Why is there no vanilla SAP Business One instance to start with?

[GeorgS_KOCH]

We have evaluated and tested  SAP Business One # and would like to start using it for our small manufacturing automation company, first mainly for Purchasing & Logistics, then later, we want to add Sales and Finance

However, we are struggling a lot with the approach of most providers to have weeklong implementation efforts before being able to work with the system.  We are used to the sign-up and go process that modern SAAS platforms offer. Why does it seem to be impossible to get access to a vanilla SAP B1 instance for us with minimal configuration, so that we can get started
How come, I can get a demo account and play with a system, but when I want to use it in the exact same way as in the demo, I cannot?

Why do I have to have sessions with an implementation partner to talks about requirements, when I have never really worked with the system and don't know my requirements? I first want to work with the standard, learn what we miss and order needed extensions afterward.

It's 2024: Waterfall projects are long dead, agile is the way to go.

Anyone here understands my struggle?

[dgb]

Hi Georg. During the initial setup of SAP there are "many system configurations" and some of these are simply not changeable once the system has been created therefore you need to get them right from the start. An example of this is segmented chart of accounts vs non-segmented chart of accounts. There is a considerable amount of core configuration (default values, GL posting defaults, etc that simply must be configured up front. To do this someone (usually the consultant) has to review all of the options with the client these to understand what needs to be configured. The amount of time up front is determined by the complexity of the business.

[Johan_H]

Hi,

A couple of thoughts, that I hope may help you in your struggle.

• B1 is not a collection of modules like for example R/4 or SAP By Design, instead it is a single software that is meant to run ALL aspects of a small-medium business. We often talk about modules, because of the way the GUI looks, and because you can block certain users from using certain parts of it. B1's main thing is that it takes care of ALL accounting related to those aspects (except payroll, because it is nearly impossible to create a software that can handle all the world's different legal systems pertaining thereto). You cannot really run B1 without the financial "module". This is also the largest factor in the system's initial configuration.
• B1 is as vanilla as ERPs come. If you have evaluated it, you have likely looked at a demo company. Theoretically you could just continue using that demo company. Add your own master data, and you are good to go. However, you will very quickly find that the system (like any other ERP) does not do exactly what you want it to do, and you will have to reconfigure it each time. You may also find that having used the system in a certain way, will prevent you from using it in another way Having that boring meeting with the consultant in the beginning will simply save you the trouble later on. Even with a sign-up and go process that modern SAAS platforms offer, you will still have to do a lot of configuration. If you feel you do not, then that platform has comparatively very little functionality, or it costs more. So I would ask you what did you like about B1 that tmade you consider it over a SAAS solution?
• "Badabing badaboom, done!" was said by no business manager ever, about any IT project, let alone an ERP one. 90% have never said so, and the other 10% lie about it. The main reason being, that setting up an ERP system to do what you want is an evolution that lasts as long as the business itself. Previous IT project implementations in mirror are more difficult than they appear.
• Remember the Cheap-Fast-Good triangle.
• If B1 looks like the software for you, you may want to consider using and implementing, it the way it is supposed to, and integrate it with any other software you may be using. Or better yet, do everything with B1, and save the costs of the other software packages.

Regards,

Johan