SAP TechEd 2024 delivered a powerful message in its keynote: AI innovation and the seamless integration of SAP products are essential for the success of modern businesses. With a host of new tools and enhancements focused on AI-powered chatbots and deeper integration of SAP solutions, SAP is equipping its customers with a robust foundation to address both current and future challenges. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the key announcements and innovations unveiled during the event.

1. SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP): The Central Pillar of Innovation

A major highlight of this year’s TechEd was the evolution of the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). BTP empowers companies to streamline their systems more efficiently while maintaining the flexibility to respond to market demands. A key focus is the integration of new SAP-managed data centers, set to become operational in the first half of 2025, which will enhance the platform’s availability. This move addresses the growing need for global coverage and localized solutions for SAP's diverse customer base.

Additionally, SAP has introduced enhanced support through the BTP Guidance Framework. This framework assists companies in making informed decisions about utilizing the platform and offers industry-specific recommendations via the SAP Discovery Center. As a result, customers can quickly adapt to changes and develop customized solutions tailored to their unique requirements.

2. Data Analysis and Visualization with SAP Analytics Cloud and the SAP Knowledge Graph Engine

Another standout feature of TechEd 2024 was the upgrade to the SAP Analytics Cloud, particularly with the introduction of personalized KPIs through the Watchlist. This new feature enables companies to monitor their critical performance indicators more effectively. By integrating AI into the Analytics Cloud, businesses can now proactively respond to trends and make real-time decisions.

The SAP Vector Engine, with a speed up to a thousand times faster than last year, alongside the SAP HANA Cloud Knowledge Graph Engine - available in the SAP S/4HANA Cloud starting Q1/2025 - opens up new possibilities in data management. Utilizing knowledge graphs allows for quicker and more efficient identification and utilization of data relationships, which is invaluable for complex data environments requiring swift and informed decision-making.

Coupled with the new Data Lake features, available from Q4/2024, SAP offers a comprehensive solution for managing and analyzing large datasets. The SAP Analytics Cloud Compass can perform targeted risk scenarios using Monte Carlo Simulation, and new functions and analysis methods were demonstrated on the Apple Vision Pro.

3. SAP Build and ABAP Cloud: The Future of Low-Code Development

SAP is advancing the combination of SAP Build and ABAP Cloud to provide developers with a straightforward and efficient platform for creating extensions. This approach clearly follows the “Clean Core” strategy, allowing for continuous product development. SAP Build emerges as the central solution for low-code and no-code developments, enabling companies to create and customize applications without extensive programming knowledge.

The Extensibility Wizard, launching in Q4/2024, simplifies the creation of custom extensions in the SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition. This feature is particularly beneficial for companies needing flexible ERP system customization without relying heavily on programming resources. With SAP’s AI system, Joule data and service models can be adjusted using natural language.

A Large Language Model (LLM), trained on 250 million lines of code, allows for automatic code explanations and the creation of Fiori and mobile applications, further enhancing development efficiency.

4. Joule: AI as Part of SAP Solutions

Joule, SAP’s venture into generative AI, plays a pivotal role in optimizing and automating business processes. Integrated across various SAP solutions, Joule helps companies efficiently solve complex business challenges. With capabilities like self-reflection, planning, and collaboration among multiple AI agents, Joule becomes an invaluable tool in daily business operations.

A particularly exciting development is the integration of Joule Studio into SAP Build, available from Q1/2025. This allows developers to create customized AI models and integrate them directly into application development. This provides flexibility and supports the precise adaptation of AI to specific business needs.

The AI-powered localization feature introduced with Joule enables companies to quickly identify and address complex error causes. Joule is especially useful in areas such as error analysis, helping businesses minimize operational disruptions.

Joule will be available on all mobile devices - including smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets - ensuring that its extensive AI functionalities are always accessible.

5. New Features in the SAP Integration Suite

The SAP Integration Suite is receiving a range of enhancements to help companies better connect their systems. These include new integration adapters, available in Q4/2024, and the ability to perform automated script optimization using generative AI, set to launch in the first half of 2025. These new features enable even more efficient integration of SAP and non-SAP systems, reducing operating costs and boosting efficiency.

With the SAP Integration Suite Starter Edition, companies can now kick off their projects more quickly and connect integrations with ease. This solution is specifically designed for medium-sized enterprises, providing them with the tools they need to get started without delay.

6. Business Transformation Management and Regulatory Adjustments

SAP TechEd 2024 highlighted the critical role of Business Transformation Management in navigating increasingly complex regulatory requirements. The focus was on adapting to new regulations in markets such as the USA, Europe, and Asia, where evolving laws are reshaping business processes. SAP supports its customers in overcoming these challenges through transparent processes and automated adjustments. Products like SAP Signavio and SAP LeanIX assist in documenting business processes, with SAP LeanIX concentrating on IT landscapes.

7. The Future of Enterprise Solutions: AI, Automation, and Intelligent Business Processes

A central theme of the event was the integration of AI into operational business processes. SAP showcased how generative AI and machine learning can be leveraged to automate tasks and enhance efficiency. From automated error correction and competency-based project team recommendations to supply chain optimization, SAP empowers companies to focus on their core activities by streamlining operations.

Conclusion: SAP TechEd 2024 – A Vision for the Future of Businesses

SAP TechEd 2024 demonstrated that SAP is not only addressing the current challenges of digital transformation, but also forging a clear vision for the future. With a strong emphasis on AI, cutting-edge analytics tools, and customized extensions, SAP provides its customers with a platform poised to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Whether through enhancing the Integration Suite, introducing innovative AI tools like Joule, or expanding the BTP, SAP has shown that it enables companies to simplify their processes and foster innovation effectively.