Improving the ease and speed of accessing benefits is key to government efforts to extend social and economic safety nets to what the International Social Security Association (ISSA) refers to as the “”. Self-employed and gig workers, as well as rural, migrant, and domestic workers are typically time-poor, not already engaged in social protection systems, and are often not included in targeted outreach programs. This makes them vulnerable to economic shocks and cost-of-living increases that can tip them into poverty and homelessness.

As such, many government agencies and not-for-profit organisations are looking at ways to make social services more accessible and responsive by reducing the “hassle costs” associated with claiming benefits.

How AI can help

Governments around the world have been realising significant efficiency gains through applying artificial intelligence (AI) in the back-office to improve workforce productivity. Encouragingly, there are also recent examples of AI being leveraged in the front-office to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of citizen engagement.

1. Quicker time to payment with AI-supported assessment processes

At , a combination of Machine Learning (ML) and Generative AI (GenAI) support staff to efficiently process applications for more than €3.5 billion in financial aid.

51����Machine Learning is used to link citizen application data to supporting documentary evidence, enabling case workers to expedite processing for the bulk of applications and to focus their attention on those most likely to be non-compliant. Across two programs, Hamburg reports that nearly 180,000 benefit applications have been processed, with more than 10 million pages of supporting documents automatically evaluated and classified by AI.

51����Generative AI Hub has also been introduced to summarise inbound applications and to generate draft outbound correspondence, further reducing time to payment for customers while minimising the burden of repetitive manual work for staff.

2. Improved customer service with AI-powered workflow automation

Similarly, uses 51����AI to automate workflows and to recommend potential benefits based on customer circumstance data. AI has contributed to a 20% increase in user productivity, which amounts to a substantial efficiency gain when applied to an agency of 9,000 public employees managing €1.8 billion in monthly payments. These efficiencies flow through to citizens, as described by the Deputy Director General of Benefits and Subsidies, who reports their AI-enabled system “…has empowered me to shift focus from administrative tasks to truly enhancing citizen service, allowing for quicker responses and more meaningful interactions.”

3. Faster query resolution with AI-enabled chatbots

At , an 51����AI chatbot responds to 50% of citizen inquiries with no human intervention, resulting in 77% being answered and closed within the same day. While social services inquiries would typically be more complex, there’s certainly potential for AI to categorise and prioritise inbound communications and to route them to the appropriate channel or group. This is the case for more than 83% of the inquiries being received by the Office every day, which embassy staff say “…means efficient communication, satisfied customers and a gain in personnel resources for other tasks.”

Reducing the barriers to adoption with embedded AI

To date, the types of use cases described above have been delivered as custom AI solutions, limiting uptake to agencies that are sufficiently resourced to assemble AI systems from Large Language Models (LLMs) and other necessary components. This is further exacerbated by the additional work needed to protect customer data, prevent bias, and ensure the reliability of AI recommendations.

Thankfully these barriers to adoption are being reduced as AI capabilities become embedded into enterprise software, enabling agencies to adopt out-of-the-box solutions. For example, something as simple as supporting staff to retrieve information using AI-enabled natural language search could reduce the time customers spend waiting on hold while their case worker struggles to locate their file.

Revolutionising social services with agentic AI

The advent of agentic AI could be a tipping point for social services AI use. By virtue of their ability to take multiple paths and iterative steps towards achieving an outcome, AI agents are particularly suited to the type of complex case processing inherent in social services. We can imagine a future where benefit applications are picked up and processed by a team of specialised AI agents that can autonomously validate compliance, determine eligibility and entitlement, identify potentially fraudulent claims, and present reasoned recommendations to human case workers for approval.

Such a future could be just around the corner. predicts that, “by 2028, 33% of enterprise software applications will include agentic AI, enabling 15% of day-to-day work decisions to be made autonomously.” Similarly, it notes, “by 2029, agentic AI will autonomously resolve 80% of common customer service issues without human intervention, leading to a 30% reduction in operational costs”.

In summary, AI is already enabling early adopters like Hamburg’s Ministry of Finance to improve the efficiency of application processing for social benefits. AI adoption in social services is now set to scale as AI capabilities are embedded into enterprise software, and this could lay the groundwork for a big leap forward with agentic AI. AI will be increasingly capable of reducing the “hassle costs” associated with claiming benefits, helping to ensure that social and economic supports reach the people that need it, when they need it.

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Using the knowledge gained working with tens of thousands of clients around the world, we ensure agencies – and the citizens they serve – can benefit from the latest in best practice thinking.

Each customer also benefits from close to $10 billion dollars we spend each year on research and development. This investment ensures our software incorporates the latest processes and technologies, implemented in a safe and effective manner, including the rapidly emerging field of .

