SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition, offers the full functional scope and extensibility of the on-premise version. Consequently, system configuration is performed using the traditional SAP Implementation Guide (IMG), which is accessed via transaction SPRO. This provides customers with complete control over detailed configuration settings, similar to an on-premise deployment. The private edition does not use the guided configuration tools designed for the public cloud edition.

A. SAP Solution Manager: This is a lifecycle management tool used for system monitoring, change management (ChaRM), and solution documentation, not the primary tool for performing the actual configuration settings.

C. Self Service Configuration UIs (SSCUIs): These Fiori-based apps are the standard method for configuration in SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition, offering a simplified, guided experience for a predefined scope.

D. SAP Central Business Configuration: This is the central tool for scoping and configuring business processes primarily for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition, and other SAP cloud solutions.

1. SAP Activate Roadmap Viewer: In the "SAP Activate Methodology for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition" roadmap, the task "Configuration Definition" within the "Explore" phase states: "The configuration is done in the IMG (Implementation Guide) in the development system." This directly confirms the use of the IMG.

Source: SAP Activate Roadmap Viewer, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition roadmap.

2. Official Vendor Documentation (SAP Help Portal): The documentation for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition, consistently describes a system landscape and implementation process that mirrors the on-premise approach, which fundamentally relies on the IMG for configuration. The distinction is made clear in comparisons with the public edition.

Source: SAP Help Portal, "SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition, Onboarding Guide," Section: System Landscapes and Transport Management.

3. Official Vendor Documentation (SAP Blog): An official SAP blog post titled "SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition vs. public edition – The high-level differences" clarifies: "In the private edition, you have full access to the backend (SAP GUI) and the complete IMG (Implementation Guide) for configuration."

Source: SAP Community Blog, "SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition vs. public edition – The high-level differences," published by SAP experts.