Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, Episode #75

The Future of Technology With SAP and AI

Show Notes

About the Guest(s):

Chris Carter
Chris Carter is the visionary CEO of Approyo, Inc., renowned for bringing the first SAP cloud and SAP Hana production cloud to life. With an impressive career in the SAP industry, he is a pioneer in integrating AI solutions within the SAP ecosystem. Chris’s innovative contributions have continuously pushed the boundaries of technology, making him a sought-after expert and speaker in the field. He has authored a book on AI’s significance in the SAP ecosystem and is a frontrunner in developing AI-based tools like Overwatch to enhance SAP environments.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of “Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge,” host Mike sits down with Chris Carter, CEO of Approyo, Inc., to discuss the future of AI and SAP integration. From Chris’s early interest in technology sparked by a Commodore VIC-20 to his revolutionary work creating the first SAP cloud, this conversation covers an array of topics crucial to understanding how AI is transforming the SAP ecosystem.

Chris shares his depth of experience, including the challenges of integrating AI into SAP environments and strategies for leveraging these technologies to enhance business operations. They delve into App Royal’s customer-centric approach and discuss its AI-based Overwatch tool that predicts and monitors entire SAP landscapes. Chris also highlights the importance of starting with small AI use cases to drive significant business improvements, and shares advice for aspiring tech entrepreneurs aiming to innovate in this rapidly evolving field.

Key Takeaways:

  • Importance of Incremental Implementation: Start with small AI use cases rather than attempting to overhaul entire systems to show quick results and gain buy-off.
  • AI as an Enhancer: AI is not about replacing jobs but making existing employees more efficient and better at their roles.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: Focusing on customer needs and ensuring they sleep well at night by taking care of their technical landscapes.
  • Continuous Learning and Innovation: Staying ahead involves constant training, involvement in tech communities, and an innovative mindset.
  • Leadership and Compassion: Successful leadership combines directness and compassion, as shown by Chris’s approach in handling difficult employment situations and prioritizing team well-being.

Notable Quotes:

  1. Chris Carter: “It all started with my Commodore VIC-20 and a little college internship.”
  2. Chris Carter: “Start with a small piece of the puzzle and then keep growing incrementally.”
  3. Chris Carter: “What it does is it makes better employees. And I recommend every customer out there start with one use case.”
  4. Mike: “I always used to say, get a customer, keep a customer. If you start out light, you have the first couple of years in business, you get five really big clients and you just keep growing that roster.”
  5. Chris Carter: “Be helpful. When you get up a little ways, reach backwards for the executive behind you and help train and teach them.”

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Episode Details

Unlocking the Future: AI’s Transformative Role in the SAP Ecosystem

Key Takeaways:

  • Harness AI for Enhanced Employee Productivity: Implementing AI in SAP systems can significantly boost employee efficiency and performance.
  • Start Small with AI Integration: Initiate AI integration with small, manageable projects to steadily grow and achieve broader buy-in.
  • Focus on Customer-Centric Innovation: Prioritize customer needs and proactive support to develop trust and drive company growth.

The Evolution of AI in SAP: From Concept to Reality

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with SAP systems is reshaping how businesses operate. Chris Carter, CEO of Approyo, Inc., shared his enlightening perspectives and pioneering experiences in a recent podcast episode. His insights reveal the profound impact AI can have on enhancing employee productivity, the significance of starting small with AI projects, and the importance of a customer-centric approach in the tech industry.

Enhancing Employee Productivity with AI

One of the standout points that Chris Carter emphasizes is the transformative potential of AI in enhancing employee productivity within the SAP ecosystem. Carter describes how AI, far from replacing employees, is geared towards augmenting their capabilities and making them more effective in their roles. He asserts, “It’s not going to take away people’s jobs; it’s going to make them do a better job.”

