The partnership between Sinch, a leading provider of cloud communication services, and SAP Emarsys, an omnichannel customer engagement platform, aims to address the evolving needs of digital-era marketing. Businesses now have access to tools that bridge the gap between diverse customer preferences and technical limitations, particularly in regions like South Africa, where access to data and devices varies significantly.

The integration of Sinch’s communication infrastructure within the SAP Emarsys platform provides businesses with the flexibility to tailor interactions across SMS, MMS, WhatsApp, and other messaging channels. This allows marketers to design campaigns that resonate with customers on their preferred platforms while ensuring compliance with privacy standards and easy opt-out options.

Andre Odendaal, Senior Sales Engineering (EMEA) at Sinch, highlighted that markets like South Africa face unique challenges due to digital inequities. He pointed out that while many customers have limited access to advanced devices or high-speed data, text messaging remains a reliable and accessible communication method. The integration with SAP Emarsys helps businesses address these disparities by enabling tailored communication strategies that align with customers’ specific needs and technological capabilities.

Sinch’s global network of direct connections with telecom providers ensures swift and reliable message delivery, enhancing the efficiency of SMS campaigns. On platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram, the integration enables businesses to connect with users where they are most active, fostering stronger engagement. By incorporating these communication channels into SAP Emarsys’ data-driven platform, businesses can execute marketing strategies that are both personalized and far-reaching.

This collaboration also addresses the challenge of digital inequity by offering alternatives for customers with limited access to data. Text messaging, for instance, becomes a valuable tool for brands to ensure that no audience is left out of their outreach efforts.

Streamlined Marketing Operations with the SAP Emarsys Platform

Marketers benefit from the native integration of Sinch’s messaging services within the SAP Emarsys platform, which simplifies the creation of SMS campaigns and marketing automation flows. Using drag-and-drop personalization tools, they can craft dynamic messages that respond to real-time customer triggers. Additionally, SAP Emarsys’ analytics capabilities allow businesses to assess the impact of their SMS campaigns by tracking return on investment and revenue contribution.

This streamlined approach extends to omnichannel communication. Sinch’s Conversation API supports a unified messaging experience, enabling marketers to manage multiple channels through a single integration. This efficiency not only enhances operational workflows but also ensures consistent and effective customer interactions.

Lucas Bergström, VP, ISV Partnerships at SAP Emarsys, emphasized the growing dominance of mobile devices in consumer behavior. He noted that mobile platforms have transformed how people shop, interact with brands, and consume content. Bergström added that the integration between Sinch and SAP Emarsys allows businesses to engage customers through personalized messaging across SMS, MMS, and popular apps like WhatsApp. This capability ensures that brands can meet consumers where they are most active, fostering deeper connections and loyalty.

Meeting Modern Consumer Expectations with Sinch and SAP Emarsys

With mobile devices becoming central to consumer behavior, the partnership aims to help brands keep pace with shifting preferences. Recent studies highlight that over half of global consumers consider SMS and MMS among the most valuable communication channels. By leveraging Sinch’s robust infrastructure and SAP Emarsys’ strategic tools, brands can meet these expectations with personalized, conversational messaging.

This approach goes beyond standard marketing efforts by enabling interactive campaigns that incorporate text, images, and video. The integration equips marketers to deliver engaging experiences while reaching global audiences. Businesses can also access Sinch’s professional services to enhance their mobile marketing strategies, ensuring their campaigns remain impactful and relevant.

AI-Driven Customer Support

The addition of Sinch’s AI-powered chatbots within SAP Emarsys enhances customer support capabilities. Businesses can offer round-the-clock assistance, automating responses to common queries while ensuring a seamless transition to human agents for more complex issues. This balance between automation and personal interaction fosters customer satisfaction and trust.

The collaboration addresses concerns around security and fraud in digital communication. Sinch’s AIT (Artificially Inflated Traffic) protection and fraud detection features safeguard campaigns from spam and unauthorized traffic. By incorporating these protections, businesses can execute campaigns with greater confidence, ensuring that customer communications remain secure and effective.

