Syed Saif Ul Hassan
Sep 14, 2024
It's a no-brainer that old-school enterprise resource planning (ERP) software systems have advanced at a rapid pace over the past few years, partly due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into businesses of a variety of magnitudes.
In a developing society like Pakistan where competition is too fierce and unwelcoming for businesses to thrive, Gadinsider learned that Systems, Applications & Products in Data Processing (SAP's) AI-powered ERP solutions have been serving as the backbone of one of the most established brands like Imtiaz, Tapal Tea and countless more.
What sets SAP apart is that while the ongoing, unaddressed internet slowdown has caused nationwide disruptions engulfing business operations as well as the flow of information, "None of the SAP's clients in Pakistan underwent any sort of disruptions during the internet outages Pakistan has been tussling with, the reason being SAP software requiring small files to store and fetch data," shared SAP Pakistan Director Large Enterprise Fahad Zahid.
He was speaking at a roundtable media briefing in Karachi.
The official said that the German software giant proves pivotal for infusing AI into the core of its ERP systems designed to upscale the efficiency of business processes.
This remarkable feat from SAP goes hand in hand with AI interminably reshaping a diversity of industries, enabling businesses to optimise operations and enhance customer experiences by leveraging AI-powered analytics and automation.
As it stands, implementing SAP's AI-powered ERP solutions could be imperative for modern enterprises, propelling them to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment.
Titled "SAP's role in the digital transformation of Pakistan," the conference was presided over by the SAP Country Director Pakistan Saquib Ahmad, along with SAP Pakistan Director Large Enterprise Fahad Zahid, and SAP Pakistan Director Midmarket & New Business Shamuel Ali.
While ERP for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is a space already inflated by formidable contenders catering to various sorts of businesses around the world, SAP ranks as a globally recognised firm while standing as a direct competitor to the world-class tech giants as Ahmed said: "Microsoft and Oracle are the true competitors of SAP when it comes to securing a global footprint in the sphere of ERP software."
While these remarks hint at SAP's monopoly in the face of the intensifying competition among the leading ERP providers around the world, SAP's panel delivering the media briefing acknowledged that "rival parties come on par with global ERP standards and that of SRP. When it comes to the market share, they often surpass SRP in regions where they lead."
Not only does the company's comprehensive suite of solutions up its sleeves cater to various industries including energy, manufacturing, banking, telecommunications, and government, but it also brings "transparency and control to the doorstep of businesses thriving in Pakistan," which SAP proclaims to be its maxim.
AI era
Moreover, the company has recently integrated artificial intelligence into its in-house software programmes. SAP's AI-powered solutions include SAP Business AI, which enables organisations to analyse huge amounts of data in real time so they can make informed decisions and automate processes.
"SAP's cloud-based offerings, including RISE with SAP and GROW with SAP, provide businesses with the flexibility and scalability needed to thrive in today's competitive landscape. GROW with SAP is a public cloud offering tailored for corporations running small-scale operations, whereas the RISE with SAP is a private cloud offering meant to serve a bigger purpose for organisations with an enormously expanded portfolio," Ahmed stated.
Leading enterprises like Imtiaz, Tapal Tea, and MacPac have deployed SAP's premium-tier offering primarily tailored for the private sector dubbed "RISE with SAP", these organisations make the most of SAP's AI offering to optimise their operations, improve decision-making, and enhance sustainability, he noted.
Data protection guaranteed
Other domains where SAP's solutions have been deployed count various government departments, including the AGPR office, the SBP's Micro Payment Gateway (RAAST), the Ministry of Finance & Revenue, leading Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs), Pakistan Railways, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), and many others, helping them streamline their processes and enhance service delivery to the public.
"What sets SAP apart from other ERP providers is that it takes full accountability for any data breach prompted by cyber attacks since we abide by international standards involving security parameters and data protection responsibility," claimed Zahid.
