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New Findings Highlight Rising SAP Modernization Trends

In a rapidly changing technological landscape, organizations are increasingly focusing on SAP modernization, propelled by the integration of AI technologies. Recent research from Precisely and the Americas SAP Users Group (ASUG) sheds light on the current state of this trend, revealing significant challenges and opportunities in migrating to SAP S/4HANA.

Key Trends in SAP Modernization

As companies strive to stay competitive and innovate, the movement towards SAP S/4HANA continues to gain traction. Notably, 67% of organizations report being fully or partially migrated to the platform, a considerable increase from previous surveys (59% in 2025, and 50% in 2024). This migration is critical due to the impending end-of-maintenance deadline for SAP ECC in 2027, which has escalated urgency among businesses to modernize their workflows.

However, as highlighted in the report titled "Advancing Automation, AI, and Process Transformation in SAP 2027 Trends and Challenges," the journey is fraught with hurdles. Among the most pressing challenges are the complexities of legacy systems, embedded customizations, and the necessity for robust data quality management. 53% of participants cited handling SAP ECC customizations as their top migration obstacle.

The Role of AI in SAP Workflows

AI is becoming a pivotal element in the automation of SAP processes. As organizations look to enhance human productivity, AI tools are being integrated to support decision-making and improve operational efficiency. Interestingly, the research suggests that while 46% of businesses utilize AI across both automated and human-assisted tasks, only a mere 3% have achieved fully autonomous, AI-driven processes.

Prominent AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot (60%) and ChatGPT (27%) are leading the charge in SAP workflow integration. The usage of these advanced tools underscores the trend of businesses embracing AI not merely as a substitute for human intervention, but as a means of augmenting human capability in managing complex tasks.

Emerging Challenges and Strategies

Despite the growth in AI adoption, facilitating a seamless transition to AI-driven automation remains a considerable effort for most organizations. Industry experts, including Ashwin Ramachandran from Precisely, emphasize the necessity of creating well-defined business processes supported by a trustworthy data foundation to fully capitalize on AI benefits. Only with strong governance and meticulous oversight can organizations ensure they harness AI effectively while mitigating potential risks.

Moreover, the overall maturity of automation strategies is evolving. More companies are leaning towards best-of-breed automation methods, with 33% adopting this strategy—up from 19% last year. The increasing emphasis on low-code/no-code solutions reflects a broader push to democratize technology and empower business users in the automation landscape.

Conclusion: A Roadmap for the Future

As organizations continue to navigate the complexities of SAP modernization amidst an AI renaissance, there is a clear need for informed strategies and collaborations. Talking about the future, the key takeaways from the Precisely and ASUG report reveal that a combination of robust data management practices, a focus on human augmentation through AI, and overcoming integration challenges can deliver substantial value. By paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient SAP framework, these efforts can ultimately contribute to a more agile and innovative business environment.

For organizations looking to delve deeper into these findings, the full research report is readily accessible and offers further insights into SAP modernization, AI integration, and strategic planning.

About Precisely and ASUG

Precisely is recognized as a leader in unified data management, ensuring enterprises have access to AI-ready data, while ASUG serves as the largest community of SAP users, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaborative growth in the SAP ecosystem.