Why enablement instead of a platform switch
In many companies, sourcing still takes place outside of SAP. RFP processes are managed in Excel, quotations are received via e-mail, and decisions are compiled manually. The result: Duplicate data, no end-to-end process, and limited comparability.
Traditional solutions simply shift this problem to new systems – thereby creating additional interfaces, parallel data models, and new complexity.
Enablement at the core of SAP avoids precisely these structural costs.
FUTURA takes a different approach.
Instead of additional platforms and integration efforts, FUTURA relies on sourcing at the core of SAP:
Quick Start
No integration project. Go-live in a few weeks.
Quick adoption
No new system environment. Familiar SAP context.
Quick results
More competition. More requirements in market comparison.
FUTURA scales sourcing in S/4HANA across three dimensions.
FUTURA enhances S/4 in such a way that sourcing can grow within the system – in terms of requirement structure, organizational use, and process depth.S/4 enablement thus creates a clear vision for sourcing in the SAP context–structured, scalable, and fully integrated into the system.
Every requirement becomes systematically sourcing-ready.
FUTURA eliminates structural barriers in the core SAP process. All types of requirements – regardless of format, structure, or complexity – can be integrated into a standardized request and sourcing process.
- Sourcing always starts in the SAP system – there are no alternative entry points
- Applies to all types of requirements: Material items, services, and item lists
- A uniform, end-to-end mechanism for all requirements
From a simple RFQ to a complex awarding – all within the SAME system.
FUTURA provides all sourcing tools within a unified SAP core process: From single-stage requests and structured RFx processes to multi-level awards or e-auctions, the system logic remains consistent.
- Consistent system logic – regardless of complexity and process
- Increasing methodological and regulatory depth – without changing tools or losing data
- Evaluation models, approvals, and documentation integrated within the SAP context
More requirements in structured market comparison.
FUTURA enables structured supplier competition to be systematically expanded to include additional material groups and volumes.
- Individual awards will be transferred to structured market competition
- Less maverick buying and direct awards
- Greater competition rate in purchasing – sustainable and scalable
Procurement intelligence
Sourcing inside the SAP core provides the context – for the next decision as well as for AI
S/4 sourcing enablement bridges the gap in strategic sourcing in S/4HANA. The basis for this is native SAP integration.
This also lays the foundation for the productive use of AI in SAP procurement. This is exactly where procurement intelligence with FUTURA comes into play.
The operating model for sourcing at the core of SAP
S/4 sourcing enablement combines three elements: A robust system architecture, consistent governance in the sourcing process, and intuitive user guidance via an app-based approach. Together, they form the operating model for scalable sourcing at the core of SAP.
Clean Core in operation
FUTURA extends SAP S/4HANA within the existing system architecture – sourcing capabilities are added without modifying the SAP core.
100% SAP-native
Without middleware
Upgrade-proof in the SAP lifecycle
Sourcing is enhanced without modifying the SAP core.
Governance in the process
Sourcing is fully integrated into the core SAP process. Every step – from evaluation to decision-making – takes place within the SAP context.
One database – and one version of truth
Real-time transparency
Consistent database
There is only one database – and one version of the truth.
Access via apps
Purchasing teams work directly on the SAP Launchpad – using the familiar user interface.
Single Sign-On via SAP (SSO)
Minimal training effort
High user acceptance
Not a new interface – but an enhancement of the existing one.
S/4 sourcing enablement in practice
S/4 sourcing enablement is an alternative to the traditional platform approach: Instead of generating sourcing data outside the SAP system and feeding it back, the data is created directly inside the SAP data model – ensuring upgrade compatibility, compliance with the Clean Core standard, and eliminating the need for an integration project.
Technical implementation of FUTURA in the SAP context – Clean Core, data model, and architecture in detail:
The way sourcing works in the SAP context – from request to awarding:
AI in purchasing or procurement intelligence? Hartmut Schwadtke on SAP and better purchasing decisions
Between RISE, GROW, and Ariba: The unresolved gap in strategic SAP purchasing
Reality check on SAP Ariba Sourcing: Effects on RFX and integration
About us
Since 1997, Futura Solutions has been developing software for strategic procurement in SAP.
With FUTURA, the company provides an SAP-native platform for sourcing and procurement processes. Procurement Intelligence expands on this approach by offering targeted support for procurement decisions. To achieve this, FUTURA combines business context from SAP and procurement processes with procurement expertise and AI.
Its customers include medium-sized companies and DAX-listed corporations, particularly in the energy and utilities, process manufacturing, mechanical and plant engineering, the chemical and pharmaceutical, and the construction and infrastructure sectors.
Better decisions. Built on SAP.
Turn your S/4 system into a fully-fledged procurement suite – with FUTURA. The SAP-native sourcing platform expedites procurement, reduces costs, and provides the basis for consistent, efficient, and future-proof sourcing processes.
Get started quickly, work easily, scale flexibly – ready for real SAP purchasing?
FUTURA expands SAP S/4HANA with end-to-end sourcing processes — SAP-native, without middleware, without a second system environment. Live in 4–8 weeks.
How FUTURA differs from Ariba, Suite, and Excel, in the context of SAP.
Get to know FUTURA Smart – with your own procurement requirements. Free of charge, no obligation, specific.
Do you have questions or want to integrate FUTURA Smart into your S/4HANA project? We speak your language and that of your IT department.