More Than a Community: How User Groups Help Shape SAP’s Direction
At a recent joint UKISUG and SAP event focused on the move to Cloud ERP, Yasmin Awad, who leads SAP’s Global User Groups Organisation provided an update on the company’s ongoing engagement with its user groups. The focus was clear. It isn’t just supportive. It is strategic.
A Worldwide Network of User Voices
UKISUG is one of more than 40 user groups worldwide and SAP has a dedicated global team supporting these groups and working closely with local user communities. Many of these groups are largely run by SAP users on a voluntary basis. UKISUG is one of the most active and influential among them.
Dialogue That Works Both Ways
The strength of the global user groups is the two-way conversation. SAP engages with its user groups to share early insight into product strategy and roadmap plans. This is especially important as organisations plan their move to S/4HANA and the cloud. At the same time, user groups give SAP direct feedback from real-life environments. This can include challenges, feature requests, commentary on licensing or feedback on how SAP communicates.
How UKISUG Amplifies User Feedback
UKISUG plays a key role in this as it represents the voice of SAP users in the UK and Ireland. In addition, UKISUG contributes to the global SUGEN network, which means feedback helps shape SAP strategy at both a regional and global level.
This engagement happens in different ways. Events like the joint Cloud ERP event in London and UKISUG’s CONNECT conference bring the SAP community together. There are also smaller sessions where SAP shares plans under NDA and asks for honest input. These sessions are used to validate direction and sense-check decisions before wider release.
Feedback That Drives Change
This approach has real impact, feedback from user groups has influenced SAP in areas like licensing and communication. In some cases, SAP has made structural changes based on what it has heard. Importantly, this feedback reflects common themes across many customers, not just individual views.
As more organisations plan their move to cloud, this relationship matters more than ever. User groups are not just communities; they are a bridge between SAP and its users. They help make transformation more informed and more successful.
If you haven’t already joined UKISUG you can learn more here and if you’re already a member and want to get involved with one of our communities or you can always contact us at [email protected].
