SapphireNow 2021: Embark on Your Digital Journey

On June 2, SAP opened a new virtual edition of its SapphireNow global event. Hosted by Christian Klein, Chief Executive Officer, and Julia White, Chief Marketing and Solutions Officer, the global keynote highlighted three main pillars: Intelligent Enterprise, Networks, and Sustainability. SAP announced new modules or offerings in each of these three areas.

Within Intelligent Enterprise, SAP announced new modules (e.g., new QCP for S/4, predictive accounting, and synchronized visibility functions), integrations (SuccessFactors integrates with Qualtrics), and the expansion of the RISE with SAP program towards industry solutions.

The RISE with SAP program introduced a few months ago is designed to enable companies to achieve digital transformation based on S/4HANA. SAP is launching RISE with SAP transformation packages for specific industries, providing business transformation as a service for different sectors. Initially, SAP will offer industry-tailored cloud solutions for the retail, consumer products, automotive, utilities, and industrial machinery and components industries.

The second major announcement was the establishment of a new community network called SAP Business Network to integrate the existing Ariba Network, SAP Logistics Business Network, and SAP Asset Intelligence Network. According to SAP, the Business Network connects up to 5.5 million companies from these networks today, integrating different customer supply chains across various industries.

The network is designed to connect companies with transport needs, for example, with other companies offering transport services. The network’s functions cover all steps, from contact initiation to price negotiations and invoicing.

The third pillar refers to a hot topic - sustainability, and the zero-carbon economy. SAP announced a dedicated portfolio of new sustainability-related products. These products will enable clients to design, manufacture, and track sustainable products along their life cycle.

SapphireNow 2021 regional events take place until June 24, and we expect further announcements regarding the new concepts and products introduced in the keynote. It is evident that SAP is strengthening its strategy of integration and verticalization in an attempt to go beyond pure ERP functionality and cover core processes in companies with its solutions.