As Sinch and SAP Emarsys deepen their integration, they provide businesses with innovative tools to enhance customer engagement across multiple channels. This partnership not only simplifies marketing operations but also equips brands to thrive in an increasingly digital-first world.

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The seminar commenced with a welcoming speech by Eunyoung Shin, CEO of SAP Korea, who emphasized the significance of the AI-based supply chain innovation solutions presented by SAP at the Hannover Messe. The event featured case studies from renowned companies such as SYSTEMA and Bosch, highlighting their successful implementation of SAP’s cutting-edge solutions. (InsideSAP Asia often references articles from websites in other languages to bring you as much information as possible.)

In the afternoon session, attendees engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on digital supply chain strategies and the importance of sustainability and resilience in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. The session also included captivating case presentations and demonstrations from Zinus, Dongkuk Systems, and TeamViewer, which garnered significant interest from the visiting customers.

Eunyoung Shin expressed her hope that the seminar would provide domestic manufacturing companies with valuable insights on overcoming the challenges of maintaining a flexible and sustainable supply chain amidst the current global uncertainties. She further emphasized SAP’s commitment to supporting the enhancement of smart manufacturing capabilities among domestic manufacturing companies.

SAP Innovation Day: Unveiling the Future of Supply Chain Management

According to the Global 2024 IDC Infobrief “The Importance of AI in Supply Chain and Operations,” sponsored by SAP, a significant majority of supply chain executives (63%) and operations executives (52%) have established AI strategies aligned with their business objectives. The survey, which included 2,000 respondents, revealed that 51% of companies are integrating AI into their supply chain planning processes and key applications to enable real-time decision-making. Additionally, 58% of the respondents reported using AI to boost operational efficiency and employee productivity.

SAP’s AI-based supply chain solutions are at the forefront of transforming the manufacturing industry by delivering real-time, data-driven processes that enhance profitability and promote sustainability. These innovative solutions empower customers to adapt to the ever-changing business environment by leveraging AI insights for optimized decision-making and improved operational efficiency, ultimately paving the way for a smarter and more sustainable future.

The SAP Innovation Day event served as a platform for industry leaders and experts to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore the potential of AI in revolutionizing supply chain management. By showcasing real-world success stories and demonstrating the tangible benefits of SAP’s AI-powered solutions, the seminar provided attendees with valuable insights and inspiration to embark on their own digital transformation journeys.

As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve and face new challenges, the adoption of AI-based supply chain solutions has also become a critical factor in maintaining competitiveness and ensuring long-term success. SAP Korea’s commitment to supporting domestic manufacturing companies in their pursuit of smart manufacturing capabilities further underscores the company’s dedication to driving innovation and empowering businesses to thrive in the digital age.

With events like SAP Innovation Day, SAP Korea continues to lead the way in showcasing the transformative power of AI in supply chain management, inspiring manufacturers to embrace cutting-edge technologies and redefine their operations for a more efficient, sustainable, and profitable future.

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Rural areas of Japan, like most developed nations, grapple with significant demographic challenges. An alarming decline in the younger generation’s interest coupled with an increasing average age contributes to the gradual desertion of farms. This trend has sparked concerns in sectors beyond agriculture, prompting the Japanese government to launch a national action plan to rejuvenate these rural spaces.

In the small town of Minano, nestled in the hills of Saitama Prefecture, SAP Japan is pioneering a revolution. Here, the SAP Co-Innovation Lab is working closely with PSI and local authorities to challenge the norm. They aim to leverage cutting-edge digital solutions to address the agricultural sector’s lingering issues, including the difficulty of maintaining scattered small-scale farms.

Understanding the dire need for innovative solutions, Yoshihisa Horiguchi, chairman of MINNANO Future Create, has dedicated his efforts towards tackling population loss. He acknowledges the critical nature of these demographic challenges, pointing out the steep decline in the number of farm workers over the years due to urban migration.

