What to Expect in 2024 for SAP and ServiceNow

What challenges and opportunities 2024 will bring is the subject of much speculation at this time of year. What we’re excited about at enosix is the ‘combination in the cloud’ of both SAP and ServiceNow. 

SAP S/4HANA continues its nearly decade-long run to move enterprises to the cloud. With a narrowing window for implementations, resourcing challenges, and the speed of business, SAP needs to see more significant movement and uptake in S/4HANA migration. ServiceNow, led by Bill McDermott, the former CEO of SAP, is poised for rapid growth as businesses can no longer function on outdated IT infrastructure.

SAP: All Systems Go for S/4HANA

SAP users aren’t known for their embrace of technology and change. And, yes, migration of a system as complex and embedded as SAP should be a well-planned, well-resourced transition. But we are coming up on 9 years since S/4HANA was announced in February 2015. 2024 needs to be the year that organizations act earnestly on moving to the cloud.

In a proactive move towards innovation, SAP, under the leadership of CEO Christian Klein, has said that new features, development, and support will be exclusively tailored for cloud-based customers only. With the imminent 2027 deadline looming to migrate, it’s imperative for organizations to put aside competing IT priorities and make ERP migration a top initiative.

In 2024, organizations find themselves at a crucial point, urging them to step beyond familiar routines, adjust their strategies, and finalize their cloud migration plans. This isn’t just about transferring systems; it’s about preparing for the future, strengthening organizational adaptability in the constantly changing technological environment. The call for ERP migration is more than a routine task; it’s a practical move for organizations to navigate the digital era effectively.

ServiceNow: Loading User-Friendly ERP Front-Ends

ServiceNow is taking bold strides to enhance visibility across IT systems. Its strategic focus on streamlining user-friendly workflows for critical areas like finance, procurement and supply chains,while leveraging the power of ERP-based data promises to deliver tremendous value. (And, might we add, that ServiceNow achieves this feat by utilizing enosix prebuilt SAP integrations.)

ServiceNow has recognized that the human experience is paramount and it’s committed to changing the way people and organizations access information. In a recent interview with Forbes about the impact of AI, McDermott said, “What people are seeing here is an exponential increase in productivity. That is enabling them to deal with this macro environment…two wars going on, high interest rates, the post-COVID hangover. AI is helping them increase productivity, take out costs, and grow revenue. This is the iPhone moment for the enterprise. It will completely and fundamentally change all the rules of the game. Only the strong will survive.”

ServiceNow’s strategic initiatives go beyond mere technological advancements. They align with a broader vision of empowering businesses in navigating the complexities of the modern landscape. By seamlessly integrating ERP-based data and prioritizing user experience, ServiceNow emerges not just as a solution provider but as a catalyst for transformative change. The recognition of AI’s role as a productivity booster underscores the company’s commitment to ensuring that organizations not only weather the storms but thrive in the evolving business ecosystem.

Setting the Stage for AI

Setting the stage for the next big wave of business-driving disruption, the spotlight is firmly on AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning). The groundwork laid through ERP modernization and business process enhancement in 2024 is a strategic investment, positioning enterprises to harness the full potential of AI.  

Because AI is fueled by vast amounts of data, the effectiveness of this innovation relies on leaving behind locally-hosted ERPs and the hodgepodge of disparate business systems that have emerged as a byproduct of mergers, acquisitions, and the shift to remote operations during Covid. The complex integration of IT systems has evolved into a logistical challenge at best and a detriment to business value at worst. In many cases it’s a step back in employee productivity and customer experience as people try to navigate disparate systems and a constant “where’s that information stored” mentality.

Setting the stage for AI is not just about adopting cutting-edge technology; it’s a strategic initiative to declutter, consolidate, and optimize technology ecosystems within organizations. Only through this proactive approach can enterprises truly unlock the full potential of AI, ensuring that it becomes an opportunity for advancement rather than a hurdle to overcome.

See how enosix is driving SAP integration with ServiceNow, Salesforce, Mulesoft, and other front-ends. Or let’s talk about how integrating SAP data within your organization can get your 2024 running in the right direction.