Life after CM25: 4 alternatives to the Graphical Planning Table in SAP S/4HANA
As part of the transition from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA, SAP introduced Compatibility Packs in 2015. By the end of 2025, however, most functionalities within these packs will no longer be supported. That means that the Graphical Planning Table in SAP Production Planning, better known as CM25, for example, will disappear. So, what’s next? In this blog, we compare 4 alternatives to CM25, so you can choose the best solution for your scheduling needs.
What are SAP Compatibility Packs and why are they ending in 2025?
SAP’s Compatibility Packs allowed customers to continue using certain 'classic' SAP ECC functionalities while transitioning to SAP S/4HANA. On December 31, 2025, use rights and support for these packs will automatically sunset. This applies to all SAP S/4HANA versions, regardless of their release dates. In other words, as of 2026, customers will no longer have the contractual right to use Compatibility Scope functionalities, even if their SAP S/4HANA system is still under mainstream maintenance.
There are a few exceptions: use rights and support for selected items within CS, PP-PI, and LE-TRA will remain available until December 31, 2030.
For a full list of impacted functionalities, see SAP note 2269324
Replacing the Graphical Planning Table (CM25) in SAP
CM25 hasn't been the most efficient scheduling board available, but many companies still rely on it in their day-to-day operations. If you're one of them, it's important to start looking for an alternative. SAP offers several replacement options:
- Standard Fiori apps within PP, such as Capacity Scheduling Table / Schedule Production
- Resource Orchestration (REO) in SAP Digital Manufacturing (DM)
- (Embedded) PP/DS in SAP S/4HANA
- You can use the Flexso Scheduling Board for specific use cases
How do you know which solution is right for you?
Let's take a closer look at each of the 4 options.
Standard SAP Fiori apps for Production Planning in S/4HANA
Several standard Fiori apps within Production Planning, such as Capacity Scheduling Table and Manage Work Center Capacity, are readily available out of the box and don't require additional licensing costs. However, they do not include an interactive Gantt chart with drag-and-drop functionalities for graphical scheduling. This makes them suitable for simpler scheduling needs or as part of a broader toolset.
Resource Orchestration (REO) in SAP Digital Manufacturing
SAP Digital Manufacturing (DM) is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) platform built to support agile operations and a sustainable workforce. While it's not primarily designed for scheduling, it does include Resource Orchestration (REO). This functionality offers a graphical Gantt chart scheduling board that can replace CM25.
That said, adopting SAP DM requires both a separate license and implementation effort. If SAP DM isn't already part of your IT landscape—or isn’t planned for future integration—investing in it purely for scheduling purposes can be a heavy lift.
Embedded PP/DS: The most advanced replacement for CM25 in S/4HANA
Embedded Production Planning & Detailed Scheduling or (e)PP/DS in S/4HANA is the natural successor to SAP APO PP/DS. It offers a comprehensive set of functionalities to meet all scheduling needs. Unlike APO, (e)PPDS is fully embedded in S/4HANA, making it easy to use and integrate.
License and implementation costs vary depending on the scope and number of functionalities implemented. ePPDS includes a fully functional backend Gantt scheduling board, along with a Fiori-based alternative. The latter provides more features and a significantly improved user experience compared to CM25.
Beyond graphical scheduling, ePPDS offers a wide range of additional benefits. Learn more about them here.
Flexso Scheduling Board: A lightweight, customizable planning tool
Finally, if you're looking for a lightweight, customizable scheduling tool, the Flexso Scheduling Board may be the right fit for you. Originally developed to assign orders to the workforce based on skill sets, this Fiori-based app can be tailored to your specific scheduling requirements.
Learn more about the Flexso scheduling board here.
Prepare your Production Planning for the future: Choose the right CM25 replacement in SAP S/4HANA
How do these 4 options compare to each other in terms of functionality? First, let’s take a look at how they stack up against the basic features offered by CM25:
If you're looking for additional, more advanced functionalities, (e)PP/DS is your go-to solution. The following table highlights some of the key features that set it apart from the other options.
This says it all
We have summarized this in a clear overview.
Plan your transition ahead
Of course, the solution you choose will depend on your company's IT landscape and the complexity of your scheduling processes. Not sure what to choose or how to move forward? Our experts will guide you toward the best solution for your needs.
Need help determining the right SAP S/4HANA scheduling solution for your business?
Let our experts guide you.
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