Horiguchi believes that digitization could potentially halt these areas’ depopulation, despite the substantial financial and logistical challenges tied to implementing such solutions in small-scale farms.

The Dawn of IoT-Driven Agriculture

The Minano Digital Eco Farm project, initiated by MINNANO Future Create, further represents a significant leap in this transformative journey. This project was conceived with a vision to establish a digital platform that bridges the gap between farmers and urban dwellers while connecting isolated, small-scale farms to larger supply chains.

Atsushi Minakuchi, a senior solution specialist at the SAP Co-Innovation Lab in Japan, highlights the use of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors managed remotely from headquarters. These sensors, integrated into the SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), also monitor agricultural activities providing real-time data and insights. In addition, the Digital Material Controller (DMC), an all-in-one compact edge controlling server, ensures seamless and secure data integration and analysis.

Mitsuhiro Yamazaki, a senior advisor at PSI, recognizes the significant cybersecurity capabilities of the DMC, ensuring the secure storage and transmission of collected data. On the other hand, Masaki Fukui, a respected figure in the cybersecurity realm, now serving the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication, appreciates the role of SAP Co-Innovation Lab in expanding the application possibilities of the DMC.

SAP Co-Innovation Lab Nurtures Sustainable Communities

Apart from invigorating the agricultural sector, the Minano Digital Eco Farm project has made significant strides in strengthening the appeal of rural tourism. The project allows city dwellers to support rural farms digitally, wherein they can monitor and back agricultural processes in return for a share of the farm produce.

The Japanese government’s unique hometown tax payment program has been instrumental in attracting public support towards such initiatives. Hidenori Kurosawa, the vice governor of Minano, emphasizes the importance of captivating the public’s interest in rural areas. The aim is to offer an enriching experience that allows visitors to interact with locals and appreciate the area’s unique offerings.

Pioneering initiatives like the Minano Digital Eco Farm project further hold immense potential in addressing severe issues faced by rural areas. These initiatives also promote the reclamation of abandoned farmland and self-sufficiency in food production while reducing CO2 emissions and improving farm profitability.

Masaki Fukui from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication elucidates the significance of this initiative, suggesting that it could inspire similar endeavors worldwide. By embracing digital innovations and collaborative practices, the SAP Co-Innovation Lab is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of rural Japan, making it a promising destination “for everyone.”

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SAP, the technology pioneer known for its enterprise software solutions, has always been at the forefront of innovation. Its venture arm, SAP.iO, is a key part of this cutting-edge ecosystem. Established to propel startups offering unique business models using SAP technology, SAP.iO operates globally through its SAP.iO Foundry, a network of top-tier startup programs, along with SAP.iO Venture Studio, which invests in and accelerates early-stage businesses.

SAP.iO also provides strategic support to its portfolio companies, dedicating resources including technology, business, and marketing expertise to empower new ventures and shape tomorrow’s industries. It is within this vibrant ecosystem that Taiwan Bay Valley Technology Co., Ltd., more commonly known as BSOS, found the platform to launch and develop a state-of-the-art working capital management solution.

Fostering the Next Revolution in Financial Management

In the inaugural Taiwan SAP.iO Innovation Accelerator, BSOS emerged as the winner of the prestigious ‘Best Solution of the Year’ accolade. The award recognized the innovative practices of the BSOS working capital management platform, a solution designed to revolutionize the management of supply chain working capital for enterprises.

Moreover, the platform was developed in partnership with China Trust Commercial Bank and integrated with the SAP ERP system, infusing a new level of financial vitality into supply chain operations. The SAP.iO Innovation Accelerator’s recognition of BSOS also underlines the potential of the platform in transforming enterprise management.

Throughout the course of their journey with SAP.iO, BSOS further gained invaluable insights into the functioning of the SAP system. The company undertook rigorous tasks such as integration, architectural planning, and verification, fortified by concrete support from SAP’s professional technologies and consultants. It was this collaborative effort that also birthed the BSOS working capital management platform.