This experience means we are very familiar with the pressures that public sector agencies face to transform and improve their service offerings. We have also worked hard to ensure we remain at the forefront of innovation and have evolved with our clients through the different eras of computing, from mainframe and client/server deployments to today’s cloud-based environments, ensuring we can meet demands for agility and cost-effectiveness.

Resetting Perceptions: Solutions for Agencies of all sizes

However, our heritage in delivering large and complex systems for some of the world’s most sophisticated organisations has at times overshadowed the value we can bring to smaller organisations and the speed at which we can deliver it.

We believe it is time to reset thinking when it comes to who we are, what we can do, and who is supported by our business.

Cost Effective for All Sizes

While has found success assisting some of Australia and New Zealand’s largest government departments, we have also helped some smaller agencies achieve remarkable results on limited budgets.

For example, at Fire & Rescue NSW, is bringing together data from multiple systems to underpin new financial planning and management reporting processes. The implementation has automated and accelerated numerous processes and shortened the delivery of month-end reports by a whole week. Staff can focus on making strategic decisions rather than crunching numbers, and the agency is well placed to harness and predictive analytics to support its role protecting the people of NSW. It’s estimated this has saved them over 20,000 hours of effort each fire season.

And at Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), the implementation of is delivering more than $1 million in projected savings in the first six months thanks to improvements in product allocation and import scheduling. The solution also uncovered a $500,000 revenue opportunity, showcasing how 51����solutions drive both operational efficiency and growth.

Speed to Value: Rapid Cloud Adoption

Our rapid adoption of cloud-based delivery means organisations can now access the latest technologies at unprecedented speed. This capability has been instrumental in supporting governments during national crises where fast turnarounds are critical.

This was demonstrated repeatedly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where quickly developed government support programs demanded similarly rapid turnarounds to create the systems that would deliver them.

In Germany for instance, the Federal Government quickly realised that COVID-19 lockdowns would have a dramatic negative impact on the country’s cultural industries and responded by allocating 2.5 billion euros in aid. The money was to be distributed by the 16 German states, but some lacked the capability to deliver it efficiently.

A solution was proposed by the Hamburg Ministry of Finance, which offered to develop a platform using and that could be used by the 15 other states. A comprehensive solution was developed spanning self-registration, screening, application, entitlement, dispute handling, and payment, the platform was up and running in just three weeks.

This same system later evolved to incorporate generative AI, which was critical in helping Hamburg accept and interpret the hundreds of pages of information that applicants supplied when applying for grants, saving between 13,300 and 33,100 hours of manual processing per year.

Another story of ������’s agility was told in Japan in the wake of the 2024 New Year’s Day earthquake. ��51����Japan stepped up to develop and implement an application on 51����BTP in just 72 hours consolidating and visualising data from a wide range of sources to support the government’s response. This capability underscores 51����ability to deliver rapid solutions in times of need.

Supporting Local IT Growth

No software company knows Australian and New Zealand governments and agencies better than SAP. We have been supporting the Australian Government since 1988 and today we are assisting everyone from the largest departments to regional councils.

������’s contribution to the Australian economy is not limited to technology alone. We employ more than 1,400 staff across Australia, and our ecosystem of over 625 partners – half of which are small businesses – helps bring our solutions to life.

Whether it be FAIR Consulting Group’s focus on delivering value for its customers while driven by its values, Dyflex’s support to the growth businesses at the forefront of Australia’s energy transition, or DalRae’s strength in delivering innovation for Government customers, these Australian businesses driving local growth and employment by helping our customers integrate 51����solutions.

In 2023, 51����further strengthened its commitment to Australia by launching an Australian sovereign cloud capability, generating 70 new local jobs. That service is now live for local clients with specific needs for localised data hosting, including commercial organisations such as Toll Group.

Collectively, Oxford Economics has estimated 51����Australia has contributed more than $900 million to the local economy. And that doesn’t include the productivity benefits our solutions have delivered for our customers across various sectors.

Public Sector investment in 51����solutions delivers benefits across the Australian economy, creating jobs while ensuring citizens benefit from systems that embody the latest developments in AI-powered technologies.

A Proven Partner for Public Sector Success

������’s systems and processes have been developed from best practices learned through decades of collaboration with Australia’s public sector and organizations around the world.

If you’re looking for cutting-edge solutions, backed by ������’s nearly $10 billion annual investment in R&D and deep expertise in running public sector agencies cost-effectively, while also contributing to local economic growth, then talk to SAP.

The post Building a Smarter Australia: How 51����is Powering Government and Local IT success appeared first on 51����Australia & New Zealand News Center.

