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Techday NZ
3 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Exclusive: Enterprise Wide discusses how SAP's AI is transforming retail
Artificial intelligence is very quickly becoming a game-changer in retail, by delivering efficiency gains, better customer experiences and even sustainability benefits. Speaking during an interview at the SAP NOW AI Tour in Melbourne, Evan Mantis, Managing Director of Enterprise Wide, explained that while AI has "surged in popularity" in recent years, SAP has been deploying AI and machine learning in retail for decades. "A major grocery retailer is leveraging AI for demand forecasting to reduce out-of-stocks and shrinkage, which not only helps sustainability but prevents frustration when customers can't find products," he said. For Mantis, the power lies not just in the algorithms but in the infrastructure behind them. "When you're processing 25,000 products across 2,000 stores in a short daily window, it takes real enterprise technology to make it work and continuously improve," he said. The technology extends to product recommendations in both B2B and B2C contexts, driving cross-selling across sectors from hardware to fashion. But the future, Mantis said, will be defined by AI's ability to act instantly. He painted a scenario in which a store's sales fall short of forecasts and AI traces the cause - whether it's goods stuck in the back office or a competitor's promotion - and then recommends a counter-strategy in real time. "One really interesting stat when it comes to out-of-stocks is that more than 50% of items not on the shelves are actually sitting in the back office," Mantis said. "The opportunity cost to improve that is enormous." He sees these rapid, automated insights as a competitive differentiator. "If it brings SAP's capabilities to life in a tangible way, anyone can understand that AI use case. It's a productive, competitive advantage." Speed of results is another selling point. One recent project tackled missing product information across a retailer's sales channels - a serious issue if allergy or sustainability data is absent online. "They were quoted $2 million for the project, but we built it in two weeks for less than 30k using AI models," Mantis said. "AI is bringing productivity and real outcomes incredibly quickly." However, he warned of a common misstep: fragmented AI strategies. "I don't think one AI company will dominate everything. Most businesses will have various AI systems across departments. But if enterprise architects and AI teams aren't joined at the hip, you get pockets of activity without a coherent long-term strategy," he said. Transformation success, Mantis emphasised, starts at the top. "The hard work is done upfront - aligning the business and technology teams and making sure business outcomes are embedded in design and testing. Without CEO and CFO sponsorship, change management becomes the biggest stumbling block," he explained. Data quality is equally critical. "You can have the best system in the world, but if the information you put in is shoddy or inaccurate, it destroys the benefits. Change management and data quality are the two biggest obstacles in any transformation," he said. He pointed out that SAP is deeply embedded in daily life, from grocery checkouts to financial transactions. "It's so prevalent in society that for customers running SAP, managing data is critical - not just for them, but for broader society." Retailers, Mantis acknowledged, face a tough environment with rising costs, labour pressures and price competition. Yet he sees AI as part of the solution. "AI can help them become more productive and efficient, alleviating many of the pressures they face today. If they can leverage it in the right way, the future is bright," he said. In the future, Mantis envisions AI providing instant, voice-activated answers to operational questions. "Why am I not selling as much as forecast? What are my competitors doing that I'm not? If you can get those answers immediately and act before anyone else, you can imagine the competitive advantage," he said. Australia and New Zealand, he added, are already at the forefront of retail innovation, with ideas here often adopted later in Europe and the US. "We punch above our weight in this region," Mantis said. For Mantis, AI's potential in retail is far from theoretical - it's delivering tangible results today, from better-stocked shelves to faster, cheaper technology rollouts. "It takes a very long time to build a positive reputation, but it's very quick to destroy it," he said. "If you can align everyone in a company to the importance of transformation and change, you line yourself up for success."