The Next-Gen Working Capital Management Platform

The BSOS working capital management platform serves as a hub for supply chain financial adjustments. Aggregating SAP ERP system data offers supply chain enterprises a convenient avenue to effortlessly link invoice information within the SAP ERP system and express financing needs.

This groundbreaking tool streamlines financing business processes, enhancing supply chain management efficiency and bolstering supply chain flexibility. It also empowers enterprises to react to market fluctuations with increased agility, enabling them to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Simultaneously, in a bid to create a financially robust and sustainable supply chain solution, BSOS has partnered with China Trust Bank. Through the power of blockchain technology, this collaboration aims to transmit trustworthy supply chain information. This fully integrated model not only bolsters the financial sustainability of the enterprises but also fosters positive interactions across the supply chain, unlocking fresh business opportunities.

The Power of SAP Innovation: Future-Facing Collaboration

Additionally, the honor of being recognized as the ‘best new innovation solution of the year’ is a testament to the remarkable performance of BSOS in the SAP.iO innovation accelerator program. This recognition underscores the success of their innovative approach to financial management and their aptitude for developing groundbreaking solutions.

With this win as a firm footing, BSOS looks forward to fostering a deep-seated relationship with SAP. They aspire to continue creating smarter, more versatile solutions, harnessing the power of SAP innovation to help guide enterprises toward a prosperous future.

The story of BSOS is a shining example of how SAP innovation can serve as a catalyst for enterprises to develop novel, impactful solutions. With its unrelenting commitment to fostering innovation, SAP.iO continues to provide an inspiring platform for startups worldwide to redefine, reshape, and revolutionize the future of business.

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The partnership between CensaNext and SAP India marks a significant milestone in providing state-of-the-art technology solutions to startups and small enterprises. As a Partner Managed Cloud provider of SAP S/4HANA, CensaNext is dedicated to equipping these businesses with a robust ERP foundation from their inception. This move is aimed at reducing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and eliminating complex transformations as companies scale. CensaNext’s CEO, Mr. Avinash Kasinathan, emphasizes the company’s dedication to fostering innovation and efficiency within the startup ecosystem.

On the other side, Sanket Deodhar, Vice President of Digital Natives & Start-ups at SAP India, highlights the collaboration’s focus on democratizing world-class ERP capabilities for startups and small enterprises globally. Leveraging WayCool Foods’ expertise in agri-tech and the food value chain, CensaNext is set to bring added value to end customers through its unique intellectual property.

SAP Partner Managed Cloud Redefines the ERP Experience for Startups

The SAP Partner Managed Cloud model underpins CensaNext’s vision of a co-branded offering that extends the reach of SAP S/4HANA to startups and small enterprises worldwide. This collaboration enables CensaNext to offer a comprehensive solution managing both application and infrastructure. Customers engaging with this new model can enjoy a seamless experience, tapping into the power of SAP’s cutting-edge technology. Adopting SAP S/4HANA from the outset through a flexible subscription model allows customers to bypass the need for interim solutions and the complexities of migration during scaling. This forward-thinking approach ensures a smooth and cost-effective transition for companies growing with SAP at their operational core.

A Partnership Rooted in Innovation and Sustainability

The partnership between SAP and CensaNext, backed by WayCool Foods, has deep roots in technological innovation and sustainability. WayCool Foods previously embarked on a transformative journey with SAP Analytics, driving its sustainability goals forward. At the heart of this transformation is an environmental dashboard, a comprehensive tool consolidating data from diverse sources, including IoT devices and SAP’s enterprise resource planning system.

This dashboard serves as a critical tool for monitoring sustainability indicators like clean energy metrics, waste management statistics, and water efficiency. With an impressive 90% accuracy in measuring greenhouse gas emissions, the dashboard enables WayCool Foods to optimize its sustainability metrics effectively. This commitment to sustainability was recognized at the 2022 SAP ACE Awards, where WayCool Foods was honored as the ‘Sustainability Champion’.

