Global SAP user group research identifies barriers to AI adoption, but finds significant opportunities
A recent survey conducted in 629 organisations across three major SAP user groups – UKISUG, ASUG and DSAG – has revealed that while broad adoption of AI remains limited, organisations are beginning to identify AI use cases to improve their operations.
AI uptake has begun – but could go further
The survey found that many organisations have begun to adopt AI across their operations. In fact, nearly a third of SAP customers reported their organisations were using AI in many or some areas of the business (30% DSAG, 32% ASUG, 34% UKISUG). Despite a growing number of SAP customers beginning their AI journeys, challenges remain.
Skills Shortages and Knowledge Gaps
As highlighted by the keynote speeches at UKISUG Connect in December, AI-related skills shortages continue to act as a limiting factor. In the survey, SAP customers expressed significant concern over the state of their organisation’s AI expertise. Only 7% of DSAG members, 6% of ASUG and UKISUG members considered themselves experts in AI.
Despite the skills gap, many organisations are pushing to improve their AI competency. Over half (52%) of DSAG members, 49% of ASUG members, and 44% of UKISUG members are currently learning about AI to effectively use it in their organisation. To support with this skills development, many organisations have implemented AI pilot programmes. 32% of German respondents, 25% of US respondents, and 30% of UK&I respondents reported that an AI pilot is already underway in their organisation.
So, how can AI be used?
Identifying AI use cases that deliver real ROI has been a challenge for many organisations. However, the research findings indicate that organisations are beginning to identify tangible use cases for AI, including optimising internal business processes (61% DSAG, 61% ASUG, 53% UKISUG) and leveraging AI-supported analyses of data for insights (60% DSAG, 58% ASUG, 54% UKISUG).
To find out more about how your organisation can make the most of the AI tools available to it, you can check out our blog on SAP’s Business AI Use Cases.
A sense of cautious optimism
In the face of huge AI hype, organisations must navigate the complexities of AI adoption. In this landscape, SAP user groups will play a critical role in fostering education and collaboration – here at UKISUG we will be delivering more AI-related content throughout the year, so watch this space
To find out more about how your organisation can make the most of its AI tools, sign up to our AI Symposium on 8th July.