For a long time, SAP ChaRM was the central tool for SAP change and transport management – closely linked to Solution Manager. But with the end of maintenance for SolMan, ChaRM has reached a dead end: no further development, no cloud integration, no path to the future.
It’s time to consider ChaRM alternatives and discover how modern solutions such as SmartChange can make everyday SAP tasks easier, faster, and audit-proof.
TL;DR – Key facts in brief
- SAP ChaRM ends in 2027.
- SAP Cloud ALM does not completely replace ChaRM – change management is only partially covered.
- Without a migration strategy, there is a risk of data loss, lack of traceability, and compliance risks.
- ChaRM is technically outdated: no cloud integration, no ITSM connection, little automation.
- SmartChange is a modern, streamlined alternative with rapid implementation and ITSM integration.
Why SAP ChaRM has no future anymore
Many SAP teams still rely on ChaRM – either out of habit or because it is deeply integrated into their existing processes. However, with SolMan coming to an end in 2027 and increasing demands for flexibility, integration, and automation, SAP ChaRM is reaching its limits.
The following weak points make it clear why a sustainable alternative is needed now:
- Dependence on SAP Solution Manager: ChaRM is not a standalone tool – without SolMan, it lacks the technical foundation.
- Outdated UI & limited automation: Manual steps, no modern workflows, high effort for standard processes.
- No ITSM or cloud integration: Neither Jira, ServiceNow, nor the cloud can be seamlessly integrated – a real risk for hybrid IT landscapes.
- High operating and training costs: Operation and configuration require in-depth specialist knowledge, which ties up capacity and incurs additional costs.
What an SAP ChaRM alternative must offer
With the end of SAP ChaRM approaching, the question of a replacement is becoming increasingly important. A modern solution for change and transport management must meet today’s requirements:
SmartChange: The modern alternative to ChaRM
SmartChange supports you in importing SAP transport requests easily, quickly and without risk from the development system to the target systems. The tool is a suitable solution for teams that do not want to hire additional specialist personnel for transport management.
The REALTECH solution offers you the following advantages:
- High level of automation: fewer manual steps, fewer errors, greater efficiency in day-to-day business
- Integrated quality checks: Minimize risks during deployments and secure approval processes
- Monitoring & Reporting: Full transparency across all transports, including audit trails and history
- Fast implementation: Up and running in just a few days – without lengthy projects or external consulting
- Flexible integrations: Seamless connection to Jira, ServiceNow, and other ITSM tools
With SmartChange, you can bring your SAP transports into the future – securely, efficiently, and independently of SolMan.
Let us show you how to successfully replace SolMan.
Tool comparison: SAP ChaRM vs. SmartChange
ChaRM has served us well, but it also had its weaknesses, such as the lengthy implementation, high maintenance costs and limited flexibility.
With SmartChange you get a lightweight tool for flexible management of SAP transports. The stand-alone solution offers a wide range of options for automating repetitive tasks, simplifies the retrofitting of DEV systems and ensures risk-free approval processes with integrated quality checks.
| Feature | SAP ChaRM | SmartChange |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Change and release management in the SAP standard | Modular tool for automated transport management |
| Implementation | Lengthy, consulting-intensive | Fast & uncomplicated – productive in just a few days |
| Maintenance effort | High – complex maintenance, manual processes | Low – simple administration by SAP Basis team |
| System requirements | On-premises only, SolMan dependency | On-prem, cloud & hybrid environments |
| Usability | Outdated UI, difficult to use | Modern web interface, intuitive use |
| 3rd party integration | Limited, complex connection | Open API, can be integrated with Jira, ServiceNow, etc. |
| Future-proof | End of support 2027 | Active further development |
In contrast to SolMan ChaRM, the REALTECH software, which has also greatly simplified the release/approval process for us, is small, fine, and flexible.
SAP Team, Ariane Group
Replace SAP ChaRM and secure your change documents
Even after the end of Solution Manager, SAP change and transport management remains a key task for SAP teams. Make sure that your change documentation is archived and ideally integrated into the new solution. You may be wondering what will happen to your existing change documents.
SmartChange is not only a successor to SAP Solution Manager ChaRM, but also supports you in the migration process. The tool-based approach is extremely efficient and reliable.
Back up your ChaRM Change Documents now
Time for an SAP ChaRM alternative
So how do you manage your SAP transports without ChaRM? It’s time to say goodbye to SAP Solution Manager and consider a new solution. Don’t wait for the end of life of SolMan. Act now and find your new SAP ChaRM alternative.
Do you have any questions? I would be happy to show you SmartChange in a personal live demo. I am looking forward to meeting you!
FAQs: Replacing SAP ChaRM
With Cloud ALM, SAP offers a new application lifecycle management solution, but (as of today) it does not provide full transport management with ChaRM functionality. Companies therefore need supplementary solutions from third-party providers such as SmartChange to fully map change and transport processes.
After SAP Solution Manager 2027 reaches end of maintenance, SAP ChaRM will also no longer be usable. Without migration, there is a risk of losing change documents and audit trails. Tool-supported migration (e.g., with SmartChange) enables secure transfer and archiving of existing ChaRM data.
The transition from SAP ChaRM requires a structured approach. It is particularly important that existing ChaRM change documents are transferred or archived. The change offers an opportunity to streamline old processes and establish modern workflows.