The announcement, made at 51����Australia and New Zealand’s flagship customer event 51����NOW ANZ, details how Atturra turned to 51����SuccessFactors to help overhaul its employee experience, which was hampered by basic HR systems and a reliance on fragmented and manually tracked spreadsheets and documents.

As Atturra’s team quickly expanded, the administrative workload to manage the larger team became a bottleneck, causing HR process delays and affecting the quality of employee engagement. Performance reviews were less frequent, employee and organisational data quality suffered, and the lack of a structured training platform hindered growth opportunities, affecting both individual and business development.

To address these challenges, Atturra worked with Discovery Consulting to begin implementing 51����SuccessFactors into its operations in October 2022. The rollout was completed in October 2023 and included core HR services, including Employee Central, Onboarding, Learning, Performance & Goals, and Recruiting. The phased rollout approach gave staff time to establish a change management framework and manage the cultural transition, granting greater insight into Atturra’s people data before implementing tailored performance and learning objectives.

The business has already felt the positive impact of its decision. Atturra now has an automated onboarding process and provides its employees with access to self-service tools, as well as improved access to learning resources and compliance training. Since the implementation, the organisation has seen a 78 per cent increase in accuracy of high-quality employee and organisational HR data; a 49 per cent decrease in the average time managers spend on administrative HR-related tasks; and staff turnover has also reduced by 15 per cent.

Speaking at 51����NOW ANZ, Atturra’s Chief Operating Officer, David Dekker, said, “As a company that prides itself on helping clients embrace the tools of the future, we saw how relying on better technology would support our growth and deliver a first-class experience to our people. Implementing 51����SuccessFactors has streamlined our onboarding process, allowing new team members to settle in and start learning and contributing faster. In the second phase we added further functionalities with the Performance & Goals, Learning and Recruiting modules. This has been a game changer in promoting a culture of continuous development, boosting employee engagement and supporting our goals for sustainable growth and innovation.”

51����Australia and New Zealand’s President and Managing Director, Angela Colantuono, said, “Implementing 51����SuccessFactors had an immediate, positive impact on Atturra’s employee management, engagement and retention. From helping to improve its HR systems to better managing its growing team, to refining the onboarding experience from day one, the result was a transformative HR experience that supports and accelerates Atturra’s growth.”

Discovery Consulting Group’s Managing Partner, Alistair Elloitt, said, “The implementation of 51����SuccessFactors enabled Atturra to drive change in its employee lifecycle management system, underpinned by strong project governance and the continued support and communication from leadership. The willingness to not only adopt new systems but also support organisational change to achieve benefits across the organisation and for their people is a testament to the team at Atturra.”

Atturra continues to refine its performance goals and development processes through 51����SuccessFactors, improving workflows and automations to increase authentic employee engagement, particularly in remote work teams, and use the platform’s analytics tools to identify retention risks.

The post Atturra overhauls HR processes with 51����SuccessFactors appeared first on 51����Australia & New Zealand News Center.

Key Insights��

1. The AI Revolution��The emergence of like ChatGPT-3 has revolutionized how businesses approach AI. The public’s access to advanced AI tools has sparked innovation and competitive growth. According to Deloitte, 94% of organizations recognize AI as critical to their future success, with 65% already integrating AI into their operations. This shift signifies not just a trend but a fundamental transformation in business operations and strategies.

2. Benefits of AI in Business��51����identifies five major benefits of AI:

• Business Resilience:��AI helps organizations adapt to market changes and disruptions swiftly.��

• Enhanced Customer Service:��AI-driven chatbots and support systems provide instant, efficient customer service.��

• Confident Decision-Making:��AI analytics offer deep insights, enabling better strategic decisions.��

• Relevant Products/Services:��AI helps in tailoring products and services to meet customer needs more effectively.��

• Engaged Workforces:��AI automates routine tasks, allowing employees to focus on more engaging, value-added activities.��

By 2025, 50% of end-users are expected to use AI-infused applications, transitioning from systems of record to systems of intelligent planning. This shift underscores the importance of integrating AI into systems like 51����for sustained business growth and efficiency.��

3. The Importance of Data Quality��AI’s effectiveness hinges on the quality of data. Poor data quality leads to inaccurate AI outcomes, emphasizing the adage, “Garbage in, garbage out.” A coherent data strategy, underpinned by robust data governance and management, ensures that AI delivers consistent and valuable results. Ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and reliability is paramount to achieving meaningful AI-driven insights and operations.

