DSAG Technology Days 2026: Insights and Key Topics from Hamburg
This year, we once again attended the DSAG Technology Days 2026, this time in unusually sunny Hamburg, even though, as is often the case, we only caught glimpses of the weather from inside the exhibition halls.
The event once again highlighted where the SAP ecosystem is heading and where expectations and reality still diverge. Over two days, everything revolved around innovation, real-world experiences, and exchange between customers, partners, and SAP itself.
Focus areas included artificial intelligence, cloud transformation, and the question of how both can be meaningfully integrated into existing system landscapes.
For us, the SAP Technology Days are an excellent opportunity to contextualize current developments in the SAP ecosystem while engaging in direct conversations with customers, partners, and fellow SAP users.
This year’s theme, “Lights on Layers. Clarity by Design,” was reflected across many presentations and discussions. At its core, the focus was on structuring complex system landscapes more clearly and making them easier to manage.
Alongside strategic outlooks, the event stood out for its practical insights and honest discussions, a combination that continues to define its unique value.
AI in the SAP Ecosystem: Between Progress and Challenges
Artificial intelligence was once again a highly visible topic this year. Compared to previous years, however, the focus shifted away from general possibilities toward concrete applications and tools in day-to-day business.
Key topics included:
- Features and use cases around SAP Joule
- Positioning of solutions such as Microsoft Copilot within the SAP context
- Integration of AI into existing processes and system landscapes
What stood out most was the balanced and differentiated discussion. In addition to technological potential, challenges were addressed openly:
- High entry barriers and complex licensing models
- Significant technical integration efforts in existing landscapes
- Varying levels of maturity across organizations
A recurring pattern emerged: while many companies are actively exploring generative AI, they often rely on external solutions. Native SAP offerings are still perceived as comparatively complex.
At the same time, it became clear that foundational technologies remain critical. Tools such as Fiori apps, CDS views, and OData services continue to provide the basis for effectively integrating AI into SAP processes.
Cloud Transformation: Insights from Real-World Projects
Cloud transformation remained another central theme of the event, with a strong emphasis on real-world experiences and project insights.
Topics discussed included:
- Operating models and collaboration in cloud environments
- Experiences from ongoing RISE with SAP projects
- Application Lifecycle Management using SAP Cloud ALM
- Integration of hybrid landscapes with the SAP Integration Suite
The demand for reliable, experience-based insights remains high. Many conversations revealed that companies are no longer looking for visions, but for concrete approaches to implementation and operations.
Our Presentation: RISE with SAP in Practice
We also contributed to the program with our own session:
“RISE with SAP in Practice – A Testimonial on Migration and Go-Live Operations”
Presented jointly by
Paul Hilger and Jean Kobben (Gotion Battery Germany GmbH)
The presentation focused on real-world experiences from a specific migration project, from initial planning and technical analysis to operational setup, roles, and collaboration models.
The emphasis was deliberately practical:
- Concrete challenges during the migration process
- Alignment between all involved stakeholders
- Experiences from the operational go-live phase
- Lessons learned for future projects
We were especially pleased with the strong interest and the many follow-up discussions after the session.
Conclusion
The DSAG Technology Days continue to be a format that effectively combines expert knowledge with personal exchange. What stood out most to us was the balance between strategic impulses and honest, real-world insights.
Particularly valuable for us:
- Concrete insights into ongoing projects
- Differentiated perspectives on AI in the SAP ecosystem
- Practical experience with cloud transformation
- Exchange with both familiar and new contacts
Many of the topics discussed will continue to shape our work beyond the event. The next step is to translate these insights into actionable strategies within our own projects.
