The classic SAP transactions around the capacity planning table (for example CM21, CM25) have been discontinued. 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
Since 12/31/2025, the classic CM transactions based on the graphical planning board (such as CM21, CM25, CM27, CM29, CM30, CM31, CM32, CM33, CM36) can no longer be used in SAP S/4HANA due to licensing reasons.
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.
Essentially, three solution paths can be distinguished: SAP standard (SAP Fiori Capacity Planning Table app) as a lean alternative, the SAP LMPC add-on as a “CM-like” approach with extended functionality, and Embedded PP/DS (ePP/DS) as a full-featured detailed planning and sequencing solution (usually involving additional license and implementation effort).
These options require new skills and differ significantly in terms of functionality. The uncertainty regarding future processes and potential gaps in the coverage of planning functionalities represents 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) Lean Manufacturing Planning and Control (LMPC)
LMPC is a modular detailed planning cockpit with a strong focus on sequencing and shopfloor and Kanban-oriented planning. Thanks to flexible customizing, it can be closely aligned with planners’ needs and enables practical, visual sequencing directly in the manufacturing environment.
- Add-on for SAP ECC or S/4HANA (add-on is based on CM25)
- Fast, adaptable sequencing with a combined table and planning board view
- Additional visualizations, information fields and functions for online detailed planning and follow-up actions
Suitable for companies with repetitive processes and currently highly manual, graphical planning (for example CM21 or CM25) that are looking for lean, ERP-integrated sequencing.
C) 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
| Criterion | Fiori App (Standard) | SAP LMPC | Embedded PP/DS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning strategies | Basic strategies available. Limited functionality compared to CM21/CM25. | Comparable to CM21 or CM25 with extended scope. More than 100 additional functions and enhancements available in the form of “action codes”. | Complex planning scenarios possible including a wide range of strategies |
| Drag&Drop | Limited | Fully supported | Fully supported |
| Setup time optimization | Not available | Matrix-based | Automated / Matrix |
| Custom enhancements | Limited | Extensive options via customizing | Extensively possible (customizing) |
| License | Included in standard | Additional license required | Additional license required |
| Suitable for | Simple planning scenarios / transition solution | Manual planning scenarios, online planning | Complex planning scenarios |
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 covered by the Fiori app or whether PP/DS or LMPC is the better solution for your specific situation. - 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.
- Positioning of LMPC compared to Fiori and PP/DS
You receive a clear, first-hand assessment of when LMPC is suitable as an add-on-based capacity planning table solution for your requirements and why, in certain scenarios, Fiori or PP/DS is the more appropriate option.
- 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. 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.