The current collaboration builds on this legacy, combining CensaNext’s technological prowess in supply chain visibility and control with SAP’s unparalleled ERP solutions. This partnership is poised to transform the way startups and small enterprises approach their business operations, offering them the tools to navigate and excel in the digital landscape.

The partnership between CensaNext and SAP India, under the SAP Partner Managed Cloud, is more than just a business venture; it’s a strategic initiative that promises to reshape the future of ERP for startups and small enterprises. This partnership is not just about technology; it’s about empowering businesses with the tools and insights they need to thrive in a competitive world. As these companies grow, this collaboration stands as a testament to the power of technology in driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the business world.

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SAP, as a global enterprise software leader, has been tirelessly working over the years to craft solutions that not only cater to business needs but also drive the sustainability agenda. Their commitment to reducing environmental impact has led them to develop platforms and tools that enable businesses to optimize resource management, reduce wastage, and make informed decisions.

One of the most pressing challenges in the sustainability sector is the effective tracking and reduction of GHG emissions. For industries, understanding emissions associated with each product and ensuring the seamless exchange of this primary data across the supply chain can seem daunting. Recognizing this, SAP rose to the challenge, launching initiatives like the CATENA-X, designed to offer a unified platform for data sharing across the expansive European automotive value chain.

The Heartbeat of Battery Traceability: SAP Sustainability Solutions

Central to SAP’s new undertaking are its innovative solutions, SAP Sustainability Footprint Management, and SAP Sustainability Data Exchange. The former, especially when integrated with the powerhouse that is SAP S/4HANA, becomes an invaluable asset. It allows businesses to tap into primary data and carry out meticulous emissions calculations while aligning with global benchmarks such as PACT.

On the other hand, the SAP Sustainability Data Exchange serves as a bridge, ensuring the fluid interchange of vital data. This mechanism becomes even more pivotal when we factor in the collaboration with dotD Co., Ltd. The partnership focuses on incorporating the dotD CFP Calculator into the system, a tool primed to adhere to European battery regulations. This calculator has not only received the nod of approval from industry experts but also from esteemed bodies like the Low Carbon Investment Promotion Organization (GIO), which operates with the backing of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Through this joint venture, SAP promises that companies utilizing its solutions will gain unhindered access to crucial repositories such as CATENA-X and a treasure trove of storage battery traceability data. (InsideSAP Asia often references articles from websites in other languages to bring you as much information as possible.) This setup equips businesses to efficiently source, manage, and relay Category 1 emission details in Scope 3, which are fundamental when deducing the carbon footprint of products.

Unveiling SAP’s Global Ambitions

The tale doesn’t end with SAP Japan’s current breakthroughs. The company has its eyes set on the horizon, envisioning a comprehensive global supply chain expansion. To realize this dream, SAP is nurturing partnerships with Japanese counterparts, including the likes of dotD. The aim is clear: to stay abreast with and even anticipate the shifts in European battery regulations, which are progressively defining standards in understanding product-level emissions.

For SAP, the mission goes beyond offering state-of-the-art solutions. They are deeply invested in aiding companies, particularly those nestled in the manufacturing realm, to overcome the hurdles they face in sustainability data exchange. This dedication stems from an understanding that for global industries to embrace sustainability truly, they require robust, reliable, and intuitive tools that streamline processes and enhance decision-making.

As industries worldwide grapple with the challenges of sustainability, the role of technological solutions in facilitating this transition grows paramount. SAP Japan, with its latest foray into enhancing storage battery traceability, stands as a shining example of how innovation can be harnessed to champion the cause of a cleaner, greener future.

It’s evident that the company is not just setting benchmarks but is also actively participating in crafting a world where businesses operate with an acute awareness of their environmental footprint. Their recent announcements and collaborations signal a promising trajectory where sustainability and business growth coexist harmoniously.

