Artificial intelligence is becoming a central component of the operational process for Australian companies in multiple sectors.
SAP has identified five most widely adopted AI use cases among its Australian and New Zealand customers, highlighting the transition from the periphery to mainstream business functions. According to an analysis of local SAP customers last year, the most common applications of AI include automated expense generation using receipt images, automated invoice processing, expense verification and compliance checks, real-time alerts for supply chain disruptions, and forecast sales demand forecasts driven by predictive analytics.
Angela Colantuono, Managing Director at SAP Australia, is committed to increasing the importance of AI for business leaders.
“My conversations with CEOs are increasingly revealing that I aim to embed AI in the most fundamental part of my business. These applications help Australian organizations make faster, smarter decisions, reduce risk and unlock new value.
Dr. Catriona Wallace, an AI ethics expert and founder of the Responsible Metaverse Alliance, raised concerns about the adoption of responsible AI. She said, “AI is the number one existential risk we face today. However, only a small portion of Australian organizations have the capacity to use responsibly. If we want to promote innovation, productivity and public trust in AI, we will become the center of transparency, ethical, and ethical between transparent, ethical, and human-centered existences.
SAP's customer base in Australia and New Zealand reports an increase in momentum in adoption of AI and cloud technology, including participants from education, manufacturing and other sectors.
University and transformation
La Trobe University distinguishes itself as the first university in Australia and New Zealand, implementing SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition as part of its transformation initiative. Through this process, the university has updated its core operations spanning funding, raises, logistics, sales, R&D engineering and real estate, enabling further opportunities for future AI-driven development.
“This transformation is a huge step forward in the way we operate. It helps simplify complexity, streamline processes, improve reporting and decision-making, and free people to focus on high-value jobs,” said Shainal Kavar, Chief Information Officer at La Trobe University.
Commercial adoption in brewing
In the commercial sector, Lion, a leading brewer in Australia and New Zealand, is using SAP solutions to expand its adoption of cloud-based technology. The company implemented a clean core strategy for ERP systems and leveraged SAP's business technology platform to enhance business processes, including improving ordering cycles, scalability of digital channels, and providing real-time team insights. Through collaboration between Lion and SAP, “Joey,” a beer recommended app with AI, was completed within 10 days.
“AI helps us move faster, make smarter decisions and provide a better customer experience. It's about providing not only automation, but also the tools for teams to innovate,” said Ram Kalyanasundaram, director of group technology and digital transformation at Lion.
Building AI skills and diversity
SAP has announced the return of the SAP AI Intrepid Women Tour, scheduled for January 2026. The four-day executive study program aims to provide female leaders with knowledge, strategic insights and trust in AI leadership. Following the results of previous tours, the company will once again convene senior female technology executives to explore AI innovation across SAP's global hub.
Tackling the current gender gap in the current role of AI, Angela Colantouno said, “Less than 15% of today's senior AI executives are women. Last year's programme is not only extraordinary when it comes to building AI literacy and sharing experiences, but also because of the future of innovation in Australia.
