At the UK and Ireland SAP User Group (UKISUG) Connect 2024 in Birmingham this week, Craig Dale, UKISUG’s Chief Executive, and Conor Riordan, the group’s new chair, delivered a keynote focused on the transformative challenges and opportunities facing the SAP user community.
The S/4HANA Transition: A Time of Change
The keynote spotlighted the ongoing shift from ECC to S/4HANA, which remains a critical priority for SAP customers. Despite the 2027 support deadline for ECC, nearly two-thirds of UKISUG members are still in the planning stages of their transition. Riordan described the complexity of the move: “For most organizations, it’s not an if but a when. The first step, often ECC on-prem to S/4 on-prem, is costly and has limited immediate ROI, serving mainly to ensure future support.”
The presenters emphasized the necessity of meticulous planning and securing skilled partners, noting potential resource shortages as demand surges. They also highlighted SAP’s commitment to innovation, with 1,800 advancements delivered this year, although many are available only on cloud platforms.
Bridging Skills Gaps
Riordan flagged a looming talent crunch as one of the biggest challenges in the S/4HANA migration. To address this, UKISUG piloted an S/4 Academy in 2024, combining classroom and online training. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Dale noted. Full-scale rollouts are planned for 2025 to ensure members can upskill effectively.
AI and Innovation: Excitement and Challenges
Artificial intelligence was another focal point, with 86% of respondents in a UKISUG survey expressing excitement about AI’s potential to drive efficiency and innovation. Yet concerns around data quality and security persist. Riordan cautioned that AI is not a quick fix: “We’re at the peak of inflated expectations. The key is data readiness—flawed inputs will lead to flawed insights.”
The breakdown on AI sentiment for different user groups organizations revealed some counter-intuitive trends. ASUG (the Americas SAP User Group) members turned out to be the most concerned by AI, and DSAG (the German SAP User Group) members the least — perhaps reflecting stronger European protections around job security as some users worry about being replaced by algorithms.
The breakdown chart told a more familiar story: ASUG and UKISUG members are excited about AI’s opportunities for innovation, while DSAG members are turning to AI overwhelmingly for efficiency reasons.
Driving Diversity and Inclusion
The group also reaffirmed its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Plans include increasing female representation on the UKISUG board, a step Riordan described as vital for fostering diverse perspectives in the SAP community.
Collaborative Progress with SAP
The keynote underscored the symbiotic relationship between SAP and its customers. Riordan remarked on the shared responsibility: “77% of the world’s transactional revenue flows through SAP systems. We must succeed together.”
UKISUG is urging SAP to align its support costs with platform-specific innovations and to extend financial assistance programs for organizations transitioning to RISE with SAP. As Riordan noted, “The solution to every problem is not a RISE contract. This is a long game, not one for the next few quarters.”
Final Thoughts: It’s all about Community!
The event highlighted the challenges of navigating rapid technological evolution while maintaining operational stability. Dale and Riordan urged collaboration and community support to overcome hurdles and capitalize on opportunities. As Riordan summed up: “We’re in a time of huge change. Sharing stories and supporting each other will be key to our collective success.”
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