ERP 6.0 is SAP's most up-to-date ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solution and the 'Go-To' release for SAP (formally known as ERP2005). It brings together core ERP functionality with the Technology of SAP Netweaver 7.0 (previously Netweaver 2004s) and Business Intelligence to provide a more comprehensive and an even more complete ERP offering to organizations.  A version of  SAP that is now essentially more flexible, allows the quicker delivery of technical innovation and good business process.

ERP 6.0 is offering SAP clients two things: (1) A stable and robust strategic platform for the future, with clear roadmaps for development and innovation in each area of operation.  (2) A focus on providing clients with an evolutionary path towards where they want to be rather than having to necessarily go through large and complex upgrade projects on a regular basis or waiting for the next release.

The following diagram illustrates the Architecture path to where we are today with ERP 6.0. (Copyright SAP):

The SAP ECC Core (6.0)

SAP ECC Core (6.0) contains the core of the traditional R/3 offering.  These are the R/3  module areas of Human Resources and Payroll, Financials, Sales and Distribution, Production Planning, Project Systems , Plant Maintenance and so on. Module & component areas for specific  SAP ERP functionality  are now contained in : SAP HCM ERP, SAP Finance ERP, SAP Operations and SAP Corporate Services. As shown in the diagram above ECC Core (6.0)  is  coupled with Netweaver 7.0 to enable user interface simplification, potential for Enterprise SOA (Service Orientated Architecture), Cross Industry and industry specific  enhancements (where appropriate).

ERP 6.0 still contains Extension sets as with ERP 2004 and ERP 2005 for Enterprise and Industry functionality extensions.

With the extension sets, SAP R/3 Enterprise pioneered the concept of encapsulated new functionality, which is optional and deployable as needed.

In addition SAP are looking to enable even greater flexibility by introducing what are called Enhancement Packs. This is a significant change from SAP in terms of the product release strategy and should hold significant advantages for users. Some of these potential advantages will be described in the section below but they include a more flexible approach to gaining and adapting new areas of functionality.

Netweaver 7.0: An advanced composition technology platform that contains not only what was traditionally the SAP BASIS component, but much more. Netweaver 7.0 allows you to put together business solutions that drive better value from your existing IT investments. A foundation for a Service Orientated Architecture that will enable flexibility, cost efficiencies and assists the evolution of the current IT landscape to a strategic one, that drives business change. Enterprise SOA is a standards based blueprint for composing innovative applications and extending existing systems whilst maintaining the flexibility to make future process changes cost-effective.

Netweaver 7.0 offers the following functionality: 

• an Exchange Infrastructure
• Mobile Infrastructure
• Enterprise Portal
• Business Intelligence
• Master Data Management tools

Netweaver 7.0 is an enabler to provide greater means of Data unification, 'all' process integration (SOA) across the organization and assist the management of business information.

Enhancement Packs:  Enhancement Packs represent a new philosophy by SAP in its release strategy. Enhancement packs allow organizations to drip feed new  functionality and enhancements to the overall solution without the need to wait for major version release and subsequent upgrade.

The idea and objective  behind the Enhancement Pack is to decrease the need for regular upgrade, reduce implementation & potential training effort. Enable flexibility in the adoption of new functionality, delivery of  industry specific requirements and client requirements more quickly.

The enhancement packs are optional : on the basis of initial implementation and activation. They  can be combined with the mandatory support pack  updates meaning that minimal effort will be required to do the installation.  If  the enhancement pack is implemented but not activated it will not have an affect  on the existing Netweaver platform, user Interface or process until formally activated as part of an implementation project.  Only the  enhancements applicable to your business need be activated.
Once activated the enhancement packs only require training and appropriate regression testing in the specific functions activated. They do not affect other areas of your solution.  The actual testing process is further simplified with the availability of templates for the specific business function areas utilized.