June 11, 2025 — SK AX announced it has entered a strategic alliance with global software leader SAP to co-develop and expand the adoption of an AI-powered, next-generation Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system worldwide. The partnership was officially unveiled at this week’s SAP Sapphire conference held in Madrid.
During the event, SK AX’s Head of Enterprise Services, Son Geon-il, and SAP’s CRO for Asia-Pacific, EMEA, and Central & Eastern Europe, Manos Raptopoulos, convened onsite to discuss ways to maximize their strategic synergy. Both leaders agreed to collaborate closely in implementing an innovative ERP model centered around artificial intelligence.
The partnership aims to combine SAP’s advanced AI capabilities with SK AX’s customized AI technologies to develop a new ERP platform that fundamentally redefines acquisition, design, and operational processes. Unlike traditional systems, this AI-infused ERP will be reshaped to be a fully intelligent business platform that not only manages data but also comprehensively understands and analyzes corporate situations to suggest optimal solutions.
The collaboration will follow SAP’s ‘Clean Core’ principle and ‘Fit-to-Standard’ approach to ensure the standardization of the ERP architecture, with integration of SK AX’s AI features. This will enable the ERP system to evolve from a simple data management tool into an intelligent system capable of proactive decision-making and business optimization.
Initially, SK AX will pilot this AI-powered ERP solution with domestic enterprises before expanding it to SK Group affiliates and various industries globally. SAP will support this initiative by providing technological architecture and product strategy to foster scalable deployment, aiming to develop a flexible, joint model for widespread use.
Furthermore, both companies plan to innovate ERP operational methods by introducing a ‘Shared Service Support System’ that automates routine and standardized