Most SAP users plan AI but remain cautious on real benefits
A new survey of SAP users across the UK and Ireland shows that almost all organisations are exploring artificial intelligence deployments, while many remain cautious about its real-world benefits. The survey, conducted by the UK & Ireland SAP User Group, gathered responses from 392 user organisations ranging from large private companies to public sector bodies.
AI adoption trends
The data reveals that 90% of SAP user organisations are planning to deploy AI, with three-quarters (75%) expecting enterprise AI to benefit their operations. A quarter of respondents believe these benefits will be significant. However, there remains a degree of scepticism, as nearly three-quarters (74%) think the benefits of AI are overstated.
The role of SAP in AI deployment appears central for a majority. Three in five (61%) respondents say SAP will play an important role in deploying AI within their organisations. Gaining access to SAP's specific AI offerings is a key factor in their technology decisions; 54% say it will influence their future deployment of SAP systems.
Migration and maintenance
The survey results come as many organisations consider migrations to SAP S/4HANA, with SAP's deadline for ending maintenance of ECC 6.0 approaching in 2027. This transition is influencing technology planning, with organisations weighing up the use of new AI features as part of their migration strategy.
"Organisations understandably need to cut through the hype surrounding AI. Gaining visibility into real-world, rather than hypothetical, use cases will be key to driving adoption. At the same time, it's clear that access to SAP's AI capabilities is starting to influence future technology decisions." said Conor Riordan, Chair, UKISUG.
He added that while core ERP systems will continue to provide the foundation, AI is expected to enhance these systems by improving automation, adaptability, and access to insight. Users will require guidance to ensure that AI adoption delivers the expected outcomes for their enterprises.
AI technology familiarity
The survey highlights varied familiarity with SAP's natural language AI co-pilot, SAP Joule. Approximately a third (32%) of respondents report being familiar with Joule, while 42% have heard of the tool but do not know it well. This suggests that vendor education and clear communication about AI capabilities will be important for customer adoption.
As SAP incorporates agentic AI on its cloud platform, respondents are also considering the cost and complexity of upgrades. Concerns about licensing models are emerging, particularly whether AI agents may be defined as additional users, which could lead to higher, unplanned costs.
"As agentic AI begins to emerge on SAP's cloud platform, many customers are building their upgrade business cases to harness its innovation potential, while carefully weighing this against the risks of added disruption, cost, and complexity. One key concern is licensing creep. As AI agents start to interact with enterprise systems, it remains unclear whether vendors will classify these agents as additional users or charge for indirect access. Both of which could result in unexpected licensing costs," added Riordan.
Vendor perspective
From the vendor's point of view, SAP stresses the importance of offering customers clarity, tools, and support to realise meaningful returns on their AI investments.
"We know transformation can be complex and every journey to the cloud is different, which is why SAP is committed to being a trusted partner at every stage. Our goal is to equip every organisation with the tools, insight and transparency they need to make informed decisions at a pace that's right for them, and realise tangible value from their investments," said Leila Romane, Managing Director, SAP UK & Ireland.
"By building Business AI directly into the applications customers already use and trust, we help them get more from their existing landscape and deliver impact today. When businesses take a broader, strategic approach to AI, they unlock faster innovation and stronger growth," said Romane.
