2025 - The year of AI agents?

In recent years, artificial intelligence has been in the fast lane. Language models such as GPT-4o, Llama and Gemini have outdone each other with ever better performance within a very short space of time. The speed of innovation in these areas is enormous. This makes it all the more difficult to make predictions for the future. What is the next AI trend? And what specific benefits can companies derive from it? AI agents in particular are currently causing a stir - and not without reason. They take on repetitive tasks such as data analysis, support decision-making and improve communication with customers.

In this way, they enable companies to respond to new challenges not only in a more targeted manner, but also more flexibly. In light of rapid technological developments and growing volumes of data, AI agents are a key component in making faster and more informed decisions. In this article, we therefore take a closer look at AI agents, their potential applications and how companies - especially in the SAP environment - can benefit from this technology.

What are AI agents?

AI agents are among the most promising developments in the field of artificial intelligence. These are systems that perform tasks autonomously, make decisions and adhere to predefined processes. They act purposefully and can make complex processes more efficient by analyzing data from their environment and deriving actions based on this. At their core, AI agents combine various artificial intelligence approaches, such as machine learning, rule-based systems and RPA (robotic process automation), to automate business processes. This flexibility makes them particularly valuable for companies facing the challenges of digital transformation. In the SAP environment, AI agents are becoming increasingly important, especially thanks to innovations such as SAP Joule. 

Joule AI agents use the SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) as a basis for processing data from various systems such as SAP S/4HANA. This allows business processes to be automated and makes it easier to work with ERP systems. The advantage? While AI agents perform tasks efficiently in the background, employees can focus on value-adding activities such as monitoring processes, optimizing workflows or analyzing business figures. This creates new opportunities to further develop processes in a targeted manner and sustainably increase efficiency within the company.

How do AI agents work?

The basic tasks of an AI agent go through a three-stage process. Their functionality is based on the ability to take in information from the environment, process it and make decisions based on it.

Three-stage process graphic for data processing: collect, analyze and act.

Perception:

The first step for an AI agent is to collect data from its environment. This data can come from a wide variety of sources: User interactions, sensors, ERP systems, public data sources or even documents . The quality of the information collected is crucial, as it forms the basis for all further decisions. An AI agent does not have to be constantly alert, but is often activated specifically by events or defined triggers. This means that it only becomes active when certain conditions are met - for example, when an invoice is received, a customer order is created or a deviation in the supply chain is detected. Such event-based triggers are particularly effective in business processes, as they deploy the agent exactly when it is needed. This not only avoids unnecessary computing power, but also ensures that the agent always acts in the right context.

Analysis and decision-making:

In the next step, the AI agent analyzes the collected data and processes it in order to make automated decisions based on it. Activities that were previously carried out manually - such as extracting relevant information or triggering transactions - can thus be completed efficiently and error-free. The agent uses machine learning methods to recognize patterns in the data and use them to make decisions. In many cases, language models (LLMs) are also used to interpret complex information and derive suggestions. These processes are often supplemented by additional rules or validations to ensure that the decisions meet the requirements of the business logic.

Action:

The final step is implementation. The AI agent uses the knowledge gained to carry out specific actions: A recommendation is passed on, a request is answered or a transaction is initiated.

The potential of these intelligent helpers is particularly evident in the SAP context. For example, an AI agent could automatically compare incoming delivery data with the corresponding purchase orders. In the event of discrepancies, such as incorrect quantities or missing items, the agent contacts the supplier directly by email and documents the discrepancies in the system. This speeds up processes in purchasing and logistics while ensuring accuracy and transparency in the supply chain.

AI agents and the SAP BTP

The SAP Business Technology Platform plays a central role in the integration and use of AI agents in companies that use SAP systems. As the technological basis for innovative applications, SAP BTP offers companies the opportunity to seamlessly integrate AI-supported solutions into existing SAP systems and access various tools and services.

Companies can develop AI agents based on SAP AI Core - a toolbox that allows them to integrate and customize their own or external AI models. SAP AI Business Services are available for standardized AI functions, which facilitate integration with built-in solutions. In addition, the Generative AI Hub provides access to generative AI models such as GPT4o in order to integrate extended functions into existing workflows.

Planned innovation on the part of SAP

SAP has announced significant developments in the field of AI agents for this year. The AI co-pilot Joule will be expanded to include specialized, collaborative AI agents that can autonomously execute complex multi-step business processes. These agents act as experts in areas such as supply chain, procurement and finance and work seamlessly together.

From the first quarter of 2025, SAP will be offering the "Joule Studio" in SAP Build, which allows users to create their own autonomous AI agents and customize them to meet specific business requirements.

This function opens up a flexible toolbox for companies and developers to implement customized AI solutions.

With these innovations, SAP is taking a decisive step towards helping companies to further automate their processes and drive forward their digital transformation.

How do companies benefit from AI agents?

AI agents are key to making companies more efficient and future-proof. They take over monotonous tasks, optimize processes and thus free up time for strategic work. Thanks to their ability to analyze large amounts of data in real time, they also support well-founded decisions and help to reduce costs. Companies that rely on AI agents at an early stage not only strengthen their competitiveness, but also actively shape their digital transformation.

Would you like to lay the foundations for the use of AI agents or directly tap into the potential of the SAP Business Technology Platform for your company? Contact us - we will show you how to set the course for the future with SAP BTP.

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Mitarbeitender von abat arbeitet am Laptop und nutzt dabei KI-Agenten.

FAQ's

AI agents are intelligent systems that autonomously execute tasks, make decisions and adhere to predetermined processes. They combine technologies such as machine learning, rule-based systems and robotic process automation (RPA) to make business processes more efficient and support companies in their digital transformation.

AI agents work in three steps: First, they collect data from their environment, for example from ERP systems, user input or documents. This data is then analyzed and processed using algorithms and machine learning to make informed decisions. In the last step, the AI agents implement their findings in specific actions, such as sending emails, documenting deviations or triggering transactions.

AI agents in the SAP environment, such as SAP Joule, use the SAP Business Technology Platform to process data from systems like SAP S/4HANA. They automate tasks, make working with ERP systems easier and free up time for strategic activities such as process monitoring and workflow optimization.

SAP provides a flexible foundation for integrating AI agents with SAP Business Technology Platform. Key tools include SAP AI Core for developing custom models, SAP AI Business Services for standardized AI functions, and the Generative AI Hub, which provides access to powerful language models such as GPT4o.

AI agents take over repetitive tasks, improve processes and create space for strategic work. They analyze data in real time, support informed decision-making and help reduce costs. Companies that rely on AI agents at an early stage strengthen their competitiveness and drive digital transformation.

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