PricewaterhouseCoopers - SAP Innovation Awards 2026
Winner in the Cloud ERP Champion category: PwC's ERP transformation modernized a fragmented legacy system across 160+ member firms globally. By adopting SAP S/4HANA Cloud, PwC streamlined processes, improved governance, reduced technical debt, and enhanced automation and AI capabilities, benefiting clients and positioning PwC as a leader in SAP Public Cloud implementations. Entry 26066 Download the DocumentInnovation Story
PUBLIC
PwC's SAP S/4HANA Cloud
implementation: Not just a
migration —a blueprint for
intelligent operations
PwC
Professional Services
Cloud ERP Champion
PUBLIC
PwC's SAP S/4HANA Cloud
implementation: Not just a
migration —a blueprint for
intelligent operations
PwC
Professional Services
Cloud ERP Champion
PwC's Cloud ERP implementation: Not just a
migration — a blueprint for intelligent
operations
PwC’s global network spans over 160 territories, each functioning as an independent member firm. While
this independence is a core strength, it also resulted in fragmented ERP operations, relying heavily on
legacy SAP ECC systems, numerous third-party applications, and highly customized code that weighed
down efficiency. Supporting PwC professionals across diverse geographies brought challenges such as
inconsistent processes, complex governance structures, limited scalability, and accumulating technical
debt—all of which impeded innovation and agility.
We saw the challenge for what it really was: an opportunity to modernize our digital core—moving to
SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud Edition and creating a foundation for automation, leveraging AI capabilities,
and fostering new ways of working for the future. And transforming our professional services for the
benefit of our clients.
2© 2026 SAP SE or an SAP affiliate company. All rights reserved | PUBLIC
migration — a blueprint for intelligent
operations
PwC’s global network spans over 160 territories, each functioning as an independent member firm. While
this independence is a core strength, it also resulted in fragmented ERP operations, relying heavily on
legacy SAP ECC systems, numerous third-party applications, and highly customized code that weighed
down efficiency. Supporting PwC professionals across diverse geographies brought challenges such as
inconsistent processes, complex governance structures, limited scalability, and accumulating technical
debt—all of which impeded innovation and agility.
We saw the challenge for what it really was: an opportunity to modernize our digital core—moving to
SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud Edition and creating a foundation for automation, leveraging AI capabilities,
and fostering new ways of working for the future. And transforming our professional services for the
benefit of our clients.
2© 2026 SAP SE or an SAP affiliate company. All rights reserved | PUBLIC
EX ECUTIV E S UMMAR Y
CHA LLEN GE SOLUTION OUTCOME
Teaming up to unify, simplify and innovate on a global scale
Fragmented ERP systems across our global network hindered
innovation, prompting a shift to SAP S/4HANA Cloud for
enhanced scalability and efficiency.
PwC’s global network spans 160+ territories, each operating as
an independent member firm, leading to fragmented ERP
operations relying on outdated SAP ECC systems, third-party
apps, and customized code. Supporting professionals across
regions caused inconsistent processes, complex governance,
limited scalability, and technical debt that hindered innovation.
We recognized this as a chance to modernize our digital core by
transitioning to SAP S/4HANA Cloud, building a scalable
foundation that enables automation, AI, and future ways of
working for the benefit of our clients.
For PwC, adopting SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Joule, SAP
Datasphere and SAP Analytics Cloud was more than a
technology upgrade—it transformed how we operate globally.
By choosing a fit-to-standard approach, we avoided costly
customizations and redesigned processes around SAP and
industry best practices. This accelerated implementation,
reduced costs, and established a transparent, secure, and
adaptable digital core. The standardized platform offers
configurability without technical debt, enabling seamless
adoption of new features, service integrations, and AI scalability.
Unlike legacy on-premise systems, our cloud model keeps PwC
continuously updated. Central to this success were governance
frameworks, change coalitions, and comprehensive training that
boosted confidence and adoption.
