.

1. Scalability Without the Strings

Uncertain demand makes workforce planning a challenge.

Instead of overcommitting to full-time employees when the future is unclear, companies can use contract or project-based staffing to scale their workforce up or down as needed—without the burden of layoffs or long-term commitments.

Let’s talk tech staffing:

• Launching a new application? Bring in contract developers to get you across the finish line.

• Need extra bandwidth for security audits or compliance projects? A short-term consultant can cover the lift without long-term cost.

• Migrating to the cloud or modernizing legacy systems? Staff up temporarily with experts in Azure, AWS, or GCP—no hiring delays or ramp-up time.

No crystal ball required; just a scalable workforce that adjusts to your needs, not the other way around.

2. Controlling Costs Without Compromising Talent

Wait—doesn’t using a staffing firm cost more?

At first glance, maybe. But when you break it down, it actually saves money.

That’s because full-time employees come with hiring costs that add up fast:

• Benefits
• Payroll taxes
• Workers’ comp
• Unemployment insurance

A staffing agency absorbs all of that, meaning you only pay for the work performed.

No wasted spend on downtime, no long-term financial risks—just pure workforce flexibility and efficiency when you need it most.

In this economy, smart cost control isn’t just about cutting—it’s about spending where it actually counts.

3. Hiring Without Rolling the Dice

The cost of a bad hire goes beyond salary—it drains productivity, morale, and your sanity.

Between recruiting, onboarding, and training, a bad hire isn’t just frustrating—it’s expensive. And when they don’t work out? You’re back to square one, losing valuable time (and probably sleep).

With a staffing agency, you skip the gamble and go straight to pre-screened talent.

Plus, it’s not just about temps. Contract options let you evaluate a professional’s skills, reliability, and culture fit before making a long-term commitment.

And if someone isn’t the right fit? No problem. You move on without the typical turnover costs while the agency seamlessly finds a better match.

No more rolling the dice and hoping for the best—you get the right tech experts, right when you need them.

4. Keeping Productivity Up Despite Hiring Freezes

A hiring freeze doesn’t mean the work stops—it just means you’re now expected to do more with less.

Luckily, a staffing agency can provide a workforce workaround that keeps your team from drowning in extra responsibilities.

Contract employees don’t count toward full-time headcount but can step in where needed, ensuring your business doesn’t stall due to hiring restrictions and budget constraints.

Need a cybersecurity expert to help pass your next audit?

Got a QA backlog delaying your product release?

Need extra hands on your help desk during peak season?

A tech staffing agency can help you solve all of those problems without adding pressure to your permanent team—or your budget.

5. Reducing Administrative Burden on HR

HR teams are already stretched thin.

Between hiring, onboarding, benefits administration, compliance, and putting out the daily fires that come with managing people, there’s barely time to take a deep breath—let alone focus on strategic initiatives.

That’s where staffing agencies come in.

Rather than juggling recruitment, screening, payroll, and compliance on top of everything else, HR teams can offload those time-consuming tasks to a flexible IT recruiting partner.

That means fewer late nights drowning in paperwork and more time spent on the big-picture initiatives that actually move the company forward.

And let’s be honest—nobody went into HR because they love processing I-9s and tracking down missing timesheets. Let a staffing agency handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on people, culture, and strategy—the things that actually make an impact.

6. Navigating Compliance and Risk with Ease

Keeping up with regulatory compliance should come with a survival guide—or at least a strong cup of coffee. One minute, everything’s fine. The next, you’re knee-deep in shifting:

• Worker classification rules
• State-specific data and labor laws
• Employment verifications
• Security clearances
• GDPR

Miss a single compliance update, and suddenly, you’re looking at penalties, lawsuits, or unexpected fines that weren’t in the budget. Fun, right?

This is where a staffing agency becomes your secret weapon.

Staffing firms stay ahead of these changes, making sure your workforce stays legally compliant and risk-free—so you don’t have to spend hours deciphering legalese or panicking over the latest policy shift.

Your time is better spent leading your workforce, not navigating a legal minefield.

A Smart Staffing Strategy for Uncertain Times

You can’t stay in hiring limbo forever, but also can’t afford to bring on a bunch of full-timers right now. Maybe staffing agencies are the middle ground your company needs.

Rather than hitting “pause” on growth, forward-thinking companies leverage agencies to:

• Stay agile
• Cut costs
• Reduce risk
• Keep digital projects moving

And suddenly, that coffee shop conversation? It sounds more like this:

“I thought contracting tech talent would cost more, but we’re actually delivering faster and spending less.”