Practical Application and Examples��

SimpleMDG��is a powerful solution for managing master data across 51����and non-51����systems. Its simplicity, integration capabilities, and supportability ensure data quality, particularly in 51����environments, making master data accurate, consistent, and AI-ready, thereby enhancing AI insights’ reliability.��

While some examples below may not be in the whitepaper, they illustrate how high-quality master data within 51����drives innovation. Integrating SimpleMDG with 51����can be the cornerstone of a robust data strategy, enabling exceptional results and continuous innovation with Business AI.��

Real-world Applications��

• Multinational Corporation:��A multinational corporation used SimpleMDG to streamline master data management, significantly improving data quality. This led to more accurate AI-driven forecasts and better decision-making processes.��

• Global Manufacturing Firm:��A global manufacturing firm integrated SimpleMDG with its 51����ERP system to automate data validation processes, reducing errors and operational inefficiencies.��

Predictive Maintenance in Manufacturing��

• Leading Automotive Manufacturer:��A leading automotive manufacturer used AI to predict equipment failures before they occurred. By leveraging high-quality master data with 51����solutions, the company reduced downtime, optimized maintenance schedules, and saved millions in operational costs. The predictive maintenance model relied on accurate data from sensors and historical maintenance records, showcasing the power of a robust data strategy in enabling effective AI solutions.��

Customer Insights in Retail��

• Major Retail Chain:��A major retail chain utilized AI-powered analytics to gain deeper insights into customer behavior. By integrating customer data with 51����and ensuring quality Master Data, the retailer created personalized marketing campaigns, improved inventory management, and enhanced customer experiences. The ability to analyze large volumes of accurate data allowed for more targeted and effective business strategies, resulting in increased customer loyalty and sales.��

Supply Chain Optimization��

• Global Shipping Company:��A global shipping company used AI to optimize its supply chain operations. Employing a robust data strategy with 51����and quality master data, the company analyzed real-time data from various sources to predict demand, manage inventory, and streamline transportation routes. This improved efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring timely deliveries.��

Financial Forecasting in Banking��

• Leading Financial Institution:��A leading financial institution applied AI to improve financial forecasting and risk management. With a strong data strategy ensuring high-quality data inputs, the bank used AI algorithms to analyze market trends, predict financial risks, and make informed investment decisions. The integration of AI with 51����systems facilitated real-time data analysis, providing the bank with a competitive edge in the fast-paced financial market.��

Conclusion��

In today’s fast-paced business environment, integrating AI into strategies is essential for transforming operations, driving innovation, and enhancing decision-making. However, the success of AI applications hinges on the quality of data.��

To maximize AI’s potential, organizations must implement a robust data strategy ensuring accuracy, consistency, and reliability. Master data governance tools like SimpleMDG are crucial for managing data effectively, supporting AI with high-quality information.��

Key aspects of master data governance include:��

• Data Accuracy: Essential for AI algorithms to deliver correct insights. Inaccurate data leads to flawed results and poor decisions.��

• Data Consistency: Crucial for reliable AI outcomes. SimpleMDG helps maintain consistency across systems, avoiding disruptions.��

• Data Reliability: Foundational for effective AI applications. With SimpleMDG, organizations can trust their data to provide actionable insights.��

As digital transformation progresses, prioritizing data quality is essential to unlocking AI’s full business potential. A robust data strategy not only boosts AI capabilities but also secures a competitive edge and fosters ongoing innovation.��

To conclude, integrating AI with effective master data governance is vital for leveraging AI’s full potential and by ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and reliability, we enable the path for significant success in business outcomes and staying ahead in the��‘AI Everywhere Era’.��

Call to Action

To delve deeper into how a robust data strategy can unlock the full potential of AI in your organization, download our comprehensive whitepaper, “Unlocking AI Opportunities with a Data Strategy through 51����and SimpleMDG.” Discover actionable insights, practical examples, and expert recommendations that will guide your AI journey.��

Acknowledgements

Author:��

• Jon Simmonds.��VP Professional Services, Laidon Group.��

Contributors:��

• Matthew Phu.��Founder and CEO, Laidon Group.��

• Robin Shadgett.��Customer Success Director ANZ, Laidon Group.��

Title:��

• Cathy McGurk.��Director of Solution Advisory, 51����BTP, Australia & New Zealand.��

Additional Contributors – Review and Feedback:��

• Varun Thamba.��Regional Director, 51����Business AI Strategy: Asia Pacific & Japan.��

• Jared Yabanci.��Solution Advisor, 51����BTP (Data), Australia & New Zealand.��

• Liam Mischewski.��Solution Advisor, 51����BTP (AI, Innovation), Australia & New Zealand.��

This content was originally published on the SimpleMDG blog on June 29, 2024. The original article was written by Jon Simmonds, VP Professional Services, Laidon Group. Republished with permission from SimpleMDG.

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Sydney – 20 May 2024 – Australian organisations say their overall business performance is intrinsically linked to treating sustainability as a strategic priority – and are boosting their investments as a result.