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SAP SuccessConnect stands tall as an annual flagship event, congregating participants comprising existing and potential SAP customers, thought leaders, and industry experts who come together to delve deep into the world of HR technological advancements. This seminal event acts as a fertile ground for the exchange of insights, best practices, and case studies among organizations that have successfully navigated the intricate pathway of HR digital transformation using SAP’s suite of solutions, especially the renowned SAP SuccessFactors.

GC Biopharma, a prestigious biopharmaceutical company globally recognized for producing life-sustaining protein therapeutics and vaccines, presented a compelling case at the SAP SuccessConnect 2023, outlining their journey through a successful HR system transformation.

GC Biopharma’s Success Story at SAP SuccessConnect

Evidently, GC Biopharma has been on a remarkable journey since 2020, pivoting its HR-related systems towards a performance-based culture and digital fluidity. Their strategic implementation of the SAP SuccessFactors Work Zone – a pioneering cloud-based HR solution by SAP, signifies not only a first for the company but also marks a notable achievement in the Asia Pacific-Japan (APJ) region.

Labeled “G:ON,” GC Biopharma’s newly minted HR system presents an integrative communication platform centered around employee ‘Growth’ and fosters a data-driven, innovative digital workspace. Remarkably, a mere year post-implementation, the company witnessed an average employee access rate of 50%, with a soaring peak daily access rate of 93.3% in 2023.

Under the skilled guidance of Yong Woon Kim, Head of HR Division at GC Biopharma, the company partnered with SAP, looking to sculpt an integrated HR solution poised at the epicenter of user-based digital transformation. Without leaning on direct quotes, it can be extrapolated that Kim emphasized the transformative impact of the system, foreseeing a ripple of positive changes stemming from this digital integration, which reverberates from the core corporate culture to the multifaceted ways in which the company operates.

A Closer Look: Beyond The Transformation

Yong Woon Kim, while elucidating GC Biopharma’s HR system overhaul, highlighted the underpinnings of their decision to opt for SAP. His explanations hinted towards a pragmatic and forward-looking approach. The aim was not merely to adopt a digital HR solution but to weave it intricately into the company’s operations, ensuring it permeated through various employee journeys, ultimately contributing to both individual and organizational growth.

Moreover, this case and several others presented at SAP SuccessConnect extend beyond mere technological adoption. They underscore the sheer potential of strategically integrating digital HR solutions with organizational culture and operations, thereby facilitating not just a transformative employee experience but also catalyzing operational efficiency and organizational development.

Through an exploration into the SAP SuccessConnect and a detailed dissection of GC Biopharma’s successful HR transformation, a fundamental truth comes to light. Investing in robust, cloud-based HR solutions, such as the SAP SuccessFactors Work Zone, transcends mere technological upgrades. Instead, it paves the way for crafting a future-ready organization, where technology and human resource functionalities amalgamate to foster an ecosystem of growth, innovation, and sustained success.

As companies globally grapple with evolving workplace demands and technological advancements, SAP SuccessConnect offers a collaborative platform to share insights, success stories, and innovative solutions in the realm of HR technology and management.

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SAP.iO, an innovation arm of the world-renowned enterprise software company, has created a global network of foundries. These foundries are diligently working to cultivate startups, providing them with indispensable resources, expertise, and mentorship. These are critical in transforming innovative concepts into market-ready solutions.

The SAP.iO initiative is a strategic cornerstone in SAP’s agenda to broaden its ecosystem by harnessing the potential of promising startups, stimulating innovation, and driving digital transformation across various sectors.

Charting a Course for Sustainable Energy at SAP.iO Foundry

At the precipice of an energy revolution, the world is making concerted efforts to battle climate change and lay the groundwork for a sustainable future. This environmental endeavor calls for a profound transition from our dependence on fossil fuels to embracing net-zero carbon sources.

Amid this landscape, SAP.iO Foundry’s recent program is a beacon of hope. Over the next five months, it will work intimately with selected startups to cultivate enduring partnerships. These collaborations will strive to explore unique use cases, delve into product integration possibilities, and unearth diverse business development opportunities. Moreover, SAP’s clients will have an integral role in this innovative journey, assessing and implementing potential proof-of-concept opportunities.

