An overview of SAP Leonardo
What SAP Leonardo became after its relaunch, and the three routes businesses took to get started with it.
SAP redesigned and launched a new version of its Leonardo platform, migrating it from a primarily Internet of Things based system to a digital innovation system that takes advantage of technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, machine learning and advanced analytics.
SAP launched Leonardo to help customers solve a range of business problems with a package of emerging technologies. Rather than focusing on IoT and cloud-based systems, the rejuvenated Leonardo was capable of addressing a whole new set of enterprise issues.
What are the advantages?
One of the main benefits is the speed of its problem solving. Through smart technologies such as AI, Leonardo can accelerate problem solving from customer to customer.
When a problem arises that is specific to one client, Leonardo identifies the elements of that issue which are common across the industry. It then defines the methodological steps used to solve it, packaging them up and storing them as a reference point for future customers with similar issues. In this way Leonardo is a useful tool for businesses keen to use machine learning to put themselves at the forefront of innovation in their sector.
One of the things that makes Leonardo unusual is that it allows clients to store business data safely and securely while at the same time using it to their advantage. The clever use of data holds the key to fuelling digital innovation and helps business leaders drive new customer experiences.
Who can run it?
Because Leonardo is built on an open platform, the SAP Cloud Platform, users are able to slot it into any environment or architecture, even if they are not SAP customers. Users of the three main public cloud infrastructure providers, AWS, Google and Microsoft Azure, are all able to make use of the platform.
How to get started
There are three routes.
At the first level, Leonardo’s capabilities are embedded in SAP applications such as Ariba, S/4HANA and Hybris.
At the next level, for those wanting to implement quickly, SAP released twenty-three Leonardo-specific kits for particular industries, including life sciences, manufacturing, retail and automotive. The automotive kit, for example, provides fast access to fleet insights. It is a cloud-based application that optimises fleet operations by combining sensor data with business data to offer a global overview of performance, allowing for strategic decision making.
At the most bespoke level, clients may wish to invite an SAP team on site or visit a global design centre for a session of design thinking. This helps identify the primary use cases customers want Leonardo for, with the aim of developing a working prototype.