How IT managers become drivers of innovation with the help of SAP AMS

In many companies, the IT department plays a decisive role as a driver of innovation and contributes significantly to gaining an edge over the competition. New technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data and the Internet of Things (IoT) give companies the opportunity to digitally transform their business models and develop innovative products and services.

7 unbeatable advantages of SAP AMS that make life easier for IT managers

IT has become an integral part of the company

A modern company is dependent on high-performance information technology in almost all areas for long-term business success. The efficient collection and analysis of huge amounts of data provides companies with valuable insights that they can use to develop new strategies and improve existing processes. Software enables the automation of processes, which increases efficiency and unlocks additional resources. As a result, employees have more time to focus on creative and value-adding tasks.

IT solutions also help to create a personalized and seamless customer experience. By using CRM systems and other technologies, companies are able to respond more specifically to the needs of their customers and offer individual services. Innovative IT tools also help companies to better meet the applicable security and compliance requirements. This creates trust among customers and partners and offers companies the opportunity to exploit new business potential.

All these examples make it clear that IT has long since ceased to be just a support service provider within the company itself. Rather, it has a key role to play when it comes to the strategic direction and further development of the company.

Typical challenges faced by IT managers

IT managers often perform their work in a field of tension between ensuring smooth IT operations within the company and driving innovation. In view of heterogeneous system landscapes, maintaining day-to-day IT operations ties up considerable resources – in the form of personnel and budget. These resources then compete with the personnel and financial capacities required for innovative, visionary projects. IT operations must be stable and reliable, as failures or disruptions can have a significant impact on the entire company and its business success. Innovations and new technologies sometimes bring with them uncertainties that may limit the stability of IT operations.

IT managers are also faced with the challenge of setting the right priorities. While ongoing operations are often seen as more urgent for day-to-day business, innovative projects can be crucial for the long-term competitiveness of the company. Finding the right balance here sometimes proves to be a balancing act for IT managers. They must ensure that existing systems and processes continue to function, while at the same time evaluating and implementing new technologies and trends in the rapidly evolving IT world in order to remain competitive in the future.

The introduction of new technologies and processes always requires changes in the corporate culture. For IT managers, it is not just about implementing technical solutions, but also ensuring that the team and the organization accept and support these changes. Different stakeholders in the company have different expectations of IT. While management may demand innovation and digital transformation, employees and customers primarily expect a stable and reliable IT infrastructure and a functioning system landscape. 

External SAP AMS creates important freedom for IT managers

SAP Application Management Services (AMS) enable IT managers to focus more on their role as drivers of innovation by strategically utilizing the opportunities and resources that arise from outsourcing SAP services. At the same time, they position themselves as a key business partner in the company by making strategic decisions that increase business value and promote collaboration between IT and other departments.

Outsourcing SAP AMS to an external partner can play an important role in this context.

• External SAP AMS allows IT managers to focus internal resources on strategic projects that contribute directly to the company’s added value. The IT department is therefore not only responsible for operating the existing systems, but is also actively involved in corporate strategy.

• External SAP partners bring many years of experience and extensive expertise to the table. IT managers can use this knowledge to implement new technologies and best practices that promote innovation and increase efficiency.

• SAP AMS enables companies to react quickly to changes in the market. IT leaders can introduce agile methods and technologies that enable the company to innovate faster and bring new products and services to market in a timely manner.

• External service providers are often better able to integrate new technologies such as cloud solutions, artificial intelligence or machine learning. IT leaders can embrace these technologies to develop innovative solutions that increase business value.

• By implementing continuous improvement processes in conjunction with SAP AMS, IT managers ensure that systems and processes are constantly optimized. This creates room for innovation and strengthens adaptability to changing market conditions.

• An external SAP AMS saves costs and increases flexibility at the same time. IT managers should clearly communicate these benefits internally and demonstrate how the external SAP AMS helps to reduce total cost of ownership and make more efficient use of existing resources.

Conclusion: Advancing strategic innovations thanks to SAP AMS

When companies work with an external partner for SAP AMS, they benefit in many ways. While efficiency in the support and operation of SAP systems increases and costs fall, internal IT employees are relieved of time-consuming maintenance work and can focus more on value-adding activities.

IT managers benefit from the expertise of the SAP partner and have the certainty that innovative solutions will be provided to users. Most importantly, IT managers can focus on the company’s strategic goals and fulfill their role as drivers of innovation much more consistently.