Identify migration risks before the project begins
Transparency and Strategy for Your IT Architecture – with SAP LeanIX
Anyone who wants to successfully implement digital transformation projects needs one thing first: a complete, honest view of their own IT landscape. Without clarity regarding existing applications, their dependencies, and actual usage, it is impossible to assess risks or manage investments effectively.
The first step is often sobering: many companies simply do not know how many applications they actually run. LeanIX provides this overview – and abat ensures that it becomes a solid foundation for your transformation.
What is SAP LeanIX – and how does Enterprise Architecture Management work?
LeanIX, part of the SAP portfolio as “SAP LeanIX” since 2023, is the leading cloud-based platform for Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM). It offers IT architects and CIOs a centralized, always up-to-date overview of the entire application landscape: Which systems exist? What dependencies are in place? Which applications are future-proof – and which are dispensable?
To achieve this, LeanIX uses a structured metadata model – known as fact sheets – to map applications, interfaces, IT components, and business capabilities in a standardized way. This creates transparent relationships between business, IT, and projects. At the same time, LeanIX identifies technology risks early on, such as when components are nearing end-of-support or critical dependencies rely on outdated technologies.
Furthermore, LeanIX supports companies not only in understanding their IT landscape but also in planning their transformation – for example, through scenario analyses and transformation roadmaps. LeanIX is an integral part of the SAP Integrated Toolchain and complements SAP Signavio (process level) as well as SAP Cloud ALM (project management). For companies planning an S/4HANA migration, developing a cloud- s strategy, or seeking to systematically reduce IT costs, this transparency is not optional – it is a prerequisite for informed decisions.
How does abat work with LeanIX? An overview of our services
Step 1: IT Inventory and Assessment
Together, we map all relevant applications, interfaces, and dependencies in your IT landscape. LeanIX can integrate a wealth of information directly from existing systems – such as CMDBs, SAP landscapes, or cloud platforms – ensuring the inventory remains automatically up-to-date. The result is a complete, current application inventory – the foundation for all further decisions. Historically evolved structures become visible, responsibilities are clarified, and shadow IT is identified.
Step 2: Maturity Assessment and Areas for Action
Using the LeanIX framework and Business Capability Mapping, we assess the maturity level of each application: Which systems are future-proof? Where are there redundancies that drive up costs? Which applications can be consolidated or decommissioned? All results are documented in a structured manner within LeanIX – including responsibilities and architectural decisions—thus forming the foundation for clear IT governance. In the end, you’ll know which systems you should keep, consolidate, or decommission – based on sound reasoning, not gut instinct.
Step 3: IT Target State and Roadmap
Based on the assessment, we develop a realistic target vision for your IT architecture with a clear roadmap: timeline, priorities, and measurable milestones. This provides planning certainty for your management and IT teams.
Step 4: Integration with SAP Signavio
LeanIX reaches its full potential when combined with SAP Signavio: While LeanIX maps the technical IT architecture, Signavio optimizes the business processes built on top of it. Only this integration gives you a holistic view – of systems and the processes that support them.
What exactly do companies use LeanIX for?
Determine which applications can be moved to the cloud – and which cannot
Reducing license costs through targeted system consolidation
Manage IT investments based on usage data rather than estimates
Clarify responsibilities and document architectural decisions in a transparent manner
Planning transformations – for example, through scenario analyses and transformation roadmaps.
What does your IT landscape really look like?
Start with a structured inventory. In an initial consultation, our LeanIX experts will show you how to quickly gain clarity on your application landscape – and how to use it as the foundation for your digital transformation.
FAQs: Frequently asked questions about SAP LeanIX
1. What exactly does LeanIX do—and why do I need it?
SAP LeanIX provides a constantly up-to-date overview of your IT application landscape. The platform aggregates information from various sources, structures it, and reveals connections between applications. This creates a reliable foundation for understanding which systems are truly needed and which should be phased out in the long term. This sounds simple, but for many companies, it’s a critical blind spot. This transparency is especially crucial before an S/4HANA migration or when developing a cloud strategy.
2. What is the difference between LeanIX and SAP Signavio?
3. How does LeanIX help prepare for an S/4HANA migration?
4. Can LeanIX also be useful for smaller companies?
5. How quickly does LeanIX deliver initial results?
6. Is LeanIX only suitable for SAP environments?
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Yi
SAP Developer
China
What I find most attractive working at abat is the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We are coworkers as well as friends. I can ask any question and always receive constructive feedback. Moreover, it is highly encouraged to try new things, which helps broaden the horizon for me and the company alike.
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SAP Consultant
China
I truly enjoy working at abat. The flexible working environment and professional colleagues have made my experience here exceptional. The culture of collaboration and willingness to offer help has allowed me to develop my skills in SAP. Overall, I feel grateful to be a part of such a supportive and dynamic team
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Consultant
Bremen
I like working at abat because there is a very pleasant, appreciative working atmosphere here with a lot of freedom. There is a lot of trust, so you also have the freedom to try out something new - but if it doesn't work out, there is also the necessary support. That's how I've learned so much! In addition, if you have problems while working in the home office, you can often quickly find colleagues who are happy to help you out via teams.
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Senior SAP Developer
Bremen
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St. Ingbert
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