Discontinuation of CM25: Impacts, Deadlines, and Next Steps in SAP S/4HANA
SAP is retiring all classic CM* transactions that make use of the SAP Gantt chart graphics—including CM25—from 1 January 2026. While this supports SAP’s core strategy of simplification and innovation, it presents immediate operational challenges for users reliant on graphical planning tools.
SAP S/4HANA on premise customers will lose access under licensing law at the end of 2025. ECC users have until their migration or end of 2027 (after which ECC will no longer be supported). For private cloud customers, an extension to 2030 is possible under a RISE with SAP agreement.
What Are Your Options?
1. PPC Sequencer Package by msg
The PPC Sequencer Package is an interactive planning tool within msg’s Advanced Planning Suite. Built on decades of experience in developing planning solutions, it benefits from a stable and loyal user base. It allows users to visually and algorithmically control the order in which operations are scheduled on resources. Its main goal is to produce feasible, optimized, and efficient production sequences in line with business objectives like minimizing setup time, reducing lead time, or meeting delivery dates.
Similar to CM25, the PPC sequencer offers a mix of Gantt chart-like views of machine utilization, order sequences, and material flows together with tabular views of the operations. This tool is used both for manual planning (via drag & drop), and for detailed scheduling via planning strategies and heuristics. It plays a pivotal role in the Supply Chain Planning, where production, materials, and capacity must align dynamically across plants and order networks.
msg supports you with:
- Comprehensive training, quick implementation
- Integration of existing enhancements in CM25
- Post Go-Live support
A fast, reliable and future-ready alternative for companies who want to maintain planning performance without the complexity of a full SAP PP/DS rollout, it can be easily enhanced with additional functionalities from msg's Advanced Planning Suite.
Additional note on the relevancy of the compatibility packages for the PPC bar chart graphics:
In the SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP Private Edition (Private Cloud) with a RISE agreement, the PPC bar chart graphics fall into the compatibility scope and can be used until 2030. There is no time restriction in SAP S/4HANA on-premise.
2. SAP S/4HANA with SAP embedded PP/DS
SAP PP/DS (Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling) is an Advanced Planning Tool from SAP that enables multi-level, multi plant, real-time synchronization of production (scheduling, optimization, constraints) and procurement processes to optimize resource utilization and meet demand reliably. It includes specific features that serve as a solution to replace CM25.
msg supports you with:
- Optimization and mapping of processes to SAP embedded PP/DS
- Roadmap planning and phased implementation planning
- Training and Post-Go-Live support
SAP PP/DS is powerful, but the implementation effort is not insignificant and requires additional licensing. Implementations can take 6 –18 months depending on scope.
3. Fiori Apps – A Temporary Bridge
SAP’s Fiori planning apps offer a lightweight, quick-deploy alternative with limited functionality, for example, like the Capacity Scheduling Board or the Manage Work Center Apps.
msg supports you with:
- Fit assessment and scope definition
- Short-term process alignment
- Setup, training and implementation
The scheduling boards offer drag & drop functionality, with greatly reduced capabilities. However, for most apps there is no drag & drop and reduced flexibility, meaning they are best suited for simple use case. Fiori may fill the gap but rarely scales - use with caution as a long-term solution.
Act now – time is running out!
With msg, you can explore the path to SAP S/4HANA that best fits your needs, understand the risks, and ensure continuity without compromise – whether you are already using SAP S/4HANA or planning your migration to SAP.
When can we advise you?
Please fill in the form to contact us. We will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Joschka Argast
Lead Sales Manager
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