In a groundbreaking announcement, SAP SE has introduced Joule, a natural-language, generative AI copilot poised to revolutionize the way businesses operate. Joule will be seamlessly integrated throughout SAP’s cloud enterprise portfolio, offering proactive, context-driven insights sourced from SAP solutions and third-party data streams. This innovation is set to accelerate work processes, drive better business outcomes, and maintain the highest levels of security and compliance.
Christian Klein, CEO of SAP SE, emphasized Joule’s potential impact, given SAP’s extensive user base of nearly 300 million enterprise users worldwide. He stated, “Joule has the power to redefine the way businesses – and the people who power them – work,” underscoring its capacity to understand user intent, not just language.
Joule will find its place within various SAP applications, spanning HR, finance, supply chain, procurement, customer experience, and SAP Business Technology Platform. Essentially, it transforms the SAP user experience into a dynamic collaboration, akin to consulting with a knowledgeable colleague. Users can simply pose questions or articulate problems in plain language, and Joule will respond with intelligent insights derived from vast business data, ensuring context is retained.
Imagine a manufacturer seeking assistance in comprehending sales performance. Joule can swiftly identify underperforming regions, cross-reference supply chain data, and suggest potential solutions—all within the manufacturer’s purview.
Joule isn’t just a one-trick pony; it will continuously introduce new scenarios across all SAP solutions. For instance, in HR, it will assist in crafting unbiased job descriptions and generating pertinent interview questions.
Phil Carter, Group Vice President of Worldwide Thought Leadership Research at IDC, noted, “SAP understands that generative AI will eventually become part of the fabric of everyday life and work.” He also highlighted SAP’s commitment to responsible AI, ensuring measurable return on investment.
Joule’s rollout plan includes availability with SAP SuccessFactors solutions and the SAP Start site later this year, followed by integration with SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition early next year. Other SAP solutions, including Customer Experience and Ariba, will incorporate Joule, with further updates slated for announcement at key events in October and November.
Joule is a significant addition to SAP’s AI offerings, enhancing its existing suite of SAP Business AI solutions. With more than 26,000 SAP cloud customers already benefiting from SAP Business AI, the company continues to forge ahead in building an enterprise AI ecosystem. This approach includes direct investments and partnerships with technology giants like Microsoft, Google Cloud, and IBM, as well as collaborations with venture capital firms like Sapphire Ventures LLC, which is dedicating over $1 billion to fund AI-powered enterprise tech startups.
