SAP continues to advance its cloud ERP transformation strategy with the refinement of its RISE with SAP platform, an initiative designed to foster innovation for businesses. The developments for 2024 include the integration of embedded AI scenarios designed to enhance organisational processes and decision-making. Significant among these enhancements is SAP's generative AI assistant, called Joule, which will be accessible in both the public and private editions of SAP S/4HANA Cloud.
The trend toward adopting public cloud solutions for ERP is gaining traction among businesses, although the transition remains a work in progress. This growing momentum is reflected in recent surveys conducted by SAPinsider, which engaged 125 community members between August and November 2024 to gauge their perspectives on RISE with SAP. The survey indicates an increasing familiarity with the platform, with a notable rise in respondents reporting a solid understanding of the offering. Specifically, while the number of those declaring themselves "very familiar" has remained relatively stable since 2023, there has been a significant upturn in overall familiarity levels, as evidenced by a drop in those identifying as "somewhat familiar."
The data also reveals a stark contrast in awareness based on company size. An impressive 86% of participants from organisations generating revenues exceeding $2 billion reported familiarity with RISE with SAP, while only 54% of respondents from smaller entities, with revenues close to or below $2 billion, expressed similar awareness.
Central to the appeal of RISE with SAP is the single contract model, which has been identified as a key advantage by many organisations, particularly in contrast to the traditional approach of negotiating various contracts with multiple providers. The perception of this model’s value has evidently increased, highlighting a shift towards viewing RISE with SAP as a platform for innovation. This perception aligns closely with SAP's strategic marketing initiatives over the past year.
However, while many benefits associated with RISE with SAP have been acknowledged, there are lingering concerns regarding costs. The survey revealed that 73% of respondents ranked cost as their primary concern associated with the initiative, up from 63% in the previous year. This growing apprehension suggests that despite the platform’s perceived advantages, uncertainty over the long-term expenses tied to its adoption remains a significant issue for many organisations.
Furthermore, the survey sought insights into the familiarity of respondents with various components of RISE with SAP and the criteria they contemplate when selecting cloud service providers for deployment. Detailed findings and comprehensive analysis on these aspects are accessible through the executive summary of the report, along with recommendations tailored to inform future planning for businesses exploring SAP’s offerings.
In summary, as SAP's RISE with SAP continues to evolve, it stands at the intersection of growing familiarity and innovation potential, even as cost concerns remain a critical factor for organisations navigating the future of their ERP strategies.
Source: Noah Wire Services