What separates successful organizations from struggling ones is not whether they use SAP, but how effectively they run, optimize, and evolve it.
Across industries, SAP users are facing mounting pressure to modernize their systems, control costs, improve integration, and deliver measurable business outcomes.
SAP ecosystems have become more complex than ever, demanding more resources to manage, optimize, and future-proof. Hybrid deployments, cloud extensions, third-party applications, and regulatory demands are on the rise for companies using SAP. For marketers, business owners, service and solution providers, this creates a clear reality of sales opportunities.
SAP customers are actively searching for solutions. However, they are selective in their approach to business partnerships and collaborations. So, once the service providers and marketers understand the challenges SAP users face in 2026, it can all be solved using a specialized SAP users email list.
Before exploring how businesses are addressing SAP-related challenges, it is important to understand what is driving these pain points in the first place.
Why SAP Challenges Are Intensifying in 2026
Several powerful market forces are affecting the sales market in the SAP ecosystem, including:
- Accelerated migration to S/4HANA
- Increased integration with cloud and SaaS platforms
- Rising SAP licensing and maintenance costs
- Shortage of skilled SAP professionals
- Greater focus on security, compliance, and real-time analytics
Understanding the exact challenges SAP users face today becomes critical, not just for SAP users but also for companies trying to sell into this market.
Below are the 7 most common challenges SAP users face in 2026. This article also explains how vendors can position solutions using our services and why reaching the right SAP decision-makers matters more than ever.
Challenge #1: S/4HANA Migration Process and the Delays Involved
S/4HANA migration is a major challenge for SAP customers. Even though many companies that use SAP started planning the migration years ago, they are still stuck carrying it out, as it has proven to be far more complex than expected.
Common issues include underestimated scale of migration, data inconsistencies, legacy custom code conflicts, and internal resistance within organizations to large-scale system changes.
What SAP Users Are Experiencing
- A lack of a well-defined migration roadmap
- Budget overruns and extended timelines
- Disruption to business operations
- Difficulty aligning IT and business stakeholders
How Businesses Are Responding
Organizations are seeking specialized partners that offer:
- S/4HANA readiness assessments
- Data migration and testing automation
- Custom code remediation
- Phased migration strategies
Why Targeted Outreach Matters
Businesses that offer S/4HANA services need direct access to organizations that are struggling with running legacy SAP systems or actively planning migrations. Hence, a well-segmented SAP Users Email List from ‘TechnologyUserList’ allows solution providers to engage SAP users at the exact stage where migration decisions are being made.
Challenge #2: Integration Challenges Due to Expanding Technology Needs
In 2026, SAP systems do not operate alone. Hence, companies that use SAP rely on third-party technologies for seamless operations. However, they expect easy integration with SAP, but systems are often not compatible due to the expanding technology requirements of SAP users. Due to data silos, the process slows down and increases operational risk. This failure in integration prompts organizations to look for a solution provider.
Common Integration Pain Points
- Data complexity and inconsistency
- Technical and architectural hurdles
- High costs and resource constraints
- Operational and strategic issues
What SAP Users Are Looking For
- SAP-certified integration tools
- API-driven connectivity
- Low-code integration platforms
- Real-time data migration solutions
How Vendors Can Position Solutions
Marketing integration solutions to a generic IT audience leads to poor engagement. Using a Companies Using SAP contact database ensures the sales pitch reaches enterprises where SAP integration is an immediate requirement.
Challenge #3: Increasing SAP Maintenance and Licensing Costs
Cost management is a major concern for companies using SAP. Factors such as annual maintenance fees, licensing model transitions, infrastructure expenses, frequent updates, and hidden costs contribute to the rising capital requirement for ownership.
Key Cost-Related Challenges
- Over-licensed SAP environments
- Limited visibility into actual usage
- High dependency on premium SAP support
- Costly on-premise infrastructure
How Organizations Can Manage Costs
- License optimization tools
- Third-party SAP support services
- Cloud cost optimization platforms
- Usage and performance analytics
Solution: Reaching the Right Buyers
CFOs, CIOs, and IT procurement leaders are deeply involved in cost-related decisions. A 100% verified SAP Decision-Maker Database allows businesses and marketers to align cost-saving messages with budget planning cycles and financial reviews.
