Discontinuation of CM21/CM25: What the end of the classic capacity planning board in SAP PP means for your company

The classic SAP transactions related to the capacity planning board (e.g., CM21, CM25) will soon be deactivated. What does this mean for your production planning – and what options do you have under S/4HANA? This article provides answers and shows how to successfully manage the transition. In addition, you’ll learn how to generate real added value for your production planning – by using state-of-the-art technology and future-proof processes.

Act now: Critical impact on production planning

As of 12/31/2025, the classic CM transactions based on the graphical planning board (such as CM21, CM25, CM27, CM29, CM30, CM31, CM32, CM33, CM36) may no longer be used in SAP S/4HANA due to licensing reasons. According to SAP Note 2268050, these transactions are included in the so-called compatibility scope.

Exception for RISE with SAP:

Customers using RISE with SAP can currently extend usage of the affected transactions until 2030. The exact conditions should be coordinated early with the relevant SAP sales representative.

Transactions for the graphical planning board (CM21) and the dialog transaction (CM25) are particularly central to capacity and sequence planning in many production companies. Their discontinuation not only means a UI change, but a deep intervention into existing planning processes. The planning board has so far been the operational heart for detailed planning, overload correction, and short-term interventions – often extended with customer-specific enhancements.

As alternatives, SAP offers the FIORI app “Capacity Planning Board” or the advanced planning solution called embedded PP/DS (ePPDS). Both require new expertise and are functionally different. Uncertainty about the future process and potential gaps in planning functionalities pose an immediate risk for production planning.

An early review of current capacity planning processes is therefore essential to ensure operational stability and planning security under S/4HANA.

What are the alternatives and what should you consider?

SAP offers two key successor options with S/4HANA:

A) Fiori App “Capacity Planning Board” (Standard Solution)

This app represents basic capacity planning in the modern SAP Fiori design. It is included in the S/4HANA standard and does not require an additional license. For many companies, it offers a quick way to continue basic operations – but with functional limitations compared to the classic CM21 logic.

Strengths

• modern SAP Fiori UI
• Focus on bottleneck planning (“pacemaker” work centers)
• No additional license required

Limitations

• No automatic setup time optimization
• Drag & drop only partially available
• Reduced selection of planning strategies
• Custom enhancements only limited

B) Embedded PP/DS (Production Planning & Detailed Scheduling)

For more complex planning requirements, SAP offers significantly extended functionality with embedded PP/DS – ideal in case of multiple bottlenecks, complex sequence logic, or a high need for optimization. Companies can realize significant efficiency gains with it, such as automated planning, optimized resource utilization, and shorter lead times.

Advantages

• Automatic and matrix-based setup time optimization
• Simultaneous material and capacity planning
• Powerful simulation and comparison functions
• Advanced algorithms for sequencing and alternatives

Comparison table

How cbs supports a successful transition

cbs supports companies in a practical manner throughout the entire transition process – with a clear focus on operational stability and restoring familiar planning capabilities under S/4HANA. The focus is not only on the technical transition, but also on increasing the maturity of planning processes.

Our approach

• Fit-to-Standard Workshop:
  Together, we analyze your current planning scenarios and identify the key core functions that must be preserved after the transition.
• Assessment & Solution Design:
  We assess whether your requirements can be met with the Fiori app or whether PP/DS is necessary. We compare your current functionalities directly with the new options – clearly, concisely, and focused on your daily business.
• Implementation Roadmap:
  You receive a clear plan for implementing capacity planning in the new system – including realistic scheduling, resource planning, and all necessary training for your planners.

Your concrete benefits

• Clarity about your current planning situation:

In the workshop, we jointly document your current planning processes with CM21* transactions and determine which functions are truly indispensable in your daily operations.

• Transparent evaluation of the Fiori app:

You will learn firsthand which functions the Fiori capacity planning board actually supports – and where there are limitations compared to the previous solution (e.g., drag & drop, setup time optimization, parallel operations, or custom enhancements).

• Evaluation of PP/DS as an option:

We analyze together whether and where PP/DS is necessary or beneficial for your requirements – e.g., for complex sequencing logic, automated optimization, or extensive simulation capabilities.

• Concrete recommendations for action:

By the end of the workshop, you’ll know exactly whether switching to the Fiori app is sufficient for your operations – or where you need to plan additional measures or investments (such as PP/DS). This helps you make informed decisions and build a reliable foundation for your future production planning.

• Safe transition:

Through structured analysis, you avoid unpleasant surprises at go-live – you identify functional gaps or the need for adjustments early and can respond accordingly. This not only secures daily operations – but also builds trust among your planners and IT stakeholders.