Why many AI projects in the SAP environment fail (and how to do it right)

Hello everyone,

Our experience in recent months shows that Most AI projects do not fail because of the technology. They fail because of false assumptions.

We are seeing a recurring dynamic in the SAP environment in particular:

  1. High expectations
  2. Rapid pilot projects
  3. Disillusionment in the company

Why is this the case – despite mature technologies?

The actual causes (a deeper look)

1. lack of process integration

Many AI solutions run “alongside the SAP system”.

Consequence:

  • No use in everyday life
  • No measurable impact

AI must be part of the transaction flow (e.g. directly in Fiori apps)

2. technical silos (BTP vs. core)

Typical pattern:

  • Model runs on BTP
  • SAP Core remains unchanged
  • Integration is minimal

Result:

  • Media breaks
  • Lack of scalability

Successful projects think architecture end-to-end

3. underestimated operating expenses

After go-live, the real work begins:

  • Model monitoring
  • Retraining
  • Data maintenance

Many business cases completely ignore these costs

4. lack of ownership

Who “owns” the model?

  • IT?
  • Department?
  • Data Team?

Without clear accountability:
→ no sustainable operation

5. unrealistic expectation of automation

AI is often seen as a substitute for decision-making.

In reality:

  • AI supported
  • Man decides

Successful projects clearly define this boundary

An approach that works in practice

Phase 1: Use case validation

  • Clear business impact
  • Check data availability
  • Quick prototype

Phase 2: Integration

  • Embedding in SAP processes
  • Consider UI/UX
  • Define roles & authorizations

Phase 3: Operation

  • Monitoring (Accuracy, Drift)
  • Governance
  • Continuous optimization

The most important insight

AI projects are not projects.
They are products that need to be operated.

Conclusion

Anyone who treats AI like a classic SAP project will fail. Success comes to those who think about technology, processes and operations together.

You don’t just want to pilot AI, you want to use it productively?
We support you in setting up a sustainable AI architecture in the SAP environment.

See you soon and good luck!

Your amotIQ solutions team