Challenge #4: Shortage of Skilled SAP Professionals
Despite SAP being active for a long time, there aren’t many skilled professionals who manage and work SAP systems. Companies do struggle to find the right expert for SAP-related operations.
Many of the experienced professionals are retiring or moving to advisory roles, leaving companies without enough staff to handle their SAP needs. This creates a challenge for businesses trying to keep their SAP systems running smoothly and efficiently.
Talent Challenges SAP Users Face
- High cost of SAP consultants
- Difficulty finding qualified professionals
- Knowledge loss during replacement
- Lack of skill results in project delays
Why Recruitment Agencies Need Our Data
It is established that there is a shortage of SAP experts, and to fill the gap Staffing and managed service providers are necessary. But for recruitment agencies to find the companies that require services, it is important to obtain a SAP users email list with firmographic data of companies using SAP. The users list reduces wasted outreach and increases relevance.
Challenge #5: Limited Data Visibility and Slow Reporting
SAP systems generate massive volumes of data, yet many organizations struggle to convert that data into actionable insights. In 2026, business leaders expect real-time dashboards and predictive analytics, not delayed reports.
Reporting Challenges
- Heavy reliance on IT for reports
- Complex data extraction processes
- Delayed decision-making
- Fragmented analytics tools
What SAP Users Want
- Embedded SAP analytics
- Real-time dashboards
- Predictive and AI-driven insights
- Simplified reporting tools
How Vendors Can Stand Out
Analytics and software vendors who understand SAP systems and their data infrastructures gain a clear advantage for sales when marketed to the right audience.
With the help of a SAP users email list, you can gain access to technographic information of SAP users. You can engage with decision-makers directly, offering them tailored solutions that address their unique needs and get established as trusted partners among companies that use SAP.
Challenge #6: Growing Security and Compliance Risks
As SAP environments expand across cloud and hybrid models, security risks increase. Incorrect permissions, delayed updation of systems, and limited visibility into user activity create compliance and data protection challenges.
Common Security Concerns
- Inadequate role-based access controls
- Regulatory compliance risks
- Lack of real-time monitoring
Solutions SAP Users Can Adopt
- SAP security monitoring tools
- Identity and access management platforms
- Compliance automation solutions
- Continuous audit systems
Why Precision Targeting Is Critical Here
Security and compliance providers must engage organizations where SAP security is paramount. To engage with decision-makers from companies using SAP, our contact list is best suited to ensure outreach remains focused and relevant.
Challenge #7: Change Management and Low User Adoption
Even technically successful SAP implementations can fail due to poor user adoption. Employees often struggle with new workflows, interfaces, and system updates, leading to productivity loss and resistance to change.
Adoption Challenges
- Insufficient training
- Overly complex interfaces
- Lack of ongoing support
- Shadow systems outside SAP
What Organizations Will Invest In
- Digital adoption platforms
- SAP user training tools
- Change management consulting
Reaching the Right Stakeholders
To effectively address this challenge, solution providers must reach key professionals involved in change management and user adoption within organizations.
Our targeted SAP users email list gives you access to the right job profiles, ensuring your messages reach the prospects most relevant to your solutions.
Why Reaching SAP Users Requires Better Data in 2026
One things clear when you understand all 7 challenges: SAP users are looking for solution providers. But they need providers who understand their ecosystem and speak to their specific problems. If you are the business that SAP users need, then you can collaborate or partner with them with the help of our email lists.
Generic B2B outreach no longer works. Vendors need access to:
- Verified companies using SAP
- Accurate SAP decision-maker contacts
- Industry and company-size segmentation
How We Can Help You Connect With SAP Users
Instead of broad, ineffective outreach, you engage decision-makers already facing the problems your solution solves. ‘TechnologyUserLists’ provides a specialized SAP Users Email List designed for vendors targeting SAP-driven enterprises.
Our data helps you:
- Reach verified companies using SAP
- Connect with CIOs, IT directors, SAP managers, and finance leaders
- Segment by geography, industry, and company size
- Launch campaigns aligned with real SAP challenges
Conclusion
SAP remains central to enterprise operations, but the challenges around it are intensifying. In 2026, success depends on understanding SAP user pain points and reaching the right audience with the right message.
If your business serves SAP customers, the difference between slow growth and a consistent pipeline often comes down to data quality and targeting precision. That is exactly where TechnologyUserLists delivers value. Partner with us for 100% accurate, verified, and compliant SAP users email lists.
