CIO's Guide to Agentic AI without RISE

This guide presents a critical examination of SAP's RISE initiative and its Clean Core approach, which aims to modernize enterprises through a standardized ERP core. It outlines the challenges organizations face when adopting SAP Cloud ERP, including the need for extensive reimplementation, which can lead to high costs and operational disruptions. The guide introduces the concept of Agentic AI ERP as a more pragmatic alternative, allowing organizations to extend the lifespan of existing ECC or S/4HANA systems while layering intelligent capabilities without the need for complete migration. It discusses the benefits of this approach, such as reducing operational risks, optimizing processes, and enabling automation without the burdens of reimplementation. The document also highlights the skepticism among CIOs regarding SAP's migration policies and the growing trend of organizations seeking innovative solutions that do not rely on SAP's prescribed paths. The guide concludes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing the evolving landscape of enterprise architecture and the potential for achieving modernization through alternative strategies.