NetSuite vs SAP S/4HANA for Hong Kong Businesses

With SAP announcing the end of mainstream maintenance for SAP Business One (B1) by December 31, 2026, many Hong Kong companies are at a crossroads. Business leaders know they can’t rely on an ERP system that no longer receives patches, security updates, or compliance improvements. The big question is: What’s next after SAP B1?

SAP often positions S/4HANA as the natural upgrade path. But in practice, S/4HANA Public Cloud Edition — the version most mid-market companies are offered — comes with significant limitations. For Hong Kong firms seeking flexibility, scalability, and cost predictability, Oracle NetSuite often proves to be the smarter replacement.

The Challenge with SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud

S/4HANA is marketed as SAP’s “next-generation” ERP, but for mid-sized businesses in Hong Kong, the Public Cloud Edition is usually the recommended option. Here’s why that can be problematic:

• Multiple Versions, Confusing Choices
  S/4HANA comes in four different editions (public, private, and two on-premise options). Choosing the wrong version could mean costly re-implementation. Even SAP insiders admit the naming and version history has been confusing.
• Heavy Reliance on Partners
  In the public cloud edition, customization options are limited. Even small adjustments — like adding a new field — often require consultants, which translates to high costs and long lead times.
• Integration Complexity
  To cover core business needs, companies often need additional SAP products (Ariba for procurement, SuccessFactors for HR, Analytics Cloud for reporting). These don’t come natively integrated and often require middleware and ongoing consulting.
• Limited Adoption
  Despite years in the market, adoption of S/4HANA Public Cloud remains small compared to NetSuite’s 43,000+ global customers, many of whom are in Asia.

Why NetSuite Is the Smarter Replacement

Hong Kong businesses need ERP systems that keep up with the city’s fast-paced, globally connected economy. NetSuite offers exactly that:

• Born-in-the-Cloud SaaS
  No hosted workarounds, VPNs, or version confusion. NetSuite is a true multi-tenant cloud platform with automatic biannual updates.
• All-in-One Functionality
  NetSuite comes with finance, inventory, CRM, procurement, order management, and analytics natively integrated. No extra middleware, no juggling multiple vendors.
• Flexible Customization
  With tools like SuiteFlow, business users can configure workflows, forms, and reports without coding — often in minutes, not weeks.
• Global Financial Management
  NetSuite’s OneWorld module makes it easy for Hong Kong firms to consolidate across subsidiaries in Mainland China, Singapore, or beyond, handling HKD, RMB, USD, and other currencies seamlessly.
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership
  Unlike SAP S/4HANA, where ongoing consulting is almost inevitable, NetSuite reduces dependency on external partners. This frees up IT budgets for innovation, not maintenance.

What This Means for Hong Kong Companies

The 2026 SAP B1 end-of-support deadline is a forcing function: Hong Kong businesses must rethink their ERP strategy. For companies planning regional expansion, scaling operations, or simply needing agility in a competitive market, choosing the wrong system now could mean another costly migration in just a few years.

SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud may look attractive on paper, but its rigidity and integration complexity pose risks. NetSuite, on the other hand, offers a future-ready, cloud-native ERP that adapts to your business, not the other way around.

Final Word

For Hong Kong companies facing SAP Business One’s end-of-support, the choice isn’t just about replacing software — it’s about securing your company’s growth for the next decade.

NetSuite provides the scalability, flexibility, and reliability to ensure your ERP is the last one you’ll ever need.