How generative AI accelerates ABAP developers
Tjalling Jan Gerkema - Certified SAP Invoice Management / MDG / Workflow consultant
Introduction
The SAP world is on the move. With the arrival of generative AI, developers are getting a smart assistant that not only writes code, but also helps to deliver customizations faster, better and more efficiently. Especially when developing ABAP reports and automating workflows within SAP S/4HANA and SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform), AI is already showing its added value.
What does this mean specifically for you as an SAP user or developer? And how can you use generative AI effectively within your organization?
Smarter ABAP development: less manual work, more insight
Every ABAP practitioner knows it: you need to deliver a custom report quickly, but lose valuable time on repetitive code, debugging or documentation. This is where generative AI offers a solution. Tools like SAP Joule (SAP's own generative AI copilot) and GitHub Copilot for ABAP provide real-time code suggestions based on your input - think SELECT statements, loops or complete methods. They can also explain or rewrite existing code.
Are you working with outdated ECC code? Joule helps migrate to a clean core by analyzing legacy ABAP and providing alternative solutions that fit within S/4HANA Cloud. This not only speeds up your migration, but also helps ensure compliance with SAP's cloud guidelines.
An added benefit: AI automatically generates unit tests and provides suggestions to make your code cloud-compliant and maintainable. Not only pleasant for the developer, but also for the architect or quality manager who wants to guarantee robust customization.
Application devlopment and automation on SAP BTP
Workflow automation based on natural language
Building workflows with SAP Build Process Automation or SAP BTP Workflow Management? You can now do that at lightning speed using AI. Where previously you had to model all the steps manually in the canvas, now you can simply say:
"Create an approval process for purchase requests over 1,000 euros, with notification upon rejection."
The AI instantly generates a complete process model, including form, decision rules and subsequent actions. You only need to validate and refine it. Existing workflows also become more transparent and smart. Generative AI can explain complex process flows and make recommendations based on historical data - such as automatic approval of requests under certain amount. Thus, process optimization becomes accessible to developers and users alike.
Powerful co-pilots at your fingertips
IDmost generic AI functionality comes together in SAP Joule, integrated into ABAP Development Tools (Eclipse), SAP Build and even SAP GUI, among others. Joule understands SAP-specific terminology, knows standard data models and generates code that conforms to best practices - a clear added value over generic AI tools.
In addition, SAP is working closely with Microsoft. Users will soon be able to control SAP processes via Microsoft Teams or Outlook with Copilot, for example:
"Start a new sales order in SAP for customer X."
This integration increases the accessibility of SAP workflows and brings AI to the tools you already work with every day.
SAP Joule
Issues: AI is powerful, but not perfect
Generative AI is a powerful support, but not flawless. Generated code must always be checked for functional correctness, performance and security. And while tools like SAP Joule are designed with control and security in mind, it's still crucial to keep a keen eye on your standards for compliance, data security and code quality.
In short: generative AI is your co-pilot. With the right deployment, you increase productivity, improve code quality and take automation to the next level.
In conclusion
The deployment of generative AI in SAP is no longer future music. It is reality. By cleverly combining AI with the power of S/4HANA and SAP BTP, organizations can respond faster to change, modernize legacy faster and automate workflows more easily.
AI does not replace the SAP developer, but SAP developers who use AI will soon replace those who do not!
My advice?
Experiment. Start small with a report or workflow. Be surprised by what AI can do for you - and discover how much faster you can take your SAP environment to the next level.
Learn more
Take for questions on this topic? Or do you have questions about SAP Workflow, Fiori, SAP Invoice Management (SIM) or SAP Master Data Governance (MDG)? Then please contact Victor van den Hazelkamp.
Sources consulted: SAP.com and SAP presentations on YouTube.