SAP brings AI roadshow to London as enterprise demand shifts from hype to practical returns

SAP, the German enterprise software group, will stage its NOW AI Tour in London on October 22 as it seeks to demonstrate practical applications of artificial intelligence to business leaders increasingly focused on tangible returns rather than theoretical capabilities.

The event at ExCeL London marks part of a broader industry shift as enterprise software providers move beyond pilot projects to show how AI integrates with existing business systems. SAP, which provides enterprise resource planning and supply chain management software to clients across multiple sectors, is targeting business and technology leaders responsible for procurement, finance and human resources functions.

From hype to implementation

The timing reflects a maturing market. As the initial wave of AI enthusiasm subsides, enterprises are demanding concrete examples of how the technology can deliver measurable business outcomes. Software companies are responding by showcasing practical applications that work within existing enterprise infrastructure.

Leila Romane, SAP's UK and Ireland managing director, will open proceedings, followed by presentations from Emmanuel Raptopoulos, chief revenue officer, and Stephan de Barse, president of global business suite. The executives are expected to outline SAP's strategy for AI deployment in enterprise environments.

AI agents and automation in focus

Central to the demonstrations will be what SAP terms 'collaborative ecosystems', where AI agents work alongside human employees. These software programmes can autonomously complete multi-step tasks such as processing purchase orders or updating inventory records, distinguishing themselves from traditional automation through their ability to handle exceptions and make decisions within predefined parameters.

The SAP Experience Centre at the venue will showcase working examples of systems integrating human workers, AI agents and automated equipment. Procurement leaders will see demonstrations of AI tools analysing supplier data and identifying supply chain risks, while finance professionals will view applications for financial planning and compliance.

Customer testimonials

The event will feature presentations from organisations already deploying SAP's AI tools. Thomas Holtmanns from Vodafone Group Services and Michele Pietsch from Renewable Power Capital, an energy-focused investment firm, are scheduled to discuss their implementations.

Sessions will cover procurement operations, supply chain resilience, manufacturing processes and sustainable sourcing, with emphasis on how these functions can share data through integrated systems rather than operating in isolation.

The day will conclude with networking opportunities for attendees to connect with SAP staff, implementation partners and other users of the company's software. Steven Frayne, a performer formerly known as Dynamo the Magician, will deliver a keynote presentation.

SAP's approach connects what it calls 'business AI' - systems trained on enterprise data for specific business processes - with existing company information about customers, suppliers and operations, rather than general-purpose AI applications.