How RISE with SAP Supports Continuous Innovation

RISE with SAP, launched in January 2021, has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses seeking to drive ongoing innovation and digital transformation. This comprehensive business transformation-as-a-service platform is designed to help organizations transition their core systems to the cloud seamlessly and securely, unlocking new possibilities for innovation and growth.

Cloud-Based ERP: The Foundation for Innovation

At the heart of RISE with SAP is the cloud-based ERP system, SAP S/4HANA Cloud. This cloud-native solution provides the agility and flexibility that modern businesses need to innovate continuously. By moving to the cloud, organizations gain several advantages that support ongoing innovation:

1. Faster Innovation Cycles: Cloud-based systems allow for more rapid deployment of new features and updates. This means businesses can quickly adopt and benefit from the latest innovations without the lengthy implementation cycles associated with on-premise solutions
   
2. Improved Value Realization: With cloud ERP, businesses can more quickly realize value from their investments. New capabilities are continuously delivered, allowing organizations to stay at the forefront of technological advancements
   
3. Enhanced Agility: The cloud environment enables businesses to scale resources up or down as needed, facilitating quick responses to market changes and new opportunities1.
   

Continuous Updates and Investments

SAP’s commitment to innovation is evident in its substantial investment in research and development. The company allocates over $6 billion annually to R&D, with a significant portion dedicated to SAP S/4HANA. This investment translates into numerous standard innovations being released to customers each year.

By leveraging RISE with SAP, businesses ensure they’re always running the latest version of their ERP system, benefiting from:

1. Regular Feature Updates: New functionalities and improvements are continuously rolled out, keeping the system up-to-date with the latest business requirements and technological advancements.
   
2. Performance Enhancements: Ongoing optimizations ensure the system runs efficiently, supporting business growth and evolving needs.
   
3. Security Patches: Regular updates include the latest security measures, protecting businesses against emerging threats.
   

Exclusive Cloud Innovations

RISE with SAP goes beyond just keeping systems current. It provides access to exclusive strategic innovations that are only available to cloud ERP customers. These innovations focus on three key areas:

1. Artificial Intelligence: SAP is bridging the gap between AI’s potential and tangible business value. By embedding AI capabilities directly into the ERP system, businesses can automate processes, gain deeper insights, and make more informed decisions
   
2. Sustainability: As global sustainability initiatives evolve rapidly, RISE with SAP ensures businesses have the tools they need to adapt quickly. The true cloud model allows for swift updates to sustainability-related features and reporting capabilities.
   
3. Industry-Specific Solutions: SAP has adopted a modular approach to deliver industry-specific innovations. This allows businesses to benefit from tailored solutions that address their unique industry challenges while still enjoying the advantages of continuous innovation
   

Integrated Toolchain for Business Transformation

RISE with SAP doesn’t just provide the technology for innovation—it also offers the tools and methodologies to drive business transformation. The RISE with SAP Methodology captures best practices from thousands of successful customer implementations, providing a structured approach to innovation

This integrated toolchain includes:

1. Process Analysis Tools: These help businesses identify areas for improvement and innovation in their current processes.
   
2. Enterprise Architecture Solutions: Tools to design and plan the future state of the business, aligning technology with business goals.
   
3. Agile Application Development: Platforms and tools that enable rapid development and deployment of custom applications to address unique business needs.
   

Continuous Support Model

Innovation is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. RISE with SAP recognizes this by providing a continuous support model that extends beyond the initial implementation1. This includes:

1. Regular Check-ins: SAP advisors provide ongoing guidance and support, ensuring businesses are maximizing the value of their ERP investment.
   
2. Access to Expertise: Customers can tap into SAP’s vast ecosystem of partners and experts for specialized knowledge and support.
   
3. Training and Education: Continuous learning opportunities ensure that teams are always up-to-date with the latest features and best practices.
   

Embedded AI and Real-Time Analytics

Innovation often stems from insights, and RISE with SAP provides powerful tools for data-driven decision-making:

1. Embedded AI: Artificial intelligence is integrated throughout the system, automating routine tasks and providing intelligent recommendations
   
2. Real-Time Analytics: With a single source of truth for all business data, organizations can gain instant insights into their operations, enabling faster and more informed decision-making
   
3. Predictive Capabilities: Advanced analytics tools can help businesses anticipate trends and challenges, supporting proactive innovation.
   

Managed Cloud Operations

By offloading the responsibility of managing cloud infrastructure to SAP, businesses can focus their resources on innovation rather than maintenance. This includes:

1. Automatic Updates: SAP handles system updates and upgrades, ensuring businesses always have access to the latest features without the need for internal IT resources.
   
2. Security Management: SAP’s team of experts manages security, allowing businesses to innovate with confidence.
   
3. Performance Optimization: Continuous monitoring and optimization of the cloud environment ensure that the system performs optimally, supporting business growth and innovation.
   

Business Process Intelligence

RISE with SAP includes powerful business process intelligence capabilities that drive continuous improvement and innovation:

1. Process Analysis: Tools to analyze current business processes and identify areas for improvement.
   
2. Benchmarking: Compare processes against industry best practices to uncover opportunities for innovation.
   
3. Simulation: Model potential process changes to understand their impact before implementation.
   

Seamless Integrations

Innovation often requires connecting different systems and data sources. RISE with SAP facilitates this through:

1. Pre-Built Integrations: Ready-to-use integrations with other SAP solutions and third-party applications.
   
2. API Management: Tools to create and manage APIs, enabling seamless connectivity with other systems.
   
3. Data Integration: Capabilities to bring together data from various sources for comprehensive analysis and insight.
   

Conclusion

RISE with SAP represents a paradigm shift in how businesses approach innovation. By providing a comprehensive, cloud-based solution that combines cutting-edge technology, continuous updates, exclusive innovations, and robust support, SAP has created an environment where continuous innovation is not just possible—it’s inevitable.

From the foundation of a cloud-based ERP to the exclusive AI and sustainability features, from the integrated toolchain for business transformation to the powerful analytics capabilities, RISE with SAP equips businesses with everything they need to innovate continuously.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the ability to innovate quickly and effectively will be a key differentiator for successful businesses. With RISE with SAP, organizations have a powerful ally in their journey of continuous innovation, enabling them to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing business landscape.