PwC is now the largest adopter of SAP Public Cloud globally,
with Europe live since '22 and the US and Japan joining in '25,
covering 19 countries. Compared to legacy ERP, financial
operations are faster, closing cycles shorter, governance
stronger, and automation has reduced manual work.
Eliminating custom code lowered technical debt, increased
agility, and ensured faster SAP upgrades. Joule copilots and
custom AI provide instant insights, transforming decision-
making. With more than 100 different ERP systems, we've been
able to harmonize 50% of the systems and processes to date.
PwC uniquely operates on SAP S/4HANA Cloud internally and
leads in helping clients adopt it. This dual role strengthens our
position as a global leader in SAP Public Cloud and SAP
Business Suite implementations.
100,000+ PwC
professionals
already operating on SAP S/4HANA Cloud
across 19 countries – with 30+ territories
and 250,000+ users on the roadmap
N/A
10x Faster to
upgrade
So, finance processes and project
operations are enabled by standardized,
automated workflows
N/A
0 Technical debt
Clean-core architecture with no legacy
customizations, ensuring seamless future
upgrades
N/A
© 2026 SAP SE or an SAP affiliate company. All rights reserved | PUBLIC 3
CHA LLEN GE SOLUTION OUTCOME
Teaming up to unify, simplify and innovate on a global scale
Fragmented ERP systems across our global network hindered
innovation, prompting a shift to SAP S/4HANA Cloud for
enhanced scalability and efficiency.
PwC’s global network spans 160+ territories, each operating as
an independent member firm, leading to fragmented ERP
operations relying on outdated SAP ECC systems, third-party
apps, and customized code. Supporting professionals across
regions caused inconsistent processes, complex governance,
limited scalability, and technical debt that hindered innovation.
We recognized this as a chance to modernize our digital core by
transitioning to SAP S/4HANA Cloud, building a scalable
foundation that enables automation, AI, and future ways of
working for the benefit of our clients.
For PwC, adopting SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Joule, SAP
Datasphere and SAP Analytics Cloud was more than a
technology upgrade—it transformed how we operate globally.
By choosing a fit-to-standard approach, we avoided costly
customizations and redesigned processes around SAP and
industry best practices. This accelerated implementation,
reduced costs, and established a transparent, secure, and
adaptable digital core. The standardized platform offers
configurability without technical debt, enabling seamless
adoption of new features, service integrations, and AI scalability.
Unlike legacy on-premise systems, our cloud model keeps PwC
continuously updated. Central to this success were governance
frameworks, change coalitions, and comprehensive training that
boosted confidence and adoption.
PwC is now the largest adopter of SAP Public Cloud globally,
with Europe live since '22 and the US and Japan joining in '25,
covering 19 countries. Compared to legacy ERP, financial
operations are faster, closing cycles shorter, governance
stronger, and automation has reduced manual work.
Eliminating custom code lowered technical debt, increased
agility, and ensured faster SAP upgrades. Joule copilots and
custom AI provide instant insights, transforming decision-
making. With more than 100 different ERP systems, we've been
able to harmonize 50% of the systems and processes to date.
PwC uniquely operates on SAP S/4HANA Cloud internally and
leads in helping clients adopt it. This dual role strengthens our
position as a global leader in SAP Public Cloud and SAP
Business Suite implementations.
100,000+ PwC
professionals
already operating on SAP S/4HANA Cloud
across 19 countries – with 30+ territories
and 250,000+ users on the roadmap
N/A
10x Faster to
upgrade
So, finance processes and project
operations are enabled by standardized,
automated workflows
N/A
0 Technical debt
Clean-core architecture with no legacy
customizations, ensuring seamless future
upgrades
N/A
© 2026 SAP SE or an SAP affiliate company. All rights reserved | PUBLIC 3
Project details
PR OJECT OBJECTIVES USE CA SE
DEPLOYMENT COUNTRY DE PLOY MENT DATE NUMBER OF END USERS TRANSACTION VOLUME
The key objectives for PwC’s ERP transformation were to modernize a
fragmented, complex, and costly legacy system landscape that spanned 160+
independent member firms globally.
