What to consider when migrating from SAP IdM to Microsoft Entra ID

What comes after SAP Identity Management (IdM)? According to SAP’s official recommendation, the strategic successor solution for Identity & Access Management (IAM) is Microsoft Entra ID. However, there is no blanket answer as to whether this tool is actually the best option for companies with a pronounced SAP system landscape. It depends on the individual case and the specific requirements. In this respect, a comprehensive analysis is needed to assess the extent to which replacing SAP IdM with Microsoft Entra ID is the ideal solution.

You would like to know if Microsoft Entra ID is right for your company?

Microsoft Entra ID offers potential as a central IAM solution

First, the good news: There are no fundamental arguments against using Microsoft Entra ID as a central IAM solution in a company. It is important to be aware that it is not a matter of transferring existing processes one-to-one into the new system. Instead, companies should be willing to adapt their processes to the Microsoft Entra ID environment and put their IAM on a new footing.

The relevant user lifecycle processes can usually be mapped out-of-the-box with Microsoft Entra ID. More customized processes may be subject to restrictions. In general, however, Microsoft Entra ID also offers many options for customization. It should also be mentioned that Microsoft is continuously developing additional functionalities, thereby expanding the scope of Microsoft Entra ID.

Procedure for migrating to Microsoft Entra ID

Companies that are currently still using SAP IdM are now faced with the task of gaining an overview of their current IAM situation and designing a strategy and best practice architecture for the potential migration to Microsoft Entra ID. This includes analyzing and evaluating the existing system landscape, identity types, and implemented processes. The IBsolution Migration Audit for SAP IdM provides valuable support in this process. The result is a strategic decision template for management, developed in collaboration with the business department, including all relevant KPIs and costs. The template also includes a roadmap for migration with architecture recommendations and identified optimization potential.

Automation of IAM core processes

Microsoft Entra ID is fundamentally capable of mapping IAM core processes—onboarding, offboarding, name or department changes—and automating the identity lifecycle. Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to supplement Microsoft Entra ID with solutions from other suppliers or with individual extensions to meet specific requirements. For example, SAP S/4HANA can be connected using SAP Cloud Identity Services. Complex or specific processes that were previously implemented with SAP IdM may require customer-specific developments.

At the same time, the replacement of SAP IdM also opens up new perspectives. Companies should regard the situation as an opportunity to modernize their identity and access management and close current functional gaps. Microsoft Entra ID offers considerable potential here and enables the implementation of modern IAM functions such as self-service password reset, regular authorization checks (recertification), and multi-level approval processes. In addition, mobile interfaces and automated notifications contribute to a high level of user-friendliness.

Conclusion: Combining Microsoft Entra ID with customized solutions

For many companies, establishing Microsoft Entra ID as a central IAM platform is a realistic approach. It may be useful to supplement Microsoft Entra ID with other solutions or customized extensions as part of a hybrid approach. If companies decide to use Microsoft Entra ID, they should definitely be ready to implement customer-specific developments to meet specific process requirements. Under these conditions, the change offers the opportunity to establish a modern, future-proof IAM platform in the company even after the SAP IdM era.