SAP NOW 2024: Shaping the Future of Business

The day kicked off with a thought-provoking keynote by Belgian futurist Rik Vera. He explored the "history of the future," reflecting on how we arrived at the present and where businesses must navigate from here. His core message revolved around the interconnected nature of technology, human resources, customer centricity, and value chains, emphasizing that these aspects must be understood collectively to adapt and remain relevant by 2035.

Our Event Highlights

SAP Sustainability

One of the standout presentations at SAP NOW 2024 was focused on SAP’s sustainability suite, which outlined how businesses can stay compliant and future-proof. The session addressed critical regulations like the CSRD, EUDR, and Scope 3, highlighting how companies are leveraging SAP tools to manage plastic taxes and meet other environmental requirements.

Customer Success Stories

Real-world case studies illustrated how organizations such as DRYLOCK, PETERSIME, QSRP, BRUSSELS AIRPORT, FARYS, MATCO, UMICORE, PROXIMUS, SPADEL, AGRISTO, P&V, ATLAS COPCO, TERUMO, and BRIDGESTONE are utilizing SAP’s innovative solutions to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and enhance customer experiences. These stories demonstrated the transformational impact of SAP tools across various industries.

Business Transformation Management

The event also highlighted SAP Signavio and SAP LeanIX as key enablers for organizations embarking on digital transformation journeys. Attendees learned how these platforms can unlock immediate value and optimize processes, ensuring that organizations remain agile and responsive in today’s dynamic business environment. The synergy of these tools is crucial for transforming enterprise architecture and driving innovation at scale.

Travel & Expense Management

A significant feature at the event was ADB Safegate’s integration of SAP Concur, which showcased how companies use SAP’s solutions to streamline travel booking and expense management. The session detailed the enhanced IT security benefits and compliance measures that improve the overall employee travel experience.

Innovation and AI

A standout session titled “Accelerating Innovation: How to Make Your Vision a Reality” addressed how new technological breakthroughs can assist organizations in overcoming innovation challenges. Key themes included leveraging cloud platforms, maximizing data value, and understanding AI’s transformative role in business processes. Attendees left with practical advice on integrating AI to enhance both societal and business outcomes.

Cash Flow Fitness

Another valuable session focused on managing cash flow through SAP Taulia, which helps organizations optimize their working capital. SAP Taulia integrates seamlessly into companies' core business processes, from payables to receivables, providing real-time insights and helping businesses improve liquidity while minimizing financial risk. Companies like Bridgestone, AstraZeneca, and Airbus are already experiencing the benefits of SAP Taulia’s innovative features.

SAP Ariba and Procurement

The event also delved into procurement strategies, emphasizing SAP Ariba Category Management. This tool allows Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs) to align corporate goals with procurement strategies. Attendees learned how AI-powered SAP Business AI can eliminate inefficiencies in manual processes, ultimately improving productivity and compliance.

An event you simply can't miss

SAP NOW 2024 underscored the necessity for businesses to not only adopt advanced technologies but also rethink their operational structures to maintain relevance in the future. The event provided practical insights on harnessing the full potential of data, cloud platforms, and AI to drive innovation. Furthermore, attendees were reminded that sustainability and compliance must be top priorities, with SAP’s advanced tools offering solutions to navigate the increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

It was more than just a technology event; it was a vision for the future. Companies, thought leaders, and innovators came together to address today’s challenges and explore how SAP's solutions are paving the way for a more agile, sustainable, and connected future. As the pace of technological change accelerates, the insights shared at SAP NOW will serve as a roadmap for businesses aiming to thrive in the years ahead.

A heartfelt thank you to SAP for organizing this fantastic event. It provided us with the opportunity to connect with so many insightful individuals. We look forward to continuing these discussions, addressing your business challenges, and exploring how we can drive value through our SAP-based solutions.

Want more insights about the event? Contact Kris Bogaerts.