SAP Sapphire 2024, one of the most anticipated events in the enterprise software industry, was a resounding success, drawing thousands of professionals, executives, and thought leaders from around the globe. The event, held in Orlando, Florida, showcased the latest advancements in SAP technologies and provided a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and innovation.
Keynote Highlights
The keynote sessions were the cornerstone of SAP Sapphire 2024, featuring insights from SAP's top executives and industry leaders. Christian Klein, CEO of SAP, kicked off the event with a visionary address focusing on the future of intelligent enterprises. He emphasized SAP's commitment to sustainability, digital transformation, and customer success. Klein also unveiled several new product enhancements and strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating business innovation.
BGSF's Key Takeaways
SAP S/4Hana
BGSF's own Beth Feaster, Client Services Manager, attended the event and noted that a majority of the sessions and her conversations related to SAP S/4HANA. According to Beth:
SAP has extended the support deadline of ECC from 2027 to 2029.
Organizations need to start with the migration by 2027, or they will be lacking ECC support, which will make it almost impossible for a successful transition.
There is still a very large number of organizations on ECC.
The Rise of RISE with SAP
The RISE with SAP offering is a comprehensive, AI-powered cloud ERP solution managed and optimized by SAP. It provides a suite of services and tools built on SAP's clean core approach, enabling businesses to:
Migrate on-premise systems to the cloud efficiently.
Transform and modernize business processes.
Drive continuous innovation.
Unlock the agility and scalability of the cloud.
RISE with SAP represents a significant step forward in helping businesses transition to cloud environments while maintaining operational excellence and embracing innovative AI capabilities.
SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP)
SAP BTP is an integrated innovation platform optimized for SAP applications in the cloud. It brings together application development and automation, data and analytics, integration, and AI capabilities into a single, unified environment. This platform enables businesses to:
Develop and automate applications seamlessly.
Harness the power of data analytics to gain actionable insights.
Integrate various processes and systems effortlessly.
Leverage AI to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making.
BTP's unified environment ensures that all these capabilities work harmoniously, offering a robust foundation for digital transformation and innovation.
AI at the Forefront
Both RISE with SAP and SAP BTP heavily utilize AI, underscoring the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in modern enterprise solutions. At the conference, there were numerous discussions around the practical applications of AI, including the generation of ABAP code using AI, which demonstrates the growing sophistication and utility of AI in SAP's offerings.
Buzz and Insights from the Conference
This year's SAP Sapphire was buzzing with excitement and innovation. Beth's discussions with direct SAP representatives were particularly enlightening, providing deeper insights into the strategic direction and customer expectations. A significant emphasis was placed on RISE with SAP, with expectations of a major shift from customers towards adopting an SAP-managed cloud environment.
However, a recurring theme in these conversations was the challenge of resource availability. Multiple SAP account representatives highlighted a shortage of skilled resources required to kickstart new projects, indicating a potential bottleneck in the rapid adoption and implementation of these advanced solutions.
The Future of SAP
SAP Sapphire 2024 provided a comprehensive look into the future of enterprise technology, with a strong focus on AI-driven innovations and cloud solutions like RISE with SAP and SAP BTP. The event underscored SAP's commitment to driving digital transformation and continuous innovation, while also highlighting the challenges that lie ahead in terms of resource allocation and project initiation. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, the insights and advancements showcased at SAP Sapphire 2024 will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping their journey.
BGSF is uniquely positioned to assist businesses in maximizing the value of their SAP solutions. With a deep understanding of SAP's comprehensive suite of products, BGSF offers expert consulting services to streamline implementation, optimize system performance, and drive digital transformation. Our team of seasoned SAP professionals provides end-to-end support, from strategic planning and system migration to ongoing management and innovation. By partnering with BGSF, businesses can leverage cutting-edge SAP technologies to enhance efficiency, achieve greater agility, and unlock new growth opportunities, ensuring they stay ahead in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Contact us today!