Why enterprise AI superusers are going best-of-suite

In the evolving landscape of enterprise management systems, a new standard is setting the stage for innovation. Stephan de Barse, president of SAP's global Business Suite, emphasizes a shift towards what he terms 'best of suite.' This concept transcends the traditional 'best of breed' approach by integrating AI, data, and core applications into a cohesive framework, rather than treating them as isolated components. As businesses increasingly adopt AI-driven workflows, SAP recognizes the necessity for a fresh perspective on how AI fits into enterprise management. de Barse points out that many organizations often regard AI as a separate entity within their technology stack, leading to disconnection from critical business processes and data strategies. He asserts that without seamless integration, harnessing AI's full value becomes a challenge. Insights from McKinsey's ongoing tracking of enterprise AI reveal a remarkable trend: the proportion of organizations utilizing AI across multiple divisions has surged significantly between 2021 and 2025. Reports show that the number of companies employing AI in three or more divisions has more than doubled, while those leveraging AI in four or more divisions have tripled. Notably, the adoption of AI across five or more divisions has quadrupled, indicating a trajectory toward widespread integration of AI throughout enterprises. This shift in AI utilization is not merely about enhancing productivity. de Barse highlights tangible improvements in financial metrics, such as revenue growth and working capital optimization. He provides an example of an AI agent in a sales context, which forecasts potential deals, allowing manufacturing to adjust capacity and procurement to secure necessary materials. This comprehensive orchestration of the value chain is crucial for achieving better decision-making and improved business outcomes. To facilitate this integrated approach, SAP has developed Joule, its proprietary AI interface. Described by de Barse as a 'superorchestrator,' Joule serves as a unified access point for all business applications, streamlining operations and enhancing user interaction. Gone are the days of logging into multiple applications; with Joule, users can issue commands and receive insights in a more conversational manner. For manufacturers, this means easily forecasting supply chain disruptions, while financial teams gain immediate visibility into cash flow metrics. As these advancements unfold at an unprecedented pace, de Barse believes they signify a cultural shift within organizations. Companies must move away from merely optimizing existing processes and begin reimagining entire functions to embrace the full potential of a 'best-of-suite' strategy. This evolution presents an exciting opportunity for businesses to thrive in an increasingly complex environment.