SAP partners are thereby ranked based on the expertise and areas of expertise they offer to the market. The new categorisation of SAP partner status helps customers quickly and effectively find suitable partners for their projects within the company.
What does it mean to be an SAP?
SAP relies on competent partners to achieve business goals and customer requirements. Over the last few decades, a network of partners have emerged that stand out for their comprehensive expertise. In addition to the Silver label, SAP Gold partners enjoy the highest award in the partner network. SAP partners ensure that SAP solutions are optimally adapted to specific business requirements. Partners take over the licensing and implementation of the SAP solutions. Depending on their expertise and area of application, they are able to introduce extensions to SAP products.
However, the process of becoming an SAP partner is not easy. To register and received recognised status as an SAP partner, IT service providers must meet certain criteria and go through a multi-stage evaluation process. The SAP partner status achieved must be proven at regular intervals through suitability audits. Companies that are SAP partners benefit from a variety of special advantages. This includes expanded access to learning resources, dedicated support, and authorisation to resell SAP software.
What does the new SAP partner status include?
With the Competency Framework, SAP introduced a new categorisation for SAP partnerships in August 2022. SAP has restructured and revised its partner network. The new system focuses on increased competence and increased customer satisfaction. The ranking of SAP partners includes parameters such as a three-stage competency scale, comparability between SAP partners and customer satisfaction.
The division into SAP Silver and SAP Gold partners is a thing of the past. The classification of SAP partners is now done in a different way. Partners with specific expertise are better highlighted in order to achieve a better positioning towards customers. The Competency Framework is divided into three levels:
1. SAP Essential Partner
2. SAP Advanced Partner
3. SAP Expert Partner (formerly SAP Gold Partner)
SAP Gold Partners with high “Expert” ratings maintain comprehensive understanding of SAP product portfolio, unique solution skills, exceptional customer success, and high requirements including customer references, certifications, and proof of expertise. For each competency, partners can obtain specialisations at the product or process level. Each partner competency is assessed in three different areas: expert knowledge, customer success and performance.
The Competency Framework recategorises SAP partners. The competencies “Essential”, “Advanced” and “Expert” are awarded for each solution area. SAP has a total of six solution areas:
- Business Technology Platform, Analytics & Data
- Customer Relationship Management
- Digital Supply Chain
- ERP & Finance
- HCM, People Engagement & Education
- Spend Management
With this innovation, SAP is enhancing customer trust in certified partners with specialised knowledge and proven experience to offer tailored solutions and optimal support to customers.
When does SAP Gold Partner status expire?
The Competency Framework will end SAP’s Silver and SAP Gold partnerships from 2023, and the Silver and Gold logos will be phased out by December 2023. SAP partners have until the end of 2023 to remove the Silver and SAP Gold Partner labels from their print media and digital assets.
Where can you find SAP partners?
The SAP Partner Finder website helps you find suitable and certified SAP solution consultants.
In the SAP Partner Finder, customers can find an extensive list of all SAP partners. This online service lists all accredited SAP partners that meet specific requirements. In the portal, SAP partners can be searched based on business need, location or desired solution. To find the right partner, the search filter offers the option of any combination of input parameters.
The partners are listed according to the SAP PartnerEdge partnership level. SAP customers also have the opportunity to view the recognition granted according to the Competency Framework in the SAP Partner Finder in order to find suitable partners more quickly.
Why was the SAP partner status changed?
SAP partner status has been changed to make the partner program more effective and customer focused. With the introduction of the Competency Framework, SAP has decided to revise the previous classification of Silver and Gold partnerships and replace it with a new system. The Competency Framework enables a more precise assessment and classification of partners based on their specific competencies and experiences.
The new SAP partner status enables customers to select partners with the necessary expertise and solution skills to meet individual requirements. The switch to the new system serves to improve partner selection and strengthen customer orientation in SAP’s partner program.
Selecting the right implementation partner using the Competency Framework
SAP has made great progress in managing and assisting clients in choosing the best partner for a project with the introduction of the SAP Partner Competency Framework. As clearly stated in the recent report by Raven Intelligence, customers and SAP SuccessFactors partners can make use of several advantages provided by the new framework, such as:
- Clear differentiation of expertise.
- SAP SuccessFactors specialty areas included: Core HR & Payroll, Talent Management, Learning & Compensation, and Commission.
- Ensures continual growth of partners.
- Proven expertise & industry specialty.
Zalaris – A top partner to consider according to Raven Intelligence’s 2023 report
Zalaris was named by Raven Intelligence as one of the top partners to consider for SAP SuccessFactors and SAP HCM implementation and support services in their most recent report. Zalaris’ certified consultants cover the entire employee lifecycle from attract to retire, and offer 360o service from strategic consulting to implementation and managed services.
Download Raven Intelligence’s “Guide to top SAP SuccessFactors implementation partners” for more information on the new Partner Competence Framework and everything you need to know about selecting the right SAP partner.