Hire an SAP Forward Deployed Engineer
AX3 SAP forward deployed engineers embed inside your SAP programme to deliver the work that decides whether a go-live is calm or painful: integration, extensions on BTP, data migration and cutover engineering. Engagements typically start within two to three weeks and are scoped to production readiness rather than documentation.
Talk to usWhat an SAP forward deployed engineer actually does
S/4HANA programmes are rarely delayed by core configuration. They are delayed by interfaces, legacy data, custom code that nobody will own, and cutover plans that were never rehearsed against real volumes. An SAP FDE works on those directly, inside the programme, with the functional teams.
They combine functional literacy with real engineering discipline: clean-core extension design on BTP, integration built for reprocessing and idempotency, migration objects validated against production data, and rehearsals that surface problems before the weekend of the cutover.
Integration engineering
SAP Integration Suite, IDoc/OData/API interfaces with monitoring, retry and reconciliation designed in.
Clean-core extensions
BTP and RAP-based extensions that keep the core upgradeable instead of accumulating modifications.
Data migration
Migration objects, cleansing rules, validation harnesses and mock-load cycles against real volumes.
Cutover & hypercare
Rehearsed cutover plans, runbooks, defect triage and stabilisation support after go-live.
Four ways to engage — with pricing model and speed to start.
| Model | Best for | Pricing model | Speed to start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single SAP FDE | A stalled integration, extension or migration workstream | Monthly engineer rate | 2–3 weeks to start |
| FDE + Pod | Integration and migration factory capacity across a programme | Fixed monthly pod cost | 3–4 weeks to a running team |
| Outcome-scoped | A defined migration wave or go-live readiness outcome | Milestone-based commercial model | Scoped in 1–2 weeks |
| Contract-to-Hire | Retaining SAP engineering capability in-house | Engagement rate, then an agreed conversion fee | 2–4 weeks |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
Placed where AX3 already delivers.
Manufacturing
Plant integration, MES interfaces and production data alignment.
View skillsCPG & Retail
Supply chain, order-to-cash and trade settlement integration.
View skillsSemiconductor & Hi-Tech
Complex supply networks, subcontracting and test operations.
View skillsEnergy & Utilities
Asset management, maintenance and field execution integration.
View skillsHire an SAP Forward Deployed Engineer — frequently asked questions
What is an SAP forward deployed engineer?
An embedded senior SAP engineer accountable for a production outcome inside your programme — typically integration, BTP extensions, data migration or cutover engineering — working with your functional and partner teams.
Can an FDE work alongside our system integrator?
Yes. SAP FDEs are usually engaged in parallel with a prime SI, on the technical workstreams that carry the most go-live risk.
Do you support clean-core and BTP extension strategy?
Yes. Extensions are designed on BTP and RAP patterns wherever possible so the core stays upgradeable, with a documented rationale where an in-core change is unavoidable.
Do you provide hypercare after go-live?
Yes. Engagements commonly extend through hypercare so the engineers who built the interfaces and migrations are the ones stabilising them.
Talk to AX3 about SAP forward deployed engineering
Tell us where the programme is carrying risk — integration, data or cutover. We will embed engineers who have landed those go-lives.