A recent study by 51����found 68% of Australian businesses see a moderate to strong relationship between sustainability and both their organisation’s competitiveness and its profitability, slightly below global results (72% competitiveness, 68% profitability).

That impact on business outcomes is driving investment. In Australia, almost half of businesses (49%) intend to increase their investments in sustainability over the next three years, up 11% points since last year (38%)[1].

Sustainable Australian businesses drive growth in the top line, bottom line, and green line

The study, which surveyed 250 business leaders in Australia[2], found more than two-thirds (67%) of Australian businesses saw sustainability strategies contributing to outcomes like revenue or profit growth to a moderate or strong degree. Similarly, 69% of Australian respondents saw a moderate or strong increase in the efficiency of business processes from sustainability activities.

Six in ten (60%) of Australian businesses expect to demonstrate a positive financial return on their sustainability investments within the next five years, compared to 61% of global respondents.

“Sustainability can no longer be considered separately to the wider financial performance of the business because it is increasingly clear that more sustainable organisations are more successful organisations,” said Gina McNamara, Regional Chief Financial Officer, 51����Asia Pacific & Japan.

“Already, more than one in ten (11%) Australian businesses say sustainability is material to their business results, and another 36% say it will be within five years. Now is the time to combine financial and environmental decision-making in every business process, so we treat carbon data the same way we treat financial data.”

Yet, challenges remain. Difficulty proving return on investment is the top barrier to taking environmental action with 40% of Australian businesses finding it a challenge, above the global average of 33%. Other notable issues include lack of funding (33%), lack of an environmental impact strategy (32%), and lack of expertise (32%).

Australian businesses looking to unlock the value of sustainability data

Extracting value from sustainability data will be key to enabling Australian businesses to prove return on investment.

Just 15% of Australian businesses are completely satisfied with the quality of the sustainability data they gather, down from 17% last year and below the global mark of 23%.

This may be because there remains work to do to measure sustainability data directly, rather than rely on assumptions and estimates. Australian businesses trail the rest of the world when it comes to directly measuring energy consumption and emissions (72% in Australia vs. 83% globally), resource availability (73% vs. 79%), and materials use (70% vs. 76%).

“If our sustainability data is not complete then the decisions we make to improve the health of our planet and our businesses are cast into doubt,” continued McNamara. “The key is to record and report accurate, granular, and auditable sustainability data and integrate it with financial data to make the right business decisions.”

Australian businesses are utilising sustainability data across their ecosystem

That becomes particularly important considering Australian businesses are using sustainability data to make decisions today. Three quarters (75%) of Australian businesses use sustainability data to inform strategic and operational decision-making to a moderate or strong degree. Just four per cent do not use sustainability data in decision-making at all.

Yet, there are encouraging signs of progress. Over seven in ten (73%) of Australian businesses report moderate or strong tracking of Scope 1 emissions, while that number is 64% for Scope 2 emissions, and 52% for Scope 3 emissions.

Similarly, Australian businesses are making sustainability demands across their ecosystem. Almost two-thirds (64%) of respondents said they require sustainability data from their suppliers to a moderate or strong degree, and 63% demand environmental impact data from partners like logistics and fulfilment.

“The benefits of integrating sustainability data and outcomes into the core business are clear,” concluded McNamara. “But there’s still so much more to do. Working with a technology partner like 51����will help more businesses measure actual sustainability data, act on it strategically, and drive competitiveness, profit, and revenue themselves.”

About this research

51����Insights collected data from 4750 respondents across 21 nations and 29 industries. Respondents had the highest knowledge of their organisation’s sustainability objectives and processes​. The study was conducted in February-March 2023 via an online survey.

[1] /australia/2022/11/29/sustainability-is-driving-profitability-and-competitiveness-in-australia-though-access-to-data-is-stifling-progress/

[2] Business leaders refers those with the following job titles: Vice President, Director, Unit Manager, Operations Manager, Facilities Manager, all C-Suite titles (CSO, COO, CFO, CPO, CEO, CRO) Environment or Sustainability Manager, Procurement Manager, Environmental Health & Safety Manager, Risk Manager, Public Affairs Manager.

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AI serves as a powerful tool for extracting actionable insights from the vast amount of reliable data generated and stored within 51����systems.�� Combining AI with 51����BTP, advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms becomes possible, allowing organisations to tap into the potential of their 51����data along with the AI technologies available in the market.

By harnessing artificial intelligence, 51����BTP combines business data from S4 with external data, enabling the creation of increasingly precise models in real-time.�� This ensures a versatile and agile platform that propels innovation while retaining a clean digital core. This demonstrates a shift from traditional systems of record to systems of intelligence.

