SAP CFO: AI Must Move Beyond Chatbots

SAP's finance chief stated that artificial intelligence (AI) must go beyond 'low-hanging fruit' like chatbots to deliver tangible returns for companies. Speaking to Reuters, the CFO noted that most current AI applications have yet to be deeply integrated into business processes, limiting expected efficiency gains. The CFO emphasized that for businesses to fully benefit from AI, the technology must be embedded into core operations, supply chain management, and decision-making mechanisms. While chatbots provide quick wins in areas like customer service, the real potential lies in more complex and strategic applications. SAP announced that it has embraced this vision in developing its own AI solutions, aiming to offer end-to-end AI integration to its customers. The company believes AI will revolutionize business software but acknowledges that the technology needs to mature and businesses must complete their digital transformation. The finance chief noted that returns on AI investments will take time but are inevitable in the long run. He added that companies should view AI not only as a cost-cutting tool but also as an opportunity to create new revenue streams and gain competitive advantage. This is not investment advice.