PwC aimed to replace legacy SAP ECC systems, third-party applications, and
highly customized code with a standardized, scalable, and future-proof
solution. The goals included streamlining and harmonizing processes across
geographies, improving governance and controls, reducing technical debt,
and accelerating innovation.
By moving to SAP S/4HANA Cloud with a fit-to-standard approach, PwC
sought to create a secure, transparent digital core that supports automation,
AI, and new ways of working. Ultimately, PwC intended to enable faster
financial operations, lower costs, continuous upgrades, and position itself as
both a leading adopter and trusted advisor in SAP Public Cloud and SAP
Business Suite implementations.
The wow factor lies in PwC’s bold transformation from a complex, fragmented
legacy ERP landscape spanning 160+ independent member firms into one of
the world’s largest and most advanced adopters of SAP S/4HANA Cloud.
By embracing a fit-to-standard approach and eliminating costly
customizations, PwC not only accelerated implementation and reduced
technical debt but also established a transparent, secure, and continuously
evolving digital core. This foundation seamlessly integrates cutting-edge
automation and AI, dramatically improving efficiency and decision-making.
Implementation is planned in three to five waves with a faster, standardized
multi-deployment approach. End-to-end gaps for business use cases will be
closed through further system enhancements. The TOM will be standardized
across the network, including centralized finance via regional hubs. Processes
and the system landscape will be standardized and optimized to reduce
complexity and increase cost efficiency, including the use of GenAI and
predictive analytics.
19 territories with 30+ countries on the
roadmap. Currently two instances with
a third expected in the future (Global +
US + China)
2022 – Europe
2025 – US, Japan + ongoing
100,000+ with a target goal of more
than 250,000 users over the next three
years.
Overall, more than 6 million
transactions related to billing in 2025.
490,000 invoices processed in the past
12-months, with a peak daily volume of
6,100 invoices (Note: non-US figures)
4© 2026 SAP SE or an SAP affiliate company. All rights reserved | PUBLIC
PR OJECT OBJECTIVES USE CA SE
DEPLOYMENT COUNTRY DE PLOY MENT DATE NUMBER OF END USERS TRANSACTION VOLUME
The key objectives for PwC’s ERP transformation were to modernize a
fragmented, complex, and costly legacy system landscape that spanned 160+
independent member firms globally.
PwC aimed to replace legacy SAP ECC systems, third-party applications, and
highly customized code with a standardized, scalable, and future-proof
solution. The goals included streamlining and harmonizing processes across
geographies, improving governance and controls, reducing technical debt,
and accelerating innovation.
By moving to SAP S/4HANA Cloud with a fit-to-standard approach, PwC
sought to create a secure, transparent digital core that supports automation,
AI, and new ways of working. Ultimately, PwC intended to enable faster
financial operations, lower costs, continuous upgrades, and position itself as
both a leading adopter and trusted advisor in SAP Public Cloud and SAP
Business Suite implementations.
The wow factor lies in PwC’s bold transformation from a complex, fragmented
legacy ERP landscape spanning 160+ independent member firms into one of
the world’s largest and most advanced adopters of SAP S/4HANA Cloud.
By embracing a fit-to-standard approach and eliminating costly
customizations, PwC not only accelerated implementation and reduced
technical debt but also established a transparent, secure, and continuously
evolving digital core. This foundation seamlessly integrates cutting-edge
automation and AI, dramatically improving efficiency and decision-making.
Implementation is planned in three to five waves with a faster, standardized
multi-deployment approach. End-to-end gaps for business use cases will be
closed through further system enhancements. The TOM will be standardized
across the network, including centralized finance via regional hubs. Processes
and the system landscape will be standardized and optimized to reduce
complexity and increase cost efficiency, including the use of GenAI and
predictive analytics.