Techday NZ
3 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Exclusive: SAP's Ashley McGibbon on AI, data and the future of partner innovation
SAP is betting big on artificial intelligence, but only if it's built on a solid foundation of accurate data. Speaking to TechDay at the SAP NOW AI Tour in Melbourne, Chief Partner Officer for SAP Australia and New Zealand, Ashley McGibbon, said partners in the region were "pivoting to meet fast-growing demand for AI solutions". "In ANZ we have about 800 partners – from those building applications, to services partners, to those helping us sell and position our cloud solutions," she said. "The focus is no longer just on go-live. It's about continuous adoption." This vision is captured in SAP's "flywheel" model, which combines applications, data and AI to build momentum for ongoing innovation. Introduced this year, the concept draws on the physics principle where connected components generate increasing energy. For McGibbon, it's not just about clever technology – it's about feeding AI the right inputs. "We run mission-critical business processes, and those processes hold a treasure trove of business-critical data," she explained. "Our Business Data Cloud allows customers to harmonise SAP and non-SAP data, structured and unstructured, to feed AI with accurate business data." Without that accuracy, she warned, AI can go badly wrong. "If they can't trust the data feeding the AI, then the decisions will ultimately be wrong," she said. "It's far easier to achieve a harmonised platform with Business Data Cloud." McGibbon said SAP values partners who work quickly and with purpose, adopting a "minimum viable product" mindset to deliver rapid returns for customers. She noted a surge of AI interest at board level, with directors eager to explore how it can boost productivity, in line with the Australian Government's focus on data-driven efficiency. The response to Business Data Cloud since its February launch has been "the most reception to a new product" SAP has ever had in the region. The momentum is already visible in real-world deployments. SA Power Networks has built a generative AI app on SAP's Business Technology Platform that delivers mobile repair instructions directly to technicians in the field, saving the utility a million Australian dollars in its first year. Beverage company Lion built an app in just 10 days, a sign of how diverse industries are embracing AI. McGibbon pointed to Deloitte's recent CFO study, which found 80 per cent of CFOs in APAC prioritise automation through AI. "Everybody's talking about it," she said. For partners still making the shift to cloud and AI, McGibbon said enablement is key. SAP has opened its AI demo systems to partners, rolled out a new business AI certification, and launched "Joule for consultants" to speed up software build and implementation. She's also watching the market evolve through moves like DyFlex's acquisition of Bluetree, which expands into New Zealand and strengthens analytics capability. "It's a combination of a cloud-native partner with an analytics partner," she said. "I think they will bring AI strategy to life across all their existing cloud customers." Central to McGibbon's message is a change in how success is measured. "In the past we celebrated go-lives. For me, it's now go-begin – get the platform right, then continue that cycle of innovation," she said. Quarterly cloud updates mean partners must be ready to help customers adopt new capabilities quickly. "That's how we make the flywheel spin." She believes AI is also prompting customers to rethink design from the outset. "Customers are demanding we look at AI as part of the design, not just copying what was done before," she said. "This is the time to do it better." Early wins, she added, are often found in human capital management. "In SuccessFactors, you can use Joule to write your performance review and it makes you sound amazing," she said. "There's a lot of low-hanging fruit for existing customers." Her advice to organisations exploring AI in the SAP ecosystem is simple but firm: talk to your partners, identify the easy use cases, and above all, get your data strategy right. "You have to get that right first," she said. "Once you've done that, the world is your oyster."
