The evolution of SAP ERP: From accounting system to strategic platform
Founded in 1972 in Germany, SAP began as a company focused on accounting software. Over time, it evolved to offer integrated solutions covering all aspects of business operations: finance, logistics, production, human resources, sales, purchasing, and more. Today, SAP S/4HANA represents the pinnacle of this evolution, with real-time processing, an intuitive interface (Fiori), and native integration with emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain.
The migration to SAP S/4HANA is underway, especially with the end of support for SAP ECC scheduled for 2027. Companies that do not adapt risk becoming obsolete, both technologically and operationally.
Strategic importance: Performance, control and traceability on a global scale
In an increasingly connected and competitive world, multinational companies face the challenge of operating efficiently across different countries, languages, currencies and legislations. SAP ERP stands out as a strategic solution that enables process standardisation, information centralisation and end-to-end traceability, regardless of geographical location.
Operational performance is amplified when decisions are made based on reliable, real-time data. Global companies such as Siemens, DHL, and ExxonMobil use SAP to integrate their operations in dozens of countries, promoting agility, compliance, and control in highly regulated and dynamic environments.
Security and compliance: Protecting data across continents
Information security is a universal concern. SAP offers a robust infrastructure that complies with the highest international standards, such as GDPR in Europe, LGPD in Brazil, CCPA in the United States, and other local regulations. This allows global companies to operate with peace of mind, knowing that their data is protected and that their operations comply with the laws of each country.
In addition, SAP’s architecture allows for data segmentation by region, ensuring that sensitive information remains within the legal boundaries required by each jurisdiction.
SAP’s global presence: An invisible empire
When looking at the global landscape, it is impossible to ignore SAP’s dominant presence in business operations. The company is present in more than 180 countries, with solutions that serve everyone from small businesses to multinational giants. It is estimated that more than 77% of global commercial transactions pass through SAP systems — an impressive statistic that reveals the silent but essential role SAP plays behind the scenes of the global economy.
Large corporations such as Telefónica rely on SAP to manage their critical processes, connecting data, optimising operations and ensuring compliance on a global scale.
Interesting fact: The world’s money passes through SAP
Although no official figure has been released, experts estimate that more than $46 trillion in annual transactions are processed by SAP systems worldwide. This includes everything from payments to suppliers to bank transactions, payroll and invoicing. It is as if SAP were the circulatory system of modern capitalism.
Number of companies using SAP worldwide
More than 425,000 companies in over 180 countries use SAP products, ranging from small businesses to large multinational corporations.
Market share among leading companies
98% of the world’s most valuable companies use SAP. In addition, 78% of companies that distribute food and 82% of those that distribute medical resources also rely on SAP to manage their operations.
The future of SAP ERP: Global intelligence and borderless connectivity
Digital transformation knows no borders. SAP is investing heavily in technologies that enable global companies to operate with distributed artificial intelligence, real-time predictive analytics, and integration with international digital ecosystems.
The trend is for SAP ERP to become increasingly autonomous, adaptable, and collaborative, allowing companies in different parts of the world to share data, insights, and solutions in real time. Connectivity with platforms such as Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services reinforces this vision of an ERP that transcends physical and technological boundaries.
How employees should prepare: Skills for a global market
Professionals who work with SAP in multinational companies must develop a global business vision, in addition to technical skills. This includes fluency in English (and other languages), understanding of international legislation, intercultural communication skills, and mastery of analytical and collaborative tools.
Continuous training on platforms such as SAP Learning Hub, openSAP, and international certifications is essential to remain competitive in a market that values professionals capable of working on global projects with distributed teams and complex challenges.
Final reflection: SAP ERP is a mirror of the company
More than a system, SAP is a mirror of organisational culture. It reveals processes, bottlenecks, flows and decisions. And like any mirror, it can show both beauty and imperfections.
The provocation I leave you with is: if your SAP were a person, how would it feel today? Up to date, agile and strategic? Or overloaded, outdated and forgotten?
The future of SAP ERP is being written now — and every employee is a co-author of this story. Let us be protagonists of the transformation, and not just spectators of change.