19 territories with 30+ countries on the
roadmap. Currently two instances with
a third expected in the future (Global +
US + China)
2022 – Europe
2025 – US, Japan + ongoing
100,000+ with a target goal of more
than 250,000 users over the next three
years.
Overall, more than 6 million
transactions related to billing in 2025.
490,000 invoices processed in the past
12-months, with a peak daily volume of
6,100 invoices (Note: non-US figures)
4© 2026 SAP SE or an SAP affiliate company. All rights reserved | PUBLIC
Innovations
INN OV ATIVE USE OF SAP TECHN OLOGY
WHY SA P
PwC’s IT improvements centered on migrating from legacy SAP ECC systems
and fragmented third-party applications to the unified SAP S/4HANA Cloud.
This migration enabled a scalable, cloud-based platform that supports
continuous innovation, with a roadmap through to 2030. A fit -to-standard
approach was adopted, aligning business processes with SAP and industry
best practices, minimizing customization and reducing complexity.
Alongside this, PwC implemented standardized governance frameworks and
formed change coalitions to ensure consistent compliance and drive user
adoption. Additionally, automation and AI capabilities, including Joule copilots,
were integrated to streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and
accelerate productivity across the organization.
SAP technology used includes SAP S/4HANA Cloud, SAP BTP, SAP Analytics
Cloud, SAP Datasphere, SAP Multi Bank Connectivity, SAP Signavio and SAP
LeanIX.
"We’re going on the journey together with SAP because we believe in their
technology stack. SAP is the right partner for us because they don’t just offer
technology, they bring a solution to a problem—and that’s exactly what PwC
does for its clients."
Karina Henneberger, Global EM/FI Lead BPM, PwC Germany
"The great achievements we’ve experienced through this partnership so far
build trust and confidence as we continue to move forward."
Stefan Frühauf, COO/CFO, PwC Germany
“Moving to SAP Cloud ERP is enabling greater connectivity across our
firm, streamlining operations and equipping our people with tools and
insights to better serve our clients.”
Colin Wittmer, CFO, PwC US
"By leveraging SAP’s native capabilities, industry-leading practices and a
fit-to-standard approach, we’ve unlocked agility, automation and AI — all
while maintaining standardization as a core principle.”
James Shira, Global & US CIO, PwC US
“PwC’s successful go-live is a testament to the power of SAP Cloud ERP
to drive transformation at scale.”
Thomas Saueressig, Member of the Executive Board for Customer Services &
Delivery, SAP SE
5© 2026 SAP SE or an SAP affiliate company. All rights reserved | PUBLIC
INN OV ATIVE USE OF SAP TECHN OLOGY
WHY SA P
PwC’s IT improvements centered on migrating from legacy SAP ECC systems
and fragmented third-party applications to the unified SAP S/4HANA Cloud.
This migration enabled a scalable, cloud-based platform that supports
continuous innovation, with a roadmap through to 2030. A fit -to-standard
approach was adopted, aligning business processes with SAP and industry
best practices, minimizing customization and reducing complexity.
Alongside this, PwC implemented standardized governance frameworks and
formed change coalitions to ensure consistent compliance and drive user
adoption. Additionally, automation and AI capabilities, including Joule copilots,
were integrated to streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and
accelerate productivity across the organization.
SAP technology used includes SAP S/4HANA Cloud, SAP BTP, SAP Analytics
Cloud, SAP Datasphere, SAP Multi Bank Connectivity, SAP Signavio and SAP
LeanIX.
"We’re going on the journey together with SAP because we believe in their
technology stack. SAP is the right partner for us because they don’t just offer
technology, they bring a solution to a problem—and that’s exactly what PwC
does for its clients."