Mid East Info
07-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
e& sets new benchmark in sourcing, winning ‘Best Procurement Transformation' at SAP NOW AI Tour - Middle East Business News and Information
e& Group procurement has been awarded the 'Best Procurement Transformation' Award at the SAP NOW AI Tour, held in recognition highlights e&'s commitment to innovation, strategic impact, and the continued advancement of digital excellence across its procurement function. Saeed Al Zarooni, Group Chief Procurement Officer, e&, said: 'This award is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in procurement. Through deeper supplier collaboration, sustainable sourcing practices, and a relentless focus on efficiency, we've not only optimised costs but also positioned procurement as a strategic enabler of innovation and growth across the Group.' Through the use of AI, data analytics, and agile processes, e&'s procurement transformation has enhanced transparency, improved decision-making, and accelerated operational efficiency, while ensuring full alignment with the Group's sustainability goals and the broader ESG framework. This award celebrates e&'s ongoing transformation journey that has redefined procurement across the Group through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, data-driven strategies and agile operating models. Central to this success is its Procurement Centre of Excellence, which plays a critical role in aligning procurement strategy with the broader vision of e&. Basel Alshawa, Head of Finance & Spend Management, SAP Middle East & Africa – South, said: 'We congratulate e& on winning the 'Best Procurement Transformation' award—a reflection of their pioneering spirit and bold commitment to reimagining procurement. By harnessing the full potential of SAP Ariba and embedding AI and advanced analytics into their sourcing strategy, e& has elevated procurement from a back-office function to a true engine of innovation, agility, and sustainable value. Their approach sets a new benchmark for telcos and beyond, demonstrating how intelligent technologies can drive transparency, smarter decision-making, and meaningful ESG outcomes across the enterprise.' This recognition reflects the dedication, vision, and collaborative spirit of the e& procurement team and its ecosystem of internal and external stakeholders. Through its bold approach to innovation and strategic transformation, e& is setting a new benchmark for procurement excellence in the technology sector. The success of e&'s procurement transformation reflects the Group's broader commitment to its 'Go for More' philosophy—pushing beyond conventional boundaries to deliver greater value, drive sustainable impact, and lead with purpose. By reimagining procurement as a strategic enabler, e& continues to set new standards for innovation and operational excellence, supporting its ambition to create a smarter, more resilient, and future-ready organisation. About e&: e& is a global technology group committed to advancing the digital future across markets in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. With the group's financial performance in 2024 showing a consolidated revenue of AED 59.2 billion and a net profit of AED 10.8 billion, e& continues to maintain its position as a financial powerhouse, reflected by its strong credit rating and solid balance sheet. Founded in Abu Dhabi over 48 years ago, e& has evolved from a telecom pioneer into a technology group. Its footprint now spans 38 countries, offering a comprehensive portfolio of innovative digital services ranging from advanced connectivity, entertainment, streaming and financial services to AI-powered solutions, cloud computing, ICT, cybersecurity and IoT platforms. The Group is structured around five core business pillars: e& UAE, e& international, e& life, e& enterprise and e& capital, each catering to distinct customer and market needs. These pillars empower e& to lead in various sectors, from telecom and digital lifestyle to enterprise services and venture investments. The ongoing strategic investments in AI, IoT, 5G and cloud services reinforce its leadership in the global technology landscape, driving the future of smart connectivity and innovation. Driven by innovation, sustainability and a commitment to digital empowerment, e& is set on creating a smarter, more connected future for individuals, businesses and communities.
New Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
We target profitability, not market share: Akasa Air CFO
The country's newest airline Akasa Air, which began its commercial operations in August 2022, recently added its 28th destination - Darbhanga, Bihar (23 domestic and 5 international cities). The airline has served over 17 million passengers since its launch. On the sidelines of the recently held SAP NOW AI Tour in Mumbai, the airline's chief financial officer Ankur Goel told Uma Kannan that they are focused on creating a good solid business and are targeting profitability. Edited excerpts: What is your expansion plan in this fiscal year FY26? It is the same plan that we had last year and the same we will have four years later, and it is to chase profitability. India as a country is underserved and it requires a lot more capacity to come in and that's what we are focused on. As we continue to add capacity, we will continue to augment some of the cities that we have. Navi Mumbai is going to open up this year and so is the Jewar Airport. We would want to fly to those cities as well and beyond that there will be other cities that we continue to evaluate. What about your plans for international expansion? We believe that international for us is here to stay and that it is just far more profitable than domestic when we look at the numbers overall. In fact, 16% of our capacity today is international