SAP is incorporating machine learning and predictive analytics into its could-based Integrated Business Planning suite.

Cloud-based computing is on the rise, and SAP is using machine learning and predictive analytics in the hope of boosting the performance of its cloud-based platform, called Integrated Business Planning, specifically geared towards sales and operations. SAP's aim is to add these features so that by using their platform, customers will be able to shorten planning cycles which in turn will provide more accurate responses to changes in supply and demand.

SAP's Integrated Business Planning Suite will allow companies to gather data without having to spend time going through old emails and excel spreadsheets. “Our integrated planning solution allows our customers to align business objectives with operations to achieve top-line growth and higher profits, while significantly improving customer service, order fulfilment and end-user management,” said Hans Thalbauer, SVP, Digital Supply Chain and IoT, SAP, via Computer Business Review.

In order to ensure that their platform worked effectively, SAP used machine learning among other techniques, including predictive analytics. They incorporated the suite via their dedicated machine learning technology, SAP Clea. “With customer expectations and market conditions changing constantly, companies increasingly require collaborative planning with powerful analytical capabilities to ensure accurate and agile execution,” said Thalbauer.

SAP's ultimate goal of its Integrated Planing Suite is to allow their customers to operate faster, more efficiently and with more accuracy.