The Chosen Eight: A Closer Look

The SAP.iO Foundry Shanghai program welcomes an exciting array of startups:

Firstly, Blue Tax stands at the forefront of optimizing governmental and corporate collaborations. The startup is revolutionizing the relationship between government departments, such as the tax bureau, and corporate human resources. By simplifying corporate tax calculation and social security issues, Blue Tax aims to increase collaboration efficiency by an astounding 80 times.

Secondly, we have Carbongram, a startup setting the pace in carbon management. They are striving to create a reliable, auditable carbon accounting infrastructure. This pioneering venture aims to help customers control their own carbon emissions and manage those of their suppliers effectively.

Then there’s Fei Liu Tech, which is applying the prowess of AI to transform the fashion supply chain. The startup offers comprehensive digital solutions that encompass smart manufacturing, supply chain collaboration, and intelligent marketing, thus revolutionizing the fashion industry.

Focusing on new energy resources is Inkelink, a startup dedicated to catalyzing the digital evolution of the energy sector. They’re working tirelessly to develop a digital smart factory solution and the Inkelink Industrial Internet platform, promising a more efficient future.

Matterhorn is championing the cause of Industry 4.0. With a variety of innovative solutions like workshop-level cyber-physical systems, intelligent data collection, machine-vision-equipped robots, and smart assembly, they aim to revolutionize traditional industries.

Next in the cohort, MHP is creating a stir in the automotive and related manufacturing industries. The startup is developing a host of digital and innovative solutions, embracing technological advancements to drive growth and sustainability.

O-tech is transforming the face of trade compliance. As a one-stop destination for trade compliance and customs consultancy services, the company also offers foreign trade management system development and operation, ensuring a streamlined trade environment.

Last but not least, Skyco2.com is paving the way in carbon emission management. Providing monitoring, reporting, and verification services for carbon emission data and carbon asset operation management, they cater to a range of sectors, from industrial to transportation and construction.

As the global energy sector undergoes a transformative revolution, initiatives such as the SAP.iO Foundry Shanghai program mark a significant stride towards a sustainable future. Through nurturing startups aimed at driving this new era of sustainable energy, SAP continues to stand as a pioneer in tech-driven, eco-friendly innovation.

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Before the inception of ChatGPT, SAP had already commenced its exploration of generative AI. The focus was primarily on the auditing sector where it used this AI type to validate contracts and legal notices within its applications. Utilizing Google’s existing LLMs, SAP developed and implemented innovative models internally.

However, the leap towards a broader application occurred in 2023 when SAP Labs India in Bengaluru launched the ‘Generative AI interest group’. The formation of this group, part of the Leader Together Data Science forum, sought to inspire a spirit of curiosity and exploration among AI enthusiasts in the company, urging them to discover the potential of generative AI and foundational models.

This endeavor was successful in attracting an astounding 2,500 participants, encompassing developers, product owners, and UX/UA designers. The highlight of the group’s initiative was the ‘Idea2Impact’ generative AI hackathon, which happened in March 2023 across SAP Labs India. The primary goal of this hackathon was to uncover generative AI applications in product innovation, developer efficacy, and social impact, among others. A total of 179 ideas were submitted by more than 550 participants, leading to 40 ideas reaching the Proof of Concept stage, and 11 showcased at the Development to Community event. Impressively, one idea even spurred a patent application.

Generative AI’s Integration Across Core Domains and the SAP AI Vision

In a strategic move to drive innovation and efficiency, SAP has been incorporating generative AI across its suite of applications, from SAP Transportation Management to SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Analytics Cloud, SAP Signavio Process Manager, and the SAP Digital Assistant. One such example is its application in SAP’s document processing solution for the automotive and manufacturing industries. Generative AI automates manual checks of goods receipts and delivery notes, leading to significant time and cost savings.