Karina Henneberger, Global EM/FI Lead BPM, PwC Germany
"The great achievements we’ve experienced through this partnership so far
build trust and confidence as we continue to move forward."
Stefan Frühauf, COO/CFO, PwC Germany
“Moving to SAP Cloud ERP is enabling greater connectivity across our
firm, streamlining operations and equipping our people with tools and
insights to better serve our clients.”
Colin Wittmer, CFO, PwC US
"By leveraging SAP’s native capabilities, industry-leading practices and a
fit-to-standard approach, we’ve unlocked agility, automation and AI — all
while maintaining standardization as a core principle.”
James Shira, Global & US CIO, PwC US
“PwC’s successful go-live is a testament to the power of SAP Cloud ERP
to drive transformation at scale.”
Thomas Saueressig, Member of the Executive Board for Customer Services &
Delivery, SAP SE
5© 2026 SAP SE or an SAP affiliate company. All rights reserved | PUBLIC
Benefits and outcomes
BUSINESS A ND/OR SOCIETY IT
A modern, AI-ready digital core — powering finance, projects and client service with automation,
agility and trusted data.
• Faster financial operations: SAP S/4HANA Cloud streamlined
processes for 100,000+ professionals across 19 countries,
significantly shortening financial closing cycles.
• Approx. 25% in savings due to IT overhead costs.
• Reduced costs by avoiding customization less maintenance
efforts, accelerating implementation and future upgrades.
• Improved governance: standardization enhanced transparency
and controls, ensuring consistent compliance across territories.
• Greater automation and use of AI: automation reduced manual
tasks, while AI-powered Joule copilots provide real-time insights,
improving decision-making and agility. And with SAP Business
AI, we already envision additional custom AI scenarios.
• Migration to SAP S/4HANA Cloud: replacing legacy SAP ECC
and fragmented systems with a unified, scalable, and
continuously updated cloud ERP platform.
• Fit-to-standard implementation within 12-months embedded in a
multi-territory deployment approach with a broader transforma-
tion scope (not only ERP);
• Standardizing processes based on SAP and industry best
practices to reduce customization, technical debt, and
complexity.
• Integration of automation and AI: Embedding automation and AI-
powered Joule copilots to streamline workflows, enhance
insights, and accelerate decision-making.
• Improved System availability of > 99.7 %.
• Major releases for SAP S/4HANA limited impact on business /
system availability.
6© 2026 SAP SE or an SAP affiliate company. All rights reserved | PUBLIC
BUSINESS A ND/OR SOCIETY IT
A modern, AI-ready digital core — powering finance, projects and client service with automation,
agility and trusted data.
• Faster financial operations: SAP S/4HANA Cloud streamlined
processes for 100,000+ professionals across 19 countries,
significantly shortening financial closing cycles.
• Approx. 25% in savings due to IT overhead costs.
• Reduced costs by avoiding customization less maintenance
efforts, accelerating implementation and future upgrades.
• Improved governance: standardization enhanced transparency
and controls, ensuring consistent compliance across territories.
• Greater automation and use of AI: automation reduced manual
tasks, while AI-powered Joule copilots provide real-time insights,
improving decision-making and agility. And with SAP Business
AI, we already envision additional custom AI scenarios.
• Migration to SAP S/4HANA Cloud: replacing legacy SAP ECC
and fragmented systems with a unified, scalable, and
continuously updated cloud ERP platform.
• Fit-to-standard implementation within 12-months embedded in a
multi-territory deployment approach with a broader transforma-
tion scope (not only ERP);
• Standardizing processes based on SAP and industry best
practices to reduce customization, technical debt, and
complexity.
• Integration of automation and AI: Embedding automation and AI-
powered Joule copilots to streamline workflows, enhance
insights, and accelerate decision-making.
• Improved System availability of > 99.7 %.
• Major releases for SAP S/4HANA limited impact on business /
system availability.
6© 2026 SAP SE or an SAP affiliate company. All rights reserved | PUBLIC