“Same here. We staffed our DevOps gap without rocking the boat, and leadership’s thrilled we didn’t add to headcount.”

“Plus, if someone’s not a fit, we just call our partner and get someone new in days—not months.

Let’s make that your reality.

Whether you need short-term consultants or long-term tech solutions, tech staffing agencies like Artemis provide the flexibility, expertise, and peace of mind to keep technology initiatives on track—no matter what the economy throws your way.

Let’s talk about your workforce strategy. Reach out today and let’s find the flexible IT services and consulting that keeps your team productive, your costs controlled, and your sanity intact.

Ever had a project that started simple, only to balloon into something unrecognizable? Welcome to scope creep—the silent budget-eater and deadline-destroyer of IT projects.

One minute, everything’s running smoothly. The next? You’re drowning in extra requests, shifting priorities, and surprise “just one more thing” additions.

For IT Managers, managing scope creep isn’t just about staying on schedule and within budget—it’s about protecting resources, maintaining team morale, and keeping stakeholder trust intact.

The good news? You can prevent scope creep from derailing your projects (and your sanity). Here’s how.

1. Define the Project Scope—And Make It Measurable

A clearly documented project scope is critical—but even more important is making sure it’s measurable. Instead of vague goals like “Improve system performance,” try:

✅ “Increase system processing speed by 20% within six months.”

✅ “Reduce page load time from 5 seconds to 2 seconds for 90% of users.”

When success is measurable, it’s easier to track progress, manage expectations, and flag out-of-scope requests before they become problems.

This is one of the simplest scope management best practices that can help prevent costly project overruns before they start.

2. Set Expectations in a Kickoff Meeting

The best way to avoid mid-project surprises? Get everyone on the same page from the start.

A kickoff meeting ensures stakeholders, leadership, and project teams understand:

• The must-haves vs. the nice-to-haves.

• Who makes the call on scope changes.

• What’s in scope—and what’s absolutely not.

Setting clear expectations early keeps stakeholders aligned and prevents last-minute panic or scope creep surprises.

3. Have a Contingency Plan for Unavoidable Scope Changes

Even with the best planning, change is inevitable. Having a contingency plan is a key part of risk mitigation strategies for IT projects, preventing scope creep from turning into chaos.

Consider:

• Buffering Resources & Budget: Build in a 10–15% cushion for unexpected needs.

• Prioritization Protocols: Define which change requests must be addressed and which can be deferred.

• Exit Strategies: Establish stopping points for projects that require major re-evaluation before moving forward.

A solid contingency plan gives you control, even when the unexpected happens.

4. Use a Formal Change Control Process

Scope adjustments don’t have to be the enemy— but uncontrolled scope adjustments do.

A structured change control process ensures that every adjustment is:

• Documented: No off-the-record changes.

• Assessed: Budget, timeline, and resources are evaluated before approval.

• Transparent: Every stakeholder knows the impact before a decision is made.

This process prevents “just one small change” from snowballing into a budget-draining, deadline-busting disaster.

5. Leverage Project Management Tools

IT Managers have enough on their plates—managing scope manually shouldn’t be one of them.

Project management software like Jira, Asana, or Monday.com can help:

• Track project progress and flag scope deviations early.

• Assign clear responsibilities to avoid last-minute “who owns this?” confusion.

• Provide transparency to stakeholders with real-time updates.

The right tools don’t just help catch scope creep—they help prevent it.

6. Conduct Regular Scope Reviews

A project scope isn’t set in stone, but that doesn’t mean it should shift without oversight.

Regular check-ins (biweekly or monthly) are a key part of effective project scope management, ensuring that any creeping changes are addressed before they become full-blown issues.

Ask:

• Are we still aligned with the original scope?

• Have any new priorities emerged?

• What’s changed since the last review, and why?

When you stay proactive, you stay in control.

7. Invest in Training & Skill Development

Project managers and team leads often lack formal training in handling scope management.

Investing in training ensures your team has:

• The negotiation skills to push back on out-of-scope requests.

• The technical expertise to estimate project impact accurately.

• The communication skills to manage stakeholder expectations effectively.

The more skilled your team, the easier it is to keep projects on track and mitigate scope creep before it becomes an issue.

8. Partner With Tech Consultants to Fill Critical Gaps

Sometimes, even the most well-planned projects can hit unexpected roadblocks—shifting priorities, skill gaps, or changing business needs.

That’s where tech consultants come in. They bring the strategic expertise to keep projects moving forward, whether that means managing complex projects, navigating challenges, and keeping initiatives on track.

Strong consultant relationships can be the difference between a smooth, successful project and one that spirals out of control. (Read more about why these relationships matter.)

