To run a successful business in this digital age, you need cutting-edge software that understands your business needs while automating repetitive tasks, identifying weaknesses, providing real-time insights, and much more. SAP Joule is an excellent example—a product that speaks volumes about SAP’s deep expertise and understanding of the business world.

While many in the business sphere have heard about it, not everyone understands it well enough. Since it is such an important and transformative tool for any business, we have prepared a detailed discussion on it. From key features to benefits, we have written everything in this guide.

Read on to learn all the important details.

What is SAP Joule?

SAP Joule is an AI copilot assistant launched in September 2023 by SAP. This advanced software aims to improve business operations by providing relevant and valuable insights through natural language processing. It can be a critical component in implementing industrial IoT, as many devices produce a large amount of data that needs to be processed.

SAP has designed Joule to be suitable for integration with SAP enterprise solutions and many third-party programs, making it one of the most versatile AI assistants on the market.

How Does SAP Joule Work?

SAP Joule works by getting input from users and translating it into a business context. Whenever someone types a question or task in the input box, Joule provides company data and allows users to configure it the way they like. This includes all the company data stored in SAP solutions and third-party applications.

Also worth nothing is that Joule uses anonymized and securely fed data from 300 million global customers to improve various aspects. With time, the community keeps growing and Joule gets even higher quality data for training.

Source

Alt Text: Joule works seamlessly with other SAP applications.

It is important to note that SAP Joule isn’t based on a specific large language model (LLM). In addition, it is not a standalone application; Joule is more like a front end in SAP design, meant to enhance user experience by improving the interaction between various SAP modules.

Although SAP Joule isn’t based on a specifically developed AI model, it can access LLMs of various companies like OpenAI, Cohere, Aleph Alpha, Microsoft, Google, and AWS. The IT team in a firm or the third-party firm handling the software side of things can determine which LLM is most suited to the specific business context they are dealing with.

For instance, if you want to make an internet query, ChatGPT or Google Gemini are the better choices. On the other hand, Joule is ideal if you want to consolidate and analyze data from SAP modules.

Key Features of SAP Joule

It is time to learn the key features of SAP Joule and understand how they function.

1. Collaborative AI Agents

SAP Joule has collaborative AI agents, which are different from other AI tools on the market. Collaborative AI agents are multiple interconnected AI systems that work together to complete tasks. Instead of functioning in isolation, these systems share information, learn from each other, and coordinate actions to complete complex processes.

For instance, organizations often face disputes over invoices, credits, and payments. Resolving these issues traditionally requires comprehensive coordination between the finance, procurement, and HR teams. SAP Joule achieves that collaboration through specific AI agents that manage the entire dispute resolution workflow.

They can analyze the nature of a dispute and determine the necessary steps like invoice verification, contacting suppliers, and the like. Tasks are distributed organically among various systems and teams in finance and procurement.

SAP Joule breaks down the silos in which these teams usually work and ensures a seamless flow of information. This integration leads to improved workflow efficiency because processes are no longer slowed down by collaborative barriers between departments.

2. Generative AI and Developer Capabilities

Generative AI in software of SAP Joule is focused on enhancing developer efficiency by automating and simplifying various aspects of software development. For instance, if a developer describes a data model or functionality in natural language, the AI can generate the required SQL queries or JavaScript functions to implement it.

Not only that, but SAP Joule also has natural language programming capabilities. This means developers can describe their logic, requirements, or commands in natural language, and AI will translate them into executable code.

For instance, a developer can type, “Create an app that tracks inventory and sends low-stock alerts,” and the AI will generate the application structure and code.

3. Real-time Data Analysis

Joule connects to various SAP systems and continuously receives updates from them. As new data flows in, Joule’s AI algorithms immediately process it and identify trends and patterns. Based on this, analyzed data provides actionable insights and suggestions to help the relevant teams act quickly.

