SAP Sapphire 2025
Understanding transformation as a mindset
SAP Sapphire 2025 in Madrid was much more than an industry gathering - it was an impressive demonstration of how consistently SAP is developing its vision of an intelligent, cloud-based corporate world. In this article, we share our key impressions of the event, focusing on the strategic innovations and their concrete benefits for companies.
1. The Business Suite Becomes the Organizing Principle of Digital Transformation
SAP has again emphasized that RISE with SAP and GROW with SAP are the starting points for the transformation. SAP's Business Suite is to be understood as an end-to-end concept: an integrated interaction of Cloud ERP, Line of Business solutions, industry-specific applications, and the SAP Business Technology Platform. This model not only promises greater efficiency but also brings order to fragmented IT landscapes.
GROW with SAP, in particular, has been noticeably enhanced - for example, with the new, user-based license model, which makes it much easier for companies to get started with cloud ERP. Conversely, RISE is growing in depth and is combined with proven tools such as Signavio, LeanIX, and SAP Cloud ALM. This makes it clear that ERP transformation is no longer just an IT project, but the strategic backbone of continuous corporate development.
2. Data Centralization Becomes Reality - With the Business Data Cloud
With the introduction of the SAP Business Data Cloud, SAP is setting a new standard in handling company data. What was previously often lost in data silos, Excel spreadsheets or manual interfaces is now brought together in an open, harmonized data architecture. The Business Data Cloud is based on SAP Datasphere. It enables a uniform view of operational and analytical data from SAP systems and third-party sources (non-SAP) for the first time.
What does this mean? For example, companies can link sales figures, stock levels, and market forecasts in real time in order to make more informed decisions. The semantic consistency of the data models ensures that analyses are not only faster but also more trustworthy. In combination with integrations to cloud partners such as Google Cloud or Databricks, an open but secure database is created on which future-proof business models can be built.
3. SAP Joule: From AI Gimmick to Productive Agent in Everyday Life
Artificial Intelligence was undoubtedly one of the dominant themes at Sapphire, and SAP has taken a remarkable step here with Joule. Instead of seeing AI as an add-on, SAP integrates it seamlessly into everyday work. The new Joule AI agents, which not only answer questions of all kinds but also independently take on tasks, prepare decisions, and initiate processes, are a particular focus.
In the Experience Center, visitors had the opportunity to experience specific use cases live: Joule analyzes sales-related customer requirements, creates quotation proposals, and dynamically adjusts prices. The AI recognizes impending supply bottlenecks in production, suggests alternatives, and coordinates replenishment planning. Joule even analyzes skill gaps in HR and suggests individual training measures.
The decisive factor: Joule is not abstract, but concrete, integrated, domain-specific, and can be used anywhere and anytime. Companies that want to use AI seriously will not find an empty promise here, but a functioning tool constantly evolving to create direct added value for users with genuine innovations. Over 1,600 skills are already available, representing over 80 percent of the most frequently used user transactions.
4. Industry Solutions with Depth - And Customer Successes That Impress
SAP again emphasized at Sapphire that industry expertise is the key to successful digitalization. Accordingly, numerous line-of-business solutions tailored to industry-specific challenges, from life sciences and consumer goods to discrete manufacturing, were presented. It's not just about technological finesse but also about processes that are regulatory secure, operationally realistic, and innovative.
This was made particularly tangible by the success stories presented. Whether it is BASF, which is implementing global process harmonization with RISE, or Siemens Healthineers, which shortened its innovation cycles by integrating production and financial data, the examples cited clearly showed that transformation is not only possible, but is already taking place, with clear goals, scalable approaches, and real added value.
5. The Triad of Cloud, Data and AI as a Model for the Future
The transformation is no longer an abstract project for the future. It is concrete, real, and has already begun. It is based on a clear triad: cloudification, central data storage, and intelligent process automation through AI.
RISE with SAP and GROW with SAP create the technical foundation with the SAP Business Suite. The Business Data Cloud provides the database, and Joule ensures that intelligent, automated actions are created from it. Companies that consistently combine these three elements create a platform for continuous innovation, regardless of industry or company size.
What ran through all the topics at Sapphire 2025 was a perceptible appeal: companies must move away from the idea of transformation as a one-off project. With its strategic focus on the cloud, business data, and AI, SAP lives a culture of continuous development, and expects the same mindset from its customers. To remain successful in the long term, you must learn to adapt agilely to technological advances, new business models, and regular software updates. This requires not only IT resources, but above all, cultural openness and a willingness to change.
A particular highlight in this context was Jürgen Klopp's appearance. The former star coach spoke about leadership, collaboration, and trust, impressively demonstrating that top performance is only possible when teams develop together and want to improve each other. This principle also applies to companies changing: transformation does not start with technology, but with attitude.
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