The Pillars of 51����BTP

Five pillars support 51����BTP: App development, automation, integration, data analytics, and AI. These pillars interplay with embedded intelligent technologies like situation handling, machine learning, and analytics, all fully integrated within the 51����S/4HANA Cloud. Furthermore, side-by-side capabilities through 51����BTP offer additional intelligent industry functionalities like Intelligent Situation Automation, 51����Build Process Automation, and chatbot technology.

��

AI-Powered Capabilities��

51����has embedded AI into its products for many years, from journal reconciliations in S4 to AI-powered writing assistants aimed to streamline HR-related tasks in Success Factors.

These innovative functionalities are not merely theoretical but are practically applicable, ensuring HR admins, managers, and employees can operate more efficiently.�� In fact, these innovations exist across all the functions in your 51����landscape such as procurement, finance, and human resources.

How to get started?

Automation is pivotal for managing manual and repetitive tasks, especially those involving the consolidation and manipulation of data from diverse sources like MS Excel, vendor portals, and 51����systems. High-volume processes, often exceeding 1000 steps a day—such as data migrations and approvals—and those requiring access to multiple applications, can be streamlined, ensuring seamless operation across your 51����environment.

51����has provided templates across all the business functions to accelerate these initiatives, as shown below.

A More Advanced AI Use Case

The transition from a rules-based approach to an AI-empowered, data-driven model is illustrated through an example case study of an Australian customer.�� A decade ago, an employee scripted manual “if:then” statements for road upgrades; a process that has now been revolutionised by AI. AI can now analyse these rules and infuse them with real-time data like weather, road usage, and vehicle types. As a part of their operations, this customer assesses road conditions using specialised trucks called profilometers, generating colossal data volumes that outpace their storage capacities. 51����BTP, however, can house this data in expansive lakes, giving AI the agility to model exponentially precise “if:then” statements.

The shift will allow this customer to manage large datasets from disparate sources seamlessly, scaling memory and compute capabilities to handle big data without losing granularity. Moreover, unlike fixed rules, the AI algorithms continually evolve based on data, thereby ensuring maintenance and road upgrade strategies that are timely, relevant, and efficient.

In the realm of road maintenance, AI’s practical application is manifest, where even a small percentage improvement can result in significant savings for this customer.�� This financial efficacy, combined with the potential to extend the useful life of assets, underscores the tangible, impactful benefits of combining AI with 51����BTP.

In Summation

Early AI integration can offer businesses a decisive advantage. ������’s AI vision isn’t just about pioneering technology; it’s about tangible, real-world applications. From simple tools deployable within days to intricate endeavours with broad impact.

If you’d like to find out about the value AI can bring to businesses through automation and explore other use cases, then visit the website.

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Sydney, Australia – 26 September 2023 – has helped , Australia’s largest privately-owned logistics company, create a custom digital warehouse solution (DWS) to optimise the end-to-end operation of its warehouse sites, support multiuser functionality and scalability, and streamline its customer onboarding processes.

The creation of its custom DWS, done using the 51����Warehouse Management (EWM) application, and the implementation across Linfox’s warehouse sites was completed at the end of 2020.

The implementation enabled Linfox to integrate various automation solutions that were running across different sites, centralising and streamlining crucial processes including inventory management, picking, putaway, cold chain storage, dock appointment scheduling, cross-docking and dangerous goods management.

Three of Linfox’s warehouse sites are now completely automated through DWS, with technology including automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), robotic palletisers, and the latest goods-to-person warehouse solutions.

Introducing DWS has streamlined Linfox’s customer onboarding process, condensing the previous onboarding timeline from four months to only four to six weeks. This allows Linfox to provide a cost-effective, speed-to-market solution that ultimately benefits its customers.

“DWS powered by 51����has freed our team members to focus on higher value tasks, increasing our flexibility as a logistics partner. This was particularly crucial during the pandemic when managing distribution of vaccines,” said Nick Delija, Chief Information Officer, Linfox.

“DWS has also increased our speed to market, bolstering our competitiveness and exceeding customer expectations. When we work with 51����to seamlessly integrate with automation solutions, there’s a lot of benefits,” continued Delija.

Damien Bueno, President and Managing Director, 51����Australia and New Zealand says, “The transport, logistics and supply chain sectors have undergone significant change over the last few years, driven by ongoing pandemic-related disruption, and being able to react quickly to unexpected market and supply chain disruptions is critical to success.

Working with Linfox, we’re helping them to centralise systems and streamline processes through real-time visibility of warehouse operations, which has enabled them to better respond to market changes and disruptions, free up resources from administrative activities, and focus on driving business growth.”

The solution will play a vital part in standardising business processes across the organisation, enabling strategic reporting, the provision of real-time data and further investment in automation to better serve its customers.

The post Linfox Streamlines Operations And Enhances Customer Onboarding With SAP appeared first on 51����Australia & New Zealand News Center.