The right consulting partner can help you:

• Scale your team without long-term hiring commitments.

• Bring in specialized expertise exactly when you need it.

• Keep projects on time, on budget, and on target.

When scope shifts, priorities change, or new challenges emerge, having experienced tech consultants in your corner ensures you can adapt without losing momentum.

Control Scope, Control Success

Scope creep happens—but it doesn’t have to derail your projects.

You can stay ahead of shifting priorities without losing sight of your goals, with:

• Clear objectives

• Structured change controls

• Project management tools

• The right tech consultants on hand

Want to stay ahead of project pitfalls? Explore more insights in our employer blog for strategies that help keep your projects and teams on track.

So you’ve completed your SAP S/4HANA migration. Now what?

First, a hat tip to you because completing that transition is no small feat. With SAP’s 2027 deadline for transitioning from legacy systems fast approaching, many companies like yours have prioritized making the switch to stay competitive and supported.

But here’s the truth: the real work — and the real payoff — starts after you’ve gone live.

That’s because migrating to SAP S/4HANA isn’t just a system upgrade; it’s an opportunity to completely transform how your business operates. Better. Faster. Smarter. And it’s about unlocking powerful solutions that drive growth.

However, many companies fail to fully leverage the platform’s capabilities, leaving valuable benefits on the table.

But we suspect you’re here because you don’t want to be one of those companies. That’s why we created this guide to show you how to maximize the return on your SAP S/4HANA investment by moving beyond implementation to optimization.

Leverage Advanced Features for a Competitive Edge

SAP S/4HANA is built to handle the complexities of modern business with features that go far beyond basic enterprise application functionality. Yet, many companies only scratch the surface of its potential.

The companies who dive deeper will unlock advanced capabilities that can transform their business operations in the following ways:

• Predictive Analytics: Take advantage of embedded AI and machine learning to forecast trends, optimize inventory, and improve decision-making in real-time.

• IoT Integration: Tap into Internet of Things (IoT) data to monitor equipment, streamline manufacturing, or enhance supply chain visibility.

• Digital Boardrooms: Equip leadership with interactive dashboards that display live business data, enabling agile decision-making.

Next Steps: Make a plan to explore and implement these features after go-live. Assign teams to pilot initiatives and measure the impact before rolling them out broadly.

Measure ROI: Set the Right Metrics

One of the biggest challenges post-ERP migration is understanding whether the investment is paying off. Define clear metrics to track the success of your S/4HANA implementation, such as:

• Cost Savings: Monitor reductions in IT maintenance costs, process inefficiencies, and system downtime.

• Operational Efficiency: Measure cycle times, order fulfillment rates, and other performance indicators specific to your industry.

• User Adoption Rates: Evaluate how effectively employees are using the system to perform their roles.

Next Steps: Set benchmarks early and review them regularly to ensure your system delivers measurable value.

Tailor Workflows to Match Business Goals

Every organization is unique, and SAP S/4HANA offers the flexibility to customize workflows to fit your specific needs. Post-migration is the perfect time to re-evaluate your processes and make adjustments that align with your strategic goals:

• Review existing workflows to identify inefficiencies or redundancies.

• Leverage S/4HANA’s tools to automate routine tasks, such as invoice processing or supply chain tracking.

• Work with your IT and functional teams to refine processes that maximize the system’s capabilities.

Next steps: Identify key workflows to evaluate and adjust. Focus on automating repetitive tasks to boost productivity and create a system that evolves with your business.

Continuous Optimization: Keep the Momentum Going

Your SAP S/4HANA system isn’t static, and neither is your business. Post-migration, it’s essential to keep refining and optimizing:

• Feedback Loops: Set up regular touchpoints to gather user feedback on the system and identify areas for improvement.

• Employee Training: Offer ongoing training to ensure employees are confident using advanced features and new workflows.

• System Audits: Conduct periodic system health checks to ensure optimal performance and security.

Next steps: Form a cross-functional team to champion these efforts, ensuring your investment continues to deliver long-term benefits.

Don’t Go It Alone: Partnering for Success

Maximizing ROI from your SAP S/4HANA migration takes functional expertise, time, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Many organizations find that working with experienced IT consultants helps them go further, faster.

At Artemis, we specialize in connecting companies with expert consultants and delivering IT solutions to optimize ERP implementations and beyond. Whether you’re eager to explore advanced features, tailor workflows, or track measurable ROI, we’re here to help you turn your capital projects into long-term success stories.

Ready to take your SAP S/4HANA system to the next level? Let’s build a partnership that works as hard as you do.