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    SAP
    Audit Defense

    Defend against SAP audit claims.

    SAP's complex licensing models—from Named Users to Indirect Access—create significant audit exposure. We help you understand your position and defend your rights.

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    $600M+
    Audit claims defended
    0
    Lost audit disputes
    95%
    Benefit from third-party help
    Received a SAP audit notice? Don't respond until you talk to us.Get help now →

    The short answer

    SAP's complex licensing models—from Named Users to Indirect Access—create significant audit exposure. We help you understand your position and defend your rights.

    • Do not respond to a SAP audit notice before the scope, contract rights, and deadlines are reviewed.
    • Indirect Access Claims: SAP's Indirect Access rules can trigger unexpected licensing requirements when third-party systems access SAP data.
    • Named User Classification: Determining the correct user type (Professional, Limited, Employee, etc.) is complex and audit-prone.
    • S/4HANA Migration Pressure: SAP is pushing customers to S/4HANA, often using audits as leverage for migration discussions.
    SAP Audit Challenges

    Common SAP audit traps we help you avoid

    Indirect Access Claims

    SAP's Indirect Access rules can trigger unexpected licensing requirements when third-party systems access SAP data.

    Named User Classification

    Determining the correct user type (Professional, Limited, Employee, etc.) is complex and audit-prone.

    S/4HANA Migration Pressure

    SAP is pushing customers to S/4HANA, often using audits as leverage for migration discussions.

    Document Access Licensing

    The Digital Access model changed how organizations must license document-based access to SAP data.

    Third-Party Integration Risk

    Integrations with Salesforce, ServiceNow, or custom applications can trigger Indirect Access claims.

    Development & Test Systems

    Non-production systems often require licensing that organizations overlook.

    Our Winning Combination

    Technical experts + Real attorneys

    We don't just understand SAP licensing—we know how to defend your position. Our partnership with Beeman & Muchmore, LLP gives you access to some of the most experienced attorneys in software contract law.

    Contract-Based Defense

    We defend based on your contract, not vendor policies.

    Legal Partnership

    Real attorneys who specialize in software licensing law.

    Ready to defend your position?

    • Free initial consultation
    • Contract review & analysis
    • Effective License Position (ELP)
    • Negotiation & settlement support
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    SAP Resources

    Essential guides & tools

    Customer Stories

    SAP audit defense success stories

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    Insights & Articles

    SAP licensing insights

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    FAQ

    SAP audit questions answered

    What is SAP Indirect Access?

    Indirect Access refers to scenarios where users or systems access SAP data through third-party applications, interfaces, or integrations rather than directly through the SAP GUI. SAP has historically claimed this requires additional licensing.

    How did SAP change Indirect Access rules?

    In 2018, SAP introduced the Digital Access model as an alternative to traditional Indirect Access licensing. This model charges based on document types created or accessed rather than user counts. Understanding which model applies to your situation is critical.

    Can SAP audit our third-party integrations?

    SAP audit rights typically cover your use of SAP software. However, they often expand audit scope to include integrations. We help you understand what you're contractually obligated to disclose and how to protect your position.

    What triggers an SAP audit?

    Common triggers include: contract renewals, cloud migration discussions, mergers/acquisitions, significant user count changes, or simply being a large SAP customer who hasn't been reviewed recently.

    How should we prepare for an SAP audit?

    Start by understanding your contracts and current deployment. Inventory all SAP systems, user types, and integrations. Document your license entitlements. Most importantly, engage expert help before sharing information with SAP.

    The bottom line

    If you are facing a SAP audit: SAP's complex licensing models—from Named Users to Indirect Access—create significant audit exposure. We help you understand your position and defend your rights. LicenseFortress is an independent advocate — we never sell SAP licenses and take no vendor commissions.

    • LicenseFortress is an independent software licensing advocate — we never sell vendor licenses and take no vendor commissions.
    • $2.4B+ in vendor claims defended and $625M+ saved for clients.
    • Coverage across Oracle, Microsoft, IBM, SAP, VMware by Broadcom, and Adobe.
    • Licensing experts working alongside software contract attorneys.

    Don't face a SAP audit alone

    Get expert help from the team that's defended over $600M in audit claims with a perfect track record.

    Get Expert HelpLearn About Audit Defense
    Beyond Audit Defense

    Comprehensive licensing solutions

    Whether you need ongoing management, contract support, or cloud optimization—we have you covered.