Pavel Ramanouski, Head of SAP BI and EPM practice at ACBaltica
AI in business software often makes the headlines for the wrong reasons – “robots taking jobs,” or “automation replacing humans.” But what's behind all that buzz? Today, AI is no longer about replacement people – its' all about efficiency, clarity, and growth. In this post, we’ll explore how AI is reshaping ERP systems, what SAP is doing to bring these capabilities into its cloud solutions, and what companies should know before rolling out AI in their ERP landscape.
Let’s unpack it step by step.
Why AI matters for ERP today
AI is no longer limited to flashy consumer tools or experimental pilots. It’s now part of the ERP backbone – helping companies plan better, act faster, and unlock insights from their data.
Instead of eliminating jobs, AI helps teams focus on what matters:
Instead of eliminating jobs, AI helps teams focus on what matters:
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Automating repetitive processes
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Surfacing hidden trends in real time
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Supporting quick, confident decision-making
What was once reserved for global enterprises is now accessible to growing mid-market businesses too, thanks to cloud deployment models and scalable pricing.
In short: ERP systems are getting smarter – and so are the companies that use them.
In short: ERP systems are getting smarter – and so are the companies that use them.
SAP’s approach: embedded AI in Cloud ERP
As the market leader in ERP, SAP is embedding AI into its portfolio at a rapid pace. A few highlights from 2025:
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SAP Business AI keeps expanding: over 400 scenarios will be available by the end of the year, almost double today’s number.
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Joule, SAP’s AI copilot: now integrated into SAP S/4HANA Cloud (public and private editions), as well as SAP SuccessFactors and SAP Analytics Cloud. Natural language requests, outcome simulation, actionable insights directly within the system – Joule brings you that, and more!
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SAP–AWS AI Co-Innovation Program: giving companies the tools to create their own AI use cases, built on top of their ERP and business data.
These developments confirm a clear direction: AI is no longer a “premium extra” in SAP systems – it’s becoming the default.
Key AI capabilities already built into SAP solutions
So what does embedded AI actually mean in practice? Here are some standout features already available in SAP’s cloud solutions:
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Conversational AI assistants (Joule): Ask questions in plain language and get instant answers, explanations, and recommendations.
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Predictive analytics: Forecast cash flow, late payments, churn risk, or demand without needing a data science team.
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Scenario simulation (Compass): Model what-if scenarios – from supply chain shocks to price fluctuations – and compare outcomes instantly.
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Smart insights: Understand what drives KPIs like profitability or retention, with clear visual explanations.
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AI-powered planning: Build, test, and align forecasts across finance, HR, and operations, without juggling spreadsheets.
How AI changes daily work
Embedded AI shines when we look at real roles inside a company:
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CFO: Joule flags tariff changes, runs compliance workflows, and updates financial forecasts instantly.
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CRO: Predictive insights highlight revenue risks and growth opportunities, supporting targeted actions.
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COO / Supply Chain Lead: AI reallocates stock and adapts logistics plans when demand shifts.
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CHRO: HR teams detect skill gaps and succession risks before they become business blockers.
And above all that: with AI features, you get one connected system, one source of truth, and faster responses.
What companies should keep in mind
When relying on AI, you have to understand that not all the features (even widely announced) are already available. Jere’s what we advice you to keep in mind:
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Rollouts are phased – some tools (like Joule or scenario simulation) are not yet available in every module or geography.
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High-quality, connected data is essential – AI is only as good as the information it can work with. The quality of your data (and your ability to manage it!) is even more crucial when it comes to implementation of AI features.
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If you have custom use cases, most probably you will need to involve IT teams or SAP partners – so get ready for additional investment.
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Advanced capabilities (like Joule Studio, custom agents, and high-volume analytics) may require extra licenses or be restricted to enterprise editions. And theres+’s even more: features that are free in one module may be paid in another, or have usage limits.
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Pricing for AI features can vary – always clarify before committing.
Implementation: think evolution, not revolution
For most businesses, the smart path to AI adoption in ERP is incremental.
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Start with out-of-the-box features (forecasting, invoice automation, Joule in S/4HANA Public Cloud).
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Prioritize data quality early – clean, connected data unlocks AI’s real value.
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Expect continuous rollouts – SAP releases new features every quarter.
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Focus on measurable business wins, not a big-bang transformation.
The right partner can make all the difference. At ACBaltica, we’ve supported ERP transformations for over two decades – and today, we help clients take advantage of AI-powered tools like S/4HANA Public Cloud to turn promise into practice.
Conclusion: AI in ERP is the new normal
AI is no longer just a trend – it’s an everyday tool that can help you:
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Make faster, more informed decisions
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Automate repetitive work
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Give teams the space to focus on strategic growth
AI in ERP isn’t optional anymore. It’s becoming the standard. The question is not if you’ll adopt it – but how soon.
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