SAP Repackages Cloud ERP for Easier Adoption - Why it Matters to Businesses and IT Talent
- SmartChoice
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
At the SAP Sapphire event in Orlando (May 20, 2025), SAP dramatically revamped its cloud ERP offering, introducing a new line‑of‑business application packages for finance, supply chain, HR, procurement, and customer experience. These bundles all include:
SAP Cloud ERP (S/4HANA Cloud Public or Private)
SAP Business Data Cloud for analytics
SAP Business AI built on SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP)
SAP Build low‑code tools for extensibility
SAP Enterprise Service Management
This repackaging aims to promote a "clean core" architecture minimising customisation while maximising scalability and faster time‑to‑value for new customers 1
In addition, the rebranding of “RISE with SAP” to “SAP Cloud ERP Private” maintains its methodology but bundles services differently, adding AI, Datasphere, low‑code development, sustainability, and CFO solutions. Some commentators caution that the complexity of tiers may obscure cost comparisons 2
AI‑Enhanced Features for Existing Customers
SAP is actively embedding generative and agentic AI across its cloud solutions, highlighting capabilities of SAP Business AI and its co-pilot Joule:
Key AI Innovations in Q1‑2025:
Joule Agents for automating supplier checks, contract reviews, service ticket triage
Finance/Spend: AI‑assisted search/navigation, error explanations, automated journal uploads, trade classification in S/4HANA Cloud (both public/private)
Procurement & Supply Chain: AI‑navigation in Ariba and Field Service Management; category recommendation; “Green Token” declaration image analysis
IT & Developer Tools: AI‑powered code generation (ABAP, SAP Build Code), natural‑language search in Datasphere, model‑library for LLM deployment, and knowledge‑graph grounding 3
AI Agents in Action:
At Davos 2025, CEO Christian Klein announced sales and supply‑chain AI agents that autonomously interact for example, a sales agent checks supply availability via the supply‑chain agent before proposing pricing bundles 4
During Sapphire, SAP emphasized "agentic AI” software agents that proactively manage workflows via a shared AI operating layer (“AI Foundation”), delivering omnipresent “action bars” and proactive suggestions across systems by Q3‑2025 5
Supply Chain & Network‑Centric Strategy
SAP rolled out powerful supply‑chain updates at Sapphire that reflect a suite‑first, network‑centric strategy:
Unified business suite integration: Better handoffs among product development, manufacturing, asset health, and service orders via SAP Integrated Product Development, SCM, and Digital Manufacturing.
Joule‑driven planning: AI copilot support for supply‑chain planners interpreting inventory, procurement, and demand analytics 6
Expanded SAP Business Network: Enhanced compliance documentation, logistics emissions tracking, and global rollout of commerce automation with new features expected through Q4‑2025
Strategic Partnerships & Extended Ecosystem
SAP’s AI roadmap includes strategic collaborations to build multi‑cloud, enterprise‑scale AI ecosystems:
Partnered with Google Cloud (using Gemini), Microsoft Copilot, Amazon Bedrock, and Meta LLaMA, enabling Joule to work across environments with unified AI experiences
Integration enables SAP to meet customers where they are on private cloud, Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud with consistent AI support.
Why These Moves Matter
Acquisition acceleration: New ERP bundles simplify decision‑making for prospective customers, reducing friction to cloud adoption.
Value reinforcement: For current clients, AI enriches workflows, enhances data insight, and automates repetitive tasks.
Platform differentiation: SAP positions itself as a "clean‑core, AI‑native suite", with multi‑cloud support and a strong ecosystem.
Strategic synergy with partners: Cross‑cloud AI interoperability ensures SAP remains relevant even in hybrid or multi‑vendor architectures.
Summary Table
Initiative | Target Customer | Benefit |
ERP App Bundles | New prospects | Simplified migration, end‑to‑end functionality |
AI‑Embedded Capabilities | Existing base | Operational efficiency, reduced manual work |
Agentic AI Platform | All customers | Proactive, cross‑system orchestration |
Supply Chain Upgrades | Manufacturing & logistics | Increased resilience, sustainability |
Cross‑Cloud Partnerships | All users | Flexibility, stronger ecosystem integration |
What This Means for SAP Talent
SAP’s cloud-first strategy, infused with AI, automation, and modularity, is reshaping the skills landscape for professionals working within the SAP ecosystem. As SAP transitions from monolithic ERP to modular, AI-powered services with clean-core architecture, the talent profile companies need is evolving too.
Skills That Are in Growing Demand
1. Cloud-Centric ERP Expertise
Experience with SAP S/4HANA Cloud (Public & Private Editions) is now essential.
Knowledge of SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform), including CAP, RAP, and event-driven architectures.
Familiarity with RISE with SAP and SAP Cloud ERP delivery models.
2. AI & Data Integration
Understanding of SAP Business AI, Joule, and how to embed or consume AI services across modules.
Skills in SAP Datasphere, HANA Cloud, and data federation/integration.
Experience with AI Foundation, agents, and working alongside AI copilots in operational systems.
3. Process Automation & Low-Code Development
Proficiency with SAP Build (Apps, Process Automation, Workzone) and other low-code/no-code platforms.
Capability to modernise processes while preserving the “clean core”.
4. Domain & Industry Knowledge
Functional consultants with deep domain experience (e.g. finance, logistics, procurement) who can work with AI-enhanced workflows.
Industry-specific use cases are now deeply embedded in SAP’s modular packages, requiring business-savvy SAP professionals.
5. Cross-Platform & Ecosystem Thinking
Experience integrating SAP systems with Azure, GCP, or AWS using SAP Integration Suite or BTP Extension Suite.
Openness to working with partner AI models (e.g. Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini) within SAP environments.
How SmartChoice International Can Help
At SmartChoice, we understand that staying ahead in SAP talent means aligning skills with innovation.
Whether you're a CIO preparing for cloud ERP migration, or an SAP consultant re-skilling for the AI era, we can support you in three ways:
For Organisations
Curated SAP Talent Pools – Specialists in S/4HANA Cloud, SAP BTP, Joule AI, and integration architecture across industries.
Flexible Staffing Models – Onshore, nearshore, and hybrid delivery from hubs in Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, Poland, the UK, and the US.
Advisory & Build Teams – Full squads with SAP solution architects, cloud engineers, and AI-enhanced delivery capabilities.
For SAP Professionals
Access to Forward-Thinking Projects – With clients embracing SAP Cloud ERP, AI, and modular adoption journeys.
Career Coaching & Certification Planning – Support to pivot into new areas like SAP AI, BTP, or industry-specific modules.
Placement with Purpose – We align you with companies ready to invest in your future.
Final Thought
SAP’s direction is clear: intelligent, composable, and AI-native ERP is the new normal. Businesses that invest in the right skills and talent who embrace this evolution will lead the transformation.
SmartChoice International is here to connect those companies with the people who make innovation happen.
Sources
Citations
AI capabilities & Joule enhancements (finance, procurement, IT)
Agentic AI progress and launch of agents at Davos
Supply chain innovations & network‑centric positioning
Strategic AI partnerships across cloud ecosystems
Rebranding of RISE and private edition offerings
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