Recognising its third-party suppliers as true partners impacting its customers directly, Fujitsu prioritised enhancing its procurement function for better governance, compliance, and visibility. It faced challenges like limited visibility of active supplier contracts, lack of a centralised platform for spend data, and a fragmented procurement function. Fujitsu created a dedicated dashboard to track spending with First Nations suppliers and developed a focused buying channel, boosting their product engagement. The results were remarkable: the spend with First Nations suppliers surged from $200,000 to over $4.0 million in a few years.

This transition wasn’t limited to just supplier diversity. Fujitsu has also automated and streamlined its procurement processes, established a standardised hub for end-to-end procurement activities offshore, and built a central contract repository with over 2,000 workspaces. This transformation significantly enhanced Fujitsu’s procure-to-pay (P2P) processing efficiency and compliance, with all internal use purchase orders now managed in Ariba P2P while fully integrated with Fujitsu Financial Limited of Authority.

With Ariba’s Supplier Lifecycle and Performance (SLP) module, Fujitsu embedded a robust supplier management framework, giving visibility to over 380 total supplier lifecycle projects and more than 300 supplier request/registration projects. This reduced new vendor processing time by over 65%. The Ariba Supplier Risk Module now provides full coverage for risk monitoring and compliance assessment, enhancing Fujitsu’s capability to manage supplier performance effectively.

Moreover, the establishment of the Fujitsu Central Contract Repository has led to over 600 active contract workspaces, with 30% of contracts operationalized for downstream P2P. The launch of the Fujitsu First Nations Supplier portal through Ariba’s Guided Buying platform marks another significant stride, enhancing user experience and driving supplier diversity & inclusion initiatives. Fujitsu has achieved over $4.5M in spend with First Nations suppliers to date and an impressive $12.5M+ per annum spend with SME partners since the program’s launch.

These accomplishments underline Fujitsu’s commitment to sustainable, diverse, and inclusive supply chains, reflecting its mission of making a positive impact on environmental sustainability and empowering local communities. Nicole Forrester, APAC Vice President, Purpose, People & Culture, said, “51����Ariba is an enabler for Fujitsu in creating a prosperous, vibrant, and sustainable Indigenous engagement.”

Fujitsu’s journey shows 51����Ariba’s transformative power in creating a business-centric model, integrating the procurement operations team into various business units, and driving initiatives such as RAP. Ariba’s scalability enables the creation of operational support hubs and business process standardisation across the APAC region, reflecting Fujitsu’s vision of a centralised business model.

In leveraging the power of 51����Ariba, Fujitsu has made a paradigm shift towards more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable procurement practices. Their journey underlines the transformative potential of Ariba for organisations striving for operational excellence and a more equitable, sustainable world.

The post “We will continue to leverage 51����Ariba to ensure we embed a sustainable procurement approach as we continue to scale up our engagements with our First Nations-owned suppliers” – Payam Rahimi, APAC Head of Procurement, Fujitsu appeared first on 51����Australia & New Zealand News Center.

AI is revolutionising industries and ushering in a new era of work for users, businesses and more. While some organisations are already using it for small pilot projects, the real opportunity lies in exploring its ability to scale. ��

In June of this year the Australian Government published its discussion paper on AI technology, called . What it revealed is that AI is a critical technology that can help to drive productivity growth in Australia. From hospitals using it to consolidate large amounts of patient data, engineers using it to evaluate and optimise designs, to using AI-enabling improvements and cost savings in the provision of legal services, it’s clear all industries will benefit from AI.��

Australia’s economy is currently experiencing low productivity growth, its lowest for 60 years. We have an opportunity, even an obligation to, embrace this technology at all levels, across all industries to increase our economy’s output.��

At SAP, we’re bringing transformative intelligence to organisations through across both private and public sectors. For example, is using 51����machine learning capabilities to predict those taxpayers that are at risk of defaulting. This is enabling them to proactively build personalised payment plans and deliver more timely revenue collection to the government. On the other hand, , one of Australia’s largest workplace solutions companies, is using 51����intelligent robotic process automation to automate repetitive administrative tasks, freeing up its workforce to focus on more strategic and value-added activities.��

The need for AI regulation��

As the adoption of AI accelerates there is a growing discussion, prompted by the government’s recent discussion paper, around what steps must be taken to regulate it.��

While recent discussions suggest the technology industry opposes regulation, while citizens advocate for greater protections, the reality is more nuanced.��

For our part, 51����does not oppose regulation if there is harm that can be best managed by it. In fact, in most cases existing regulations are suitable for addressing some of the issues raised by AI. For example, a core principle of Australian Consumer Law is that businesses must not engage in misleading or deceptive conduct. We do not need new AI specific laws to prohibit the use of generative AI to be used to create misleading images in a consumer protection context.��

