In effect, SAP is like a franchise system for running certain industries. SAP sells you a software system that includes ready-made workflows and battle-tested

In effect, SAP is like a franchise system for running certain industries. SAP sells you a software system that includes ready-made workflows and battle-tested instruction manuals. Plus they can synchronize your purchasing and sales departments with everyone else that also uses their software. So if you want to start a small company working with the big car manufacturers, you buy SAP and suddenly you can send quotes in precisely the format that VW expects, because you and VW now both use the SAP specification. In that regard, signing up for SAP is quite similar to signing up to be a Subways location.