In practical terms, this means leveraging AI tools like Approyo’s Overwatch, an AI predictive analytics tool that monitors and manages the complete technical landscape of an SAP environment. Overwatch allows users to upgrade and migrate different SAP environments while predictively understanding potential technical issues. This seamless integration aids employees by reducing administrative burdens and enabling them to focus on more strategic tasks.

By using tools like Overwatch, companies can ensure their employees are not bogged down by technical issues, enhancing overall productivity. Carter’s approach underscores the idea that integrating AI in daily operations can lead to more efficient problem-solving and innovation. For example, by validating code through AI tools like ChatGPT, developers can ensure higher accuracy and efficiency in their coding processes.

Start Small, Grow Steadily

Another critical takeaway from Carter’s discussion is the importance of starting small with AI integration projects. The advice of beginning with manageable, focused projects resonates strongly with those wary of rapid, large-scale technological changes. He advises, “Start with one use case. Don’t boil the ocean. It’s impossible.”

This cautious yet forward-thinking approach is about leveraging AI in incremental steps to allow employees and systems to adapt gradually. As Carter describes, selecting a small department or function, such as travel management or HR, and initially integrating AI there can provide valuable insights and measurable success. These smaller projects can then serve as a foundation for scaling AI integration across the broader organization.

For instance, implementing AI in the SAP’s Success Factors module for HR can streamline functions like recruitment and employee performance tracking. Positive outcomes and efficiencies gained here will build confidence among stakeholders, making it easier to extend AI solutions to other business areas. This methodical scaling ensures iterative improvement and minimizes the risk associated with significant immediate changes.

Customer-Centric Innovation: The Approyo Approach

Perhaps the most compelling part of Carter’s narrative is his commitment to a customer-centric approach. From the onset, Approyo has focused on prioritizing customer needs, which has been integral to its growth and success. “What I wanted was for people to be able to sleep well at night,” reflects Carter, emphasizing a mission to reduce stress and ensure reliability for their clients.

This philosophy is evident in the way Approyo builds and delivers its solutions. By centering innovation around tangible customer benefits, such as the ability to monitor and optimize SAP environments effortlessly, Approyo builds trust and long-term client relationships. Carter’s dedication is epitomized in their proactive and personable customer support, ensuring that each client’s specific challenges and needs are met with bespoke solutions.

Carter’s story also highlights the significance of direct and compassionate interpersonal communication within the company. His candid approach in dealing with internal dynamics, such as addressing an employee’s unfit behavior, showcases his commitment to maintaining a positive and productive workplace culture. This culture of empathy and excellence permeates through to customer interactions, leading to more loyal and satisfied customers.

Bringing It All Together

The integration of AI within the SAP ecosystem is a transformative journey that requires a thoughtful approach, incremental implementation, and a deep focus on customer satisfaction. Chris Carter’s insights provide a blueprint for how businesses can harness AI to enhance employee productivity, achieve buy-in through small, focused projects, and grow sustainably by keeping customer needs at the forefront.

As Carter articulates, “Life is about how hard you can punch and how you can keep moving forward.” This mantra not only applies to overcoming personal and professional challenges but also encapsulates the spirit necessary for driving technological innovation. By adopting these principles, businesses in the SAP ecosystem can navigate the future of AI with confidence and foresight, achieving new heights of efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Contact Information for Chris Carter

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopher-carter-885159

Website: https://approyo.com/

Timestamp Summary
0:00 AI’s Impact on SAP and Chris Carter’s Tech Journey
3:49 Prioritizing Customer Care in the Age of AI
7:39 AI and SAP Integration for Enhanced Business Solutions
15:46 Innovative Solutions Lead to Major Company Acquisition
17:43 Innovating in Technology and SAP with AI and Cloud Solutions
22:12 Renovating a Bar, Racing Cars, and Building Workplace Community
24:13 Debunking Misconceptions About AI and SAP Integration
26:05 Leadership Challenges and Unconventional Advice in the Workplace
30:58 Connecting with Industry Leaders on LinkedIn