Nikolai Bogdanovich, Head of Sales at ACBaltica
For many small and mid-sized companies, ERP has always sounded like something reserved for the “big guys.” Long timelines, high costs, endless consultant hours – that was the stereotype. And for years, it wasn’t far from the truth. But things have changed. Thanks to solutions like GROW with SAP, SMEs can now get enterprise-grade ERP functionality – complete with decades of SAP know-how – in the form of embedded best practices.
In this post, we’ll look at what ERP best practices actually mean, how SAP has embedded 50 years of experience directly into its systems, and why this approach helps growing companies move faster without reinventing the wheel. In this post, we’ll look at what ERP best practices actually mean, how SAP has embedded 50 years of experience directly into its systems, and why this approach helps growing companies move faster without reinventing the wheel.
ERP best practices: why reinvent the wheel?
In the past, ERP projects started with a blank page. Consultants would map out every process, redesign workflows, and spend weeks tailoring the system. It worked, but it was slow and costly.
Now? With GROW with SAP, companies receive hundreds of preconfigured business processes out of the box. These are proven workflows – tested across industries, refined over decades, and ready to use.
Think of it this way: instead of paying to rediscover what already works, you step into the shoes of businesses that have been running successfully for years. Tax calculations, returns handling, production scheduling – the heavy lifting is already done.
Now? With GROW with SAP, companies receive hundreds of preconfigured business processes out of the box. These are proven workflows – tested across industries, refined over decades, and ready to use.
Think of it this way: instead of paying to rediscover what already works, you step into the shoes of businesses that have been running successfully for years. Tax calculations, returns handling, production scheduling – the heavy lifting is already done.
Fifty years of global business know-how, built in
Ever since SAP released its first product, SAP R/1, the company has been learning from enterprises around the world about their experiences and business processes, defining what really works and what doesn’t. And that experience is now embedded directly into GROW with SAP – proven business processes for all kinds of industries and GEOs. Finance, sales, supply chain, compliance – the playbook is pre-installed.
This means SMEs don’t have to spend months blueprinting. They can move straight to execution, confident that their ERP is designed around practices that have passed the test of time.
This means SMEs don’t have to spend months blueprinting. They can move straight to execution, confident that their ERP is designed around practices that have passed the test of time.
Real-world examples: expertise in action
What does this look like in daily operations? Here are a few examples from GROW with SAP:
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Credit management: The system can automatically assess customer creditworthiness, apply limits, and block risky orders – all without weeks of custom design.
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Collections and dispute management: Built-in workflows help teams manage overdue receivables, document customer interactions, and resolve invoice disputes quickly – reducing DSO and protecting cash flow.
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Industry-specific flows: From retail markdown planning to manufacturing quality checks, sector-specific best practices come preconfigured.
These are capabilities that once required consultants to build from scratch. Now, they come standard.
Compliance: handled by design
For companies expanding into new markets, compliance is often the most challenging aspect of ERP. Different tax rules, e-invoicing mandates, and regional reporting standards – missing any of these requirements can be costly.
GROW with SAP addresses this upfront. Local tax logic, regulatory workflows, and e-invoicing formats are already embedded for multiple countries. Instead of spreadsheets or manual fixes, compliance is built in from day one.
GROW with SAP addresses this upfront. Local tax logic, regulatory workflows, and e-invoicing formats are already embedded for multiple countries. Instead of spreadsheets or manual fixes, compliance is built in from day one.
Does adopting best practices mean losing your uniqueness?
A common concern is that preconfigured processes make every company look the same. The reality is different.
Best practices cover the standard processes that don’t set your business apart – things like invoicing, payments, or returns. These are best left standardized. Where differentiation really matters, companies can still adapt and fine-tune.
This balance is what makes GROW with SAP powerful:
Best practices cover the standard processes that don’t set your business apart – things like invoicing, payments, or returns. These are best left standardized. Where differentiation really matters, companies can still adapt and fine-tune.
This balance is what makes GROW with SAP powerful:
- Configure where it makes sense
- Adapt where it drives competitive edge
The bottom line: enterprise expertise, SME-sized package
GROW with SAP is more than a simplified ERP. It’s a way for smaller businesses to plug directly into decades of enterprise expertise – without paying enterprise-level consulting bills.
Instead of outspending the competition with enterprises, growing companies can now outmaneuver them with:
In 2025, you don’t need to be a Fortune 500 company to operate like one. With solutions like GROW with SAP – and with the right partner by your side – you can let the system handle operational complexity while your team focuses on growth.
Instead of outspending the competition with enterprises, growing companies can now outmaneuver them with:
- Faster implementations
- Proven best practices across industries
- Built-in compliance and scalability
In 2025, you don’t need to be a Fortune 500 company to operate like one. With solutions like GROW with SAP – and with the right partner by your side – you can let the system handle operational complexity while your team focuses on growth.
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