Partnerships are also on the horizon, as seen with SAP’s collaboration with Microsoft on SAP SuccessFactors. The partnership aims to streamline recruiting and employee development processes, including auto-generating job descriptions and interview questions via GPT models provided through the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service.

The SAP AI strategy is not confined to in-house development and deployment. The company also aims to create a diverse ecosystem of partner technologies, factoring in variables such as cost, enterprise readiness, economies of scale, market reach, and data privacy. The objective is to select and integrate technologies that align best with SAP’s offerings and provide the most value to their customers.

SAP’s endgame with its AI strategy is to deeply embed AI into business applications and processes. Leveraging its own AI technology and strategic partnerships, SAP envisions a future where its solutions will generate insights and optimizations by connecting relevant business knowledge and process data. This transformative vision sees AI making businesses more productive, efficient, and resilient.

However, the German tech giant firmly believes in a human-centric approach, and therefore, they design their AI solutions to keep humans in the loop, approving AI-generated information. This way, SAP is not just harnessing AI’s potential but also shaping the future of AI-human collaboration.

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Renowned worldwide, the SAP ecosystem is home to approximately 99% of the world’s largest companies, an attestation to the immense influence and reach of this enterprise software powerhouse. Visa’s collaboration with SAP opens a world of possibilities to capitalize on the robust SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) to facilitate seamless and efficient financial operations for businesses of all sizes.

According to Paul Marriott, President of SAP Asia Pacific Japan, this collaboration’s main goal is to revolutionize the digital commerce landscape. He stated the company’s collaboration with Visa aims to streamline and simplify the B2B payment process and drive further efficiencies for their joint customers. Marriott believes that embedding Visa payment into the SAP ecosystem aspires to accelerate digital commerce.

The SAP Ecosystem: Harnessing Its Potential for Enhanced B2B Payments

For Visa, this partnership marks a critical strategic pivot, extending its presence further into the B2B space. Its focus is not just to cover a wide array of money movement flows, but also to step beyond its traditional forte of consumer payments. This move opens the doors to a multitude of opportunities to digitize various financial operations.

Speaking on the collaboration, Stephen Karpin, Regional President of Asia Pacific at Visa, highlighted the need for modernization in enterprise payments. He stated:

“Our collaboration with SAP is an exciting step in making B2B payments simpler and more intuitive as organizations can make payments immediately on SAP platforms with their Visa corporate cards, instead of having to leave their existing enterprise ecosystem and to navigate the different payment methods that their vendors accept. B2B payments needs to be intuitive, speedy, and fuss-free, so organizations can spend time and resources on other aspects of their businesses.”

Streamlining User Experience with Integrated Payment Solutions

The alliance with Visa reinforces SAP’s commitment to improving user experiences through innovative, integrated payment solutions. By leveraging its Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), SAP aims to offer its customers the convenience of integrated Visa payment services. With greater automation in payments, SAP hopes to drive further efficiencies in procurement, transforming the last mile into a swift, seamless process.

One of the most ambitious goals of the Visa and SAP partnership is to bridge the working capital gaps prevalent in supply chains. Under its suite of Commercial & Money Movement Solutions, Visa plans to deliver potent capabilities via SAP BTP, routing commercial payments to all suppliers, even those who don’t currently accept card payments.

Revolutionizing the B2B Payment Landscape Across APAC

Initially, the rollout of the innovative solutions stemming from this collaboration will focus on select Asia Pacific countries. The prime objective here is to foster the digitization and acceleration of B2B payments across the region’s supply chains. Considering the numerous challenges that businesses, particularly small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Asia Pacific, face in adopting digital B2B payment acceptance, the Visa-SAP collaboration could be a game-changer.

The collaboration between Visa and SAP signifies a landmark development in the digitization of the B2B payments landscape. As it seamlessly embeds payments into the SAP ecosystem, the partnership is redefining the financial transaction landscape, promising to enhance operational efficiency and optimize the way businesses handle their monetary transactions. It is a stride towards a future where B2B payments are not just intuitive and efficient but also an integral part of a business’s digital journey.

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