Furthermore, while AI is a complex technology, the issues arising from the impacts of AI on intellectual property rights are very different from those related to businesses using AI to determine the suitability of a loan application.��

������’s view is that a broad-based regulatory approach to addressing potential harms is not suitable.��

������’s risk-based approach to AI��

To mitigate and manage the risks associated with AI, SAP recommends the following:��

1. A risk-based sectoral approach rather than top-down broad-based regulatory intervention: 51����recommends that regulators or policy makers undertake a risk assessment to determine whether to intervene based on end-user implications. For example, consumer protection policy makers and regulators should assess what the risks are facing a consumer who uses an AI-enabled driverless car.����
2. Establish an AI centre of excellence: AI is a fast-moving technology with impacts across all government portfolios. To avoid overlap, inconsistency, duplication, and conflict, 51����recommends establishing an AI centre of excellence to advise and coordinate whole of government policy responses and apply a common set of principles to its application. As Ed Santow Professor & co-director, Human Technology Institute, University of Technology Sydney noted “A significant part of the problem in the AI era is not the content of our law, but the fact it is not consistently enforced when it comes to the development and use of AI.”��

Government accountability does not end there. You should not regulate what you do not understand. Government must also be an exemplar in its use of AI, investing in AI across every portfolio and using it to improve its operations and citizen services. ��

At the recent 51����NOW event in Sydney the former NSW Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello reinforced this, noting that all agencies must prioritise experimenting and trialling new applications of AI technologies in their operations and policy challenges.��

The path forward requires industry collaboration��

51����looks forward to engaging with the Government’s engagement regulatory responses to AI. However, we should not lose sight of the pressing public policy challenge of low productivity facing Australia. We know that AI technologies help us do more with less, so let’s focus on how we can accelerate our economy’s adoption of this technology. ��

For more information, read ������’s response to the Australian Government’s Safe and Responsible AI discussion paper here.��

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Metcash identified the opportunity to make the ordering of Warehouse and ‘Direct to Store’ products and services that much simpler for it’s extensive network of Food Retailers. Creating a singular ‘marketplace’ that contained all the critical information required by Retailers to make well informed decisions on the products they procured, would have significant benefits across it’s network.

Enter Sorted – an e-commerce marketplace platform forged in collaboration with 51����Commerce Cloud. The technology reflects a shift in behaviours, supplier relations and distribution. Powered by 51����Commerce Cloud, Sorted seamlessly integrates advanced features, enabling real-time order tracking, product insights and a frictionless digital ordering system.

Metcash’s investment in Sorted is empowering their Retailers. Simon Williams, who leads B2B E-commerce for Metcash, reflects, “It wasn’t always easy for Retailers to identify great-selling lines stocked elsewhere in the network, that they could be stocking in their store.” Sorted addresses this issue, by analysing sales data from across the Metcash network and delivering personalised insights to Retailers based on regional sales trends. The benefits were felt by independent Retailers like Darren Partridge of IGA Thrumster, who shared, “It’s allowed us to put it in a process of ordering, invoicing and receiving those products. I describe Sorted as the Retailer’s online store – easy to navigate and use.”

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The simplicity and efficiency that Sorted has brought to Metcash’s operations has been game changing. By integrating 80,000 ‘Direct to Store’ products alongside the Warehouse range into Sorted, Metcash’s suppliers are experience exponential growth. Artisan brands such as Killer Coffee experienced a remarkable 60% YoY sales surge. 36,000 transactions are processed every week and hitting new highs as every week goes past. New suppliers are joining at a ‘rate of knots’, over 430 ‘Direct to Store’ Suppliers are featured on Sorted.

The operational efficiency gains from Sorted are undeniable. Retailers are saving significant amounts of time each week when ordering products and services, emphasising the platform’s impact on streamlining processes. The benefits of Metcash’s partnership with 51����extend beyond numbers; With Ask ROSS integration into Sorted and a ‘doors open’ approach for businesses, Metcash remains true to its vision of being an advocate for local economies and independent retailers.

Darren Partridge’s story exemplifies Sorted’s impact on Retailers: “It’s allowed us to put in a process of ordering, invoicing and receiving those products.”�� As Metcash continues its journey with 51����Commerce Cloud, it serves as a testament to SAP’s transformative capabilities at scale. The Sorted platform development promises to unlock even more distribution and marketing opportunities, ensuring that the retailers Metcash serves, continue to be the best stores in their town.

The post “Investment in Sorted has empowered our retailers” – Simon Williams, Head of Merchandise Business Development, Metcash appeared first on 51����Australia & New Zealand News Center.