The world is moving on: The shift from traditional ERP to Agentic ERP is becoming the major trend across enterprises.
» 69% of organizations plan to modernize their ERP system today
(source: IDC's Worldwide Application Services Survey, January 2025).
» 70% are investing in intelligent ERP systems to enhance agility, speed, and configurability
(source: IDC's SaaSPath Survey, May 2025).
» 66% are switching their ERP systems for embedded AI workflows and higher ROI.
The challenge for aging ERP systems
Many organizations running aging ERP systems struggle to realize a return on investment from custom-built or third-party AI in legacy landscapes. Their aging system landscapes increasingly hold them back from keeping pace with the rising demand from customers and markets for innovative processes. Will they be successful with Agentic ERP? Yes, if they modernize their ERP core, govern AI agents rigorously, and scale use cases that deliver measurable value.
From initial AI models to AI assistants
The transition from initial AI models to AI assistants and finally to agentic orchestrators represents a shift from “chatting” to “doing.” While many current AI models were primarily reactive engines for generating text or code, AI assistants evolved to act as personalized interfaces that could use tools under direct human supervision. In 2026, the frontier moved toward multi-agent orchestration, where a primary “assistant” (or supervisor) no longer just answers questions but actively delegates complex workflows to specialized agents. These agents act as domain experts, such as “System Analysis”, “Data Management” or “Project Management”, allowing AI to reason, plan, and execute multi-step goals autonomously while the human user shifts from a “doer” to a “reviewer.”
In practice, that means AI assistants not only help transform the business, but also help run it, continuously optimizing operations while freeing people to focus on higher value work.
At SAPPHIRE 2026, SAP’s vision for the Autonomous Enterprise placed AI assistants and agents at the center, not only to optimize day-to-day operations, but also to accelerate and derisk the transformation to the Cloud building on an agile, resilient clean core.
Agent-led transformation
While customers value the RISE with SAP Methodology and its toolchain for guiding and streamlining transformation, they consistently voice the same concerns starting a transformation project: how to manage risk and change, and how to reduce or optimize resource intensive work such as system landscape analysis, custom code and data migration, quality assurance and testing, or user adoption and rollout management.
To address these concerns, SAP introduced the “agent-led toolchain” as part of the RISE with SAP Methodology. This approach distinguishes itself by accelerating ERP modernization, significantly reducing time-consuming activities, and eliminating complexity thereby facilitating a value-driven business transformation.
Capabilities for ERP migration
Support customers by reducing time-consuming key activities:
System and landscape analysis – connect and analysis the as-is situation
Project Management – agent-led collaboration across activities
Custom code migration – discovery, optimization and migration by reducing technical debt in line with clean core principles
Data migration – analysis, cleaning, preparation and migration to improve quality and speed
Testing, validation, quality and change management to reduce disruption
Configuration agent – proactive guidance for best practices settings – autonomous if permitted
System rollout across multiple geographies, managing localization requirements
The RISE with SAP Methodology: A catalyst for change
The methodology uniquely combines three components to support the journey toward the Autonomous Enterprise, further enhanced by Joule and AI.
- Standardized Framework with best practice project roadmap templates, helping customers crafting a project roadmap tailored to their specific needs.
- Expert guidance empowered by AI enhanced by SAP and partners human intelligence.
From discover and onboard, to clean core principles, project governance, and continuous innovation.
- Agent-led toolchain for a streamlined collaboration and efficient project execution to ensure a cohesive, efficient workflow throughout people, process, applications and data.
Instead of working with separate guidelines and tools, SAP provides a unified approach helping to manage change holistically. As a result, you can transition more smoothly and handle complex transformation processes with greater clarity, improving operational efficiency, and achieving your business goals. You also gain the flexibility to adapt and innovate continuously, in line with SAP’s clean core principles.
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Success Stories
Many organizations have already embarked on this transformational journey with notable success. Companies have reported enhanced process efficiencies, improved operational agility, and accelerated digital transformation timelines. By empowering agents and leveraging the strength of the RISE with SAP Methodology and the agent-led toolchain businesses are not only surviving but thriving in the digital age.
Conclusion: The future is agent-led
As organizations strive to navigate the complexities of the modern business environment, agent-led transformation with the RISE with SAP Methodology emerges as a powerful strategy. By equipping assistants with the right tools and insights, businesses can accelerate transformation, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable growth. Embracing this approach means embracing a future of agility, resilience, and ongoing success.
Are you ready to engage your project team, empower your agents, and transform your business?
Explore how the RISE with SAP Methodology and its comprehensive agent-let toolchain can catalyze your organization’s journey to becoming an Autonomous Enterprise.
visit SAP.com RISE with SAP Methodology