and it will organically grow because we are chasing markets that are profitable and underserved. So, you will see some cities adding to our capacity. Over the next three-four years, the number could be as high as 40% for international and the rest for domestic. Your deliveries fell short of expectation in FY25. How many new planes are you expecting to deliver in FY26? We don't focus on the shell count. There are multiple ways to generate capacity. You can add capacity by flying your planes more and you can generate capacity by flying your planes longer. The focus for us is not how many planes are coming in, our focus is on how much capacity is getting added. So, in FY26 we should be one-third bigger compared to what we are today. We should roughly add 35% additional capacity in FY26 compared to FY25. How are you looking at the competition? Any plans to increase the market share which is around 4-5%? I don't know what the number is, we don't even track that number because that number is no indicator of success or profitability. People tell us that the number is around 5%. We are focused on creating a strong sustainable airline. Market share will just be an output. The last thing we would want is to have 100% of the market and 0% on the profit. So, profitability is something we are targeting. We are here to get a good solid business in which customers are happy flying with us. Market share becomes more relevant in mature markets. When India's market itself is growing at 20-25% year-on-year, the pie is expanding so much that we just don't have enough airlines and enough aircraft to take that pie. So, the question of market share just does not arise right now. Where do you want the airline to be in terms of growth in the next five years? I hope that you find things absolutely the same. We want to be an extremely boring airline, which means that the level of service that you expect from Akasa today should remain the same. The fact that we scale up should not mean that you got bad quality seats, bad quality products and food. For all of that internally we need to scale up and that means that every single thing that we are doing has to be significantly better so that as a customer you continue to get the same experience that you expect from Akasa which is where the technology comes in for us. As a customer you don't care whether we have got one aircraft or 100 aircraft. You just want to reach from point A to point B on time. So, from a customer perspective, I hope that the experience remains very similar, though one thing that is going to happen is that as the customer's expectations change, we want to be that airline that meets the customer's expectations.
New Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
AI is a necessity, not a choice, says Rajeev Singh of SAP India
With the increased adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across every line of businesses, Rajeev Singh, vice-president and business head for midmarket & emerging business at SAP India said AI will be a necessity and not a choice for organisations in times to come and that it will be an integral part of every business. In an interaction with this newspaper on the sidelines of the SAP NOW AI Tour in Mumbai, Singh also said that any AI strategy should be holistic in nature and that it should not be restricted to one particular area of business. Organisations should look at AI holistically, he said. 'Today, if you are not ready to keep AI in your transformational story, you are way behind. First, you need to be on cloud as it gives you AI power, and secondly, for AI to be successful your data has to be clean as AI trains on data and it is extremely critical,' he noted. Singh said cloud adoption is accelerating rapidly among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India. Nearly 80% of SAP's customer base in India is in the SME segment. In a recent survey, SAP found that Indian midmarket businesses are prioritising the implementation of Gen AI (96%), compared with 91% globally. For SAP, which posted its first quarter earnings recently, cloud revenue performance was strong in India. Talking about trends that they are seeing, specifically on AI adoption, he said organisations are now looking at predictive forecasting. 'They are looking at automated job descriptions, sales and supply orders to be created automatically. We are seeing the technology shift coming to a position that every line of business is getting technology intertwined with business processes,' he said. Now, in this era, one cannot have a business process running without using technology within that. 'It is not that processes are running and then we put an IT system on top of it. I think if you're doing that, you are just dead as an organisation. Every line of businesses like HR head, supply chain executives - all are looking at what AI can do for them,' he explained. Singh pointed out that tier-2 and tier-3 cities have grown very fast for them. SAP also revealed in its new analysis that the most popular AI use cases in India are AI-generated visual insights, summaries and translations, AI-assisted process analysis, creating sales orders from unstructured data, predictive forecasting, and natural language queries. Manish Prasad, president and managing director, SAP Indian Subcontinent, said 23% of the world's public cloud customers are in India and that 25% of customers are simplifying their tech landscape. 'We have already developed close to 210 AI use cases that we are using across different functions of our customers' business,' he said. Speaking at the same event, Simon Davies, president SAP APAC, said that India is one of the growth engines for SAP and that they see the fastest adoption of public cloud and fastest adoption in the mid-market, driven by growth in economy and huge opportunities in the country.