Thanks to these real-time responses, SAP Joule is usable in many industries. For instance, a retailer can see a delay in a supplier’s delivery by using SAP Ariba. SAP Joule analyzes the live supply chain data and recommends alternative suppliers or routes to prevent stockouts. Similarly, in SuccessFactors, if Joule detects a spike in employee resignations, it recommends retention strategies like surveys or policy adjustments.

4. Comprehensive Reporting

SAP Joule generates detailed and data-rich reports that provide valuable insights for decision-makers. These reports go beyond surface-level data by identifying patterns, trends, and critical data points to help businesses see the bigger picture.

For instance, the smaller details can include financial breakdowns and departmental performance metrics. Similarly, Joule can identify short-term and long-term patterns like rising costs, increasing sales, or workforce performance fluctuations to enable proactive planning.

5. Integration with SAP Solutions

SAP Joule is designed to integrate seamlessly with a range of SAP business solutions, such as SAP S/4 HANA, SAP SuccessFactors, and SAP Ariba. This integration makes Joule more versatile and applicable across various business functions by leveraging the data, processes, and capabilities already in these systems.

• Joule integrates with SAP S/4 HANA to bring AI-driven insights and automation to ERP workflows.
• Its AI capabilities support HR teams by providing advanced analytics and automation.
• Joule leverages data within Ariba to optimize procurement and supplier interactions.
• Joule’s integration with these tools is crucial because:
• Ensures a consistent and cohesive workflow across all business functions
• Uses data from these tools to provide actionable insights and automate processes without requiring external systems.
• Insights and automation can be shared from one system to the other.
• Eliminates manual processes, reduces errors, and enables faster decision-making.

Use Cases of SAP Joule

Let us discuss some cases in which SAP Joule shows how valuable it is.

• Supply Chain Management: Since SAP Joule integrates seamlessly with SAP Ariba, it can accomplish several supply chain tasks, such as optimizing supplier selection and analyzing procurement data. In addition, Joule predicts demand fluctuations and optimizes inventory levels to improve overall supply chain efficiency. With AI/ML reshaping analytics in the supply chain, Joule’s usefulness becomes even more relevant.
• Sales and Marketing: Joule can optimize your firm’s sales and marketing campaigns by analyzing customer data to predict future sales. Instead of going waywardly with your marketing campaign, Joule helps you create highly targeted campaigns that actually achieve results.
• Financial Analysis and Planning: Joule can be integrated with SAP S/4 HANA to gain insights into the financial metrics of your organization, manage the budget, and forecast revenues.
• Human Resource Management: Joule seamlessly integrates with SAP SuccessFactors to analyze their data and identify future trends. In addition, it can predict future HR needs, which can be significantly helpful for the talent management team from hiring to retention.

Implementing SAP Joule AI in Your Business

Following are the various aspects of AI in SAP Joule that you can use to enhance your business activities:

1. Embeddings and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)

RAG allows businesses to store data as vectors—numeric representations of information with semantic meanings. These vectors act as compact, searchable forms of data within the AI model. When a query is made, the system retrieves the most relevant vectors using vector similarity scoring. This ensures the AI reproduces relevant and accurate information while referencing the output source.

For instance, this technique can enable AI to retrieve specific customer policies, product details, or business rules dynamically, eliminating the need for constant retraining.

2. Orchestration Tools

Orchestration tools are advanced mechanisms that enhance AI performance by connecting it to external systems and APIs. When a prompt requires specific data, these tools retrieve API specifications, access the relevant systems, and provide the necessary input for the AI to generate precise outputs.

This approach allows businesses to augment the AI’s capabilities with real-time or dynamic data, such as retrieving live inventory updates or processing real-time customer feedback.

3. Fine-Tuning

Fine-tuning involves retraining a foundational AI model with domain-specific datasets and customized input-output examples to improve performance on specialized tasks. This method is particularly useful for businesses that need AI to understand complex, industry-specific processes or jargon.

However, fine-tuning is computationally intensive and requires significant time and resources. It is most effective for medium-sized foundation models and is better suited as a secondary choice after exploring embeddings and orchestrations.

Benefits of Using SAP Joule

Here are the benefits that you can expect from SAP Joule for your business.

1. Enhanced Customer Experience

The personalized AI assistance provided by Joule makes it a worthwhile investment for customers from all industries. Joule’s conversational AI is based on natural language, which makes engaging with it comfortable for customers. This efficient and effective communication method builds natural interactions between humans and computers across teams and departments.

Source

Alt Text: Customer experience is a major priority for businesses.

2. Supply Chain, Finance, and Procurement Streamlining

Joule’s advanced AI systems identify inefficiencies in supply chains, financial departments, and procurement plans while suggesting valuable improvements. From evaluating sales performance to pinpointing weak supply chain areas, insights from Joule can provide workable solutions for a business operating in any environment. As a result, businesses see a significant improvement in the overall supply chain processes, customer satisfaction, and cost-cutting measures.

3. Natural Language Capabilities

Joule has excellent natural language capabilities, which results in organic communication with humans. It can comprehend what humans say and react accordingly. Joule can understand the natural human syntax and dialect, and react to it. As a result, the conversation becomes more intuitive, involving things like gestures, voice commands, and much more.

4. An Inclusive Workplace

According to McKinsey & Company, diverse workplaces outperform their less diverse counterparts by 36%—a big difference. Conversational AI can enhance the recruitment process by creating unbiased job descriptions.

Source

Alt Text: HR teams use software for DEI

It results in more fair and honest recruitment, giving everyone an equal chance. Without the help of Joule AI and creating an inclusive language, certain groups of individuals might even be deterred from applying.

5. Regular AI interactions

More and more interactions with Joule AI make it better, as it learns from input queries and patterns. There are many advantages that this continuous engagement brings:

• Enhanced customer satisfaction
• Automation of manual tasks that otherwise consume a lot of time
• Allows for more imaginative work

As AI advances, businesses can expect to gain even more from it. Here is what the future might bring:

• Even more organic communication
• Businesses can trust the accuracy and reliability of results.
• Affordability without compromising quality

6. Data Privacy and Security

Joule is one of the most reliable AI assistants today. It has implemented many guardrails through encryption and authentication to protect user data. It has features that ensure data protection 24/7:

• Users can control the access to their data
• Keeps checks on individual data usage
• Manage user authentication requirements

Source

Alt Text: 97% of firms understand the importance of privacy.

Having these controls over data is essential in today’s digital age, as 94% of customers will buy from someone else if a business doesn’t take it seriously.

Make the Most of SAP Joule With ZirkelTech

Being part of the transformative AI age requires cutting-edge software like SAP Joule. It is a trustworthy AI assistant for your business developed by one of the leading players on the market. With that said, you do require a certain level of expertise to handle Joule and its interactions with other SAP and third-party applications.

ZirkelTech has got your back with its years of expertise in transforming businesses with digital technologies. Construction? Check. Manufacturing? Check. We serve these and many other industries and help businesses step into a new era of digital connectivity and data usage.

So, contact us today and let us help you implement SAP Joule like a pro.

FAQs

Is SAP Joule free or paid?

SAP Joule is not entirely free. The basic version has some SAP cloud subscriptions with limited free “messages.” If you want to go beyond that and access more advanced features, you must subscribe to a paid version.

Is SAP Joule worth it?

Yes, the SAP joule is worth it for businesses looking to improve operational efficiency and decision-making. Its AI capabilities provide real-time insights and streamlined workflows across various SAP applications, especially if they heavily use the SAP suite.

Is SAP Joule accessible on smartphones?

Yes, you can access SAP on mobile through the SAP Mobile Start app. It allows users to perform tasks like approvals and feedback requests while on the go.

What are the prerequisites for using SAP Joule?

To use SAP Joule, you need:

• A license from a SAP product that supports Joule integration
• An SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) enterprise global account
• Integration with SAP Cloud Identity Services for user login