In Review: Innovation and Collaboration Defined the 2024 DSAG Technology Days
The DSAG Technology Days 2024 The event has come to a close, the most lasting impressions have been absorbed, and putting the inspiration gained into practice can now gain momentum. After two exciting days on February 6 and 7, 2024, at the Congress Center Hamburg, we’re taking a moment to look back at the key takeaways: The Technology Days were centered around the theme „Black Box – From Vision to Reality.“ They not only provided answers to pressing questions about current technological developments but also offered insights into the future of the SAP community.
AI-Driven Business Processes in SAP
A key topic of discussion was the rapid development and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the SAP landscape. The hype surrounding generative AI systems has already prompted partner companies to seek out suitable use cases and integration opportunities within existing solutions. DSAG considers the integration of AI into existing products to be a sensible move, but also emphasizes the gap between vision and reality. Particularly impressive in this context was the announcement of the „Generative AI Hub“ at the SAP TechEd, which signals an opening for external LLM models, such as OpenAI. Large Language Models (LLM) are designed to understand and generate human language. This focus on „Business AI“—as exemplified by SAP Joule, a voice-controlled AI assistant based on generative AI—demonstrates a clear shift toward AI-driven business processes.
Sustainability and Cross-Service Strategies
Another key focus was on the importance of data lakehouse architectures and a cross-service strategy for the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). However, user companies still lack a cross-service strategy that would allow them to integrate the BTP more clearly as a platform within enterprise-wide, multi-tier architectures, as well as with the associated business services. SAP is also increasingly being called upon to promote sustainable solutions.
A Partner-Centric SAP Future Through Joint Innovation
The many innovative ideas and discussions that shaped the agenda of the Technology Days These sessions demonstrate just how vibrant the SAP community is. We can look back on numerous exciting ideas and plenty of opportunities for discussion. The presentations on the Vector Engine and the future of ERP left a lasting impression on our Milliarum delegation. The partner session also made a strong impression: there was an intense discussion about the opportunities for partners to position themselves. The open and heated debate underscored the relevance of the topic. It became clear that SAP is committed to a partner-oriented future in which everyone works together to drive innovation. A special highlight was the „Women@DSAG Speed Networking“ event: a popular opportunity for the still relatively few women at SAP to network. Some questions remained unanswered even after the two days were over: Among other things, DSAG is calling for transparent billing models for AI, a clear target solution for identity management, and uniform document management across the entire SAP portfolio.
Outlook: DSAG Human Resources Days
We look forward to seeing the initiatives that emerge from the discussions of the DSAG Technology Days come out and we look forward to our next get-together, for example at the DSAG Employee Days June 4 and 5, 2024, at the OsnabrückHalle. Under the theme „New Horizons: Reth!nk HR – Working in the HR Department of the Future,“ the conference will focus on current topics, opportunities, and trends in human resources. Through two keynote addresses, 40 presentations, and an exhibition featuring 30 partners, the event will explore how IT and HR leaders can open up new horizons in human resources.
Freya Wester-Ebbinghaus, SAP Specialist at Milliarum
