Transformation Every Day

Expert Insights and Stories on SAP and beyond.

Transformation Every Day is the podcast for anyone passionate about Digital Transformation done right in the SAP universe. Join hosts Alexander Greb and Johannes Langguth, along with leading experts from SAP and beyond, as they dive deep into what successful digital transformation really takes. Get ready for candid conversations, inspiring experts insights, best practices and practical strategies to drive impactful change in your organization.

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Transformation Every Day

Episode 17: An Enterprise Architects view on Clean Core - Michael Sokollek

August 11, 2025 • Alexander Greb & Johannes Langguth • Season 1 • Episode 17

Guest:

Michael Sokollek - Chief Enterprise Architect - SAP SE

Host:

Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions
Johannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SE

Today we dive past the buzzwords to treat Clean Core as an attitude and a practical operating model—from strategy to execution. We bust the “back-to-standard only” myth, map the five dimensions (processes, extensibility, data, integrations, operations), and show how governance and the right toolchain turn ERP from a cluttered basement into a system you can actually change.

You’ll learn:

Why Clean Core is a spectrum (keep clean and get clean), not a binary state.
How to run fit-to-standard with process deviation management and business-case-backed exceptions.
Where partners, toolchains (incl. Signavio & EA content), and RISE architects fit in.
How to align capabilities and custom code to decide what truly differentiates.
The real risk of shadow IT—and how to prevent it with transparency and cadence.

If you’re staring at years of modifications, stuck on an S/4HANA move, or just want upgrades without nightmares, this episode gives you the guardrails, mindset, and first steps to get from talking to doing.

Takeaways

Clean Core is a vehicle for agility and transformation.
Governance and maturity are crucial for maintaining a clean core.
The dimensions of Clean Core include processes, extensibility, data, integrations, and operations.
Achieving a clean core is a journey, not a quick fix.
Organizations must balance efficiency with effectiveness in their processes.
The business model of SAP partners should focus on delivering value, not just selling days.
Tools and technology play a significant role in achieving Clean Core.
Understanding the current technical debt is essential for organizations.
Organizations need to connect their custom code with business capabilities.
The journey towards Clean Core requires a strategic approach and continuous improvement.

Follow Michael here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sokollek/

Follow Alexander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergreb/
Follow Johannes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanneslangguth/

Thanks to Steven Spears for lending his voice for our podcast intro.
Theme music by Luis Álvarez a.k.a. Fourth Dogma