Blog

SAP is one of the world’s leading producers of software for the management of business processes, developing solutions that facilitate effective data processing and information flow across organizations.

Founded in 1972, the company was initially called System Analysis Program Development (Systemanalyse Programmentwicklung), later abbreviated to SAP. Since then, it has grown from a small, five-person endeavor to a multinational enterprise headquartered in Walldorf, Germany, with more than 101,000 employees worldwide.
With the introduction of its original SAP R/2 and SAP R/3 software, SAP established the global standard for enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Now, SAP S/4HANA takes ERP to the next level by using the power of in-memory computing to process vast amounts of data and to support advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

What does SAP stand for

The name is an initialism of the company’s original German name: Systemanalyse Programmentwicklung, which translates to System Analysis Program Development. Today the company’s legal corporate name is SAP SE — SE stands for Societas Europaea, a public company registered in accordance with the European Union corporate law.

What is SAP software used for?

Traditional business models often decentralize data management, with each business function storing its own operational data in a separate database. This makes it difficult for employees from different business functions to access each other’s information. Furthermore, duplication of data across multiple departments increases IT storage costs and the risk of data errors.
By centralizing data management, SAP software provides multiple business functions with a single view of the truth. This helps companies better manage complex business processes by giving employees of different departments easy access to real-time insights across the enterprise. As a result, businesses can accelerate workflows, improve operational efficiency, raise productivity, enhance customer experiences – and ultimately increase profits.

What is ERP software?

ERP stands for “enterprise resource planning.” ERP software includes programs in all core business areas, such as procurement, production, materials management, sales, marketing, finance, and human resources (HR).

SAP was one of the first companies to develop standard software for business solutions and continues to offer industry-leading ERP solutions.

Which category is best suited for this?

SAP helps companies and organizations of all sizes and industries run their businesses profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. The company develops software solutions that are used by small businesses, midsize companies, and large corporations. With standard applications, industry solutions, platforms, and technologies, every business process can be mapped and designed. The software collects and processes data on one platform, from raw material purchasing to production and customer satisfaction. SAP solutions can be installed “on-premise” at a user’s location(s) or used from the cloud, helping companies analyze and efficiently design the entire value chain. SAP solutions can also be used to create forecasts, such as when a machine needs to be repaired or how revenue will develop in the next half year.

SAP offers solutions across a wide range of areas:

• ERP and Finance
• CRM and Customer Experience
• Network and Spend Management
• Digital Supply Chain
• HR and People Engagement
• Digital Supply Chain
• Experience Management
• Business Technology Platform
• Digital Transformation