Episode 23: Inside SAP's Clean Core Revolution - Lukas Bretschneider

Guest:
• Lukas Bretschneider - Architecture Lead Clean Core Extensibility, SAP SE
Hosts:
• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions
• Johannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SE
Clean Core — it’s more than a technical concept. It’s a new mindset that challenges how we think about SAP development, extensibility, and long-term innovation.
In this episode, we sat down with Lukas Bretschneider, SAP’s Lead Architect for Clean Core Extensibility, to unpack what Clean Core really means — and why it’s the foundation for a sustainable, future-ready SAP landscape.
Together, they explore:
• Why Clean Core is an attitude, not just a rulebook
• How ABAP Cloud and released APIs redefine extensibility
• The importance of measuring and managing technical debt
• The different levels of Clean Core — from A to D
• How AI supports development without replacing human insight
• The role of governance, change management, and continuous upskilling
Whether you’re a developer, architect, or transformation leader, this conversation offers clear, practical insight into how to build cleaner, faster, and more adaptable SAP systems.
Takeaways:
• Clean Core is an attitude, not just a technical requirement.
• Developers must familiarize themselves with new programming models like ABAP Cloud.
• Measuring technical debt is crucial for maintaining a clean core.
• Using released APIs is essential for upgrade stability.
• There are different levels of clean core, from A to D.
• AI can assist in understanding and managing code, but should not replace human oversight.
• Governance and guidelines are necessary for sustainable development.
• Developers should aim for the highest level of clean core in their work.
• Change management is key when transitioning to clean core practices.
• Continuous education and upskilling are vital for developers.
Follow Lukas: linkedin.com/in/lukas-bretschneider
Follow Alexander: linkedin.com/in/alexandergreb
Follow Johannes: linkedin.com/in/johanneslangguth

Thanks to Steven Spears for lending his voice for our podcast intro.
Theme music by Luis Álvarez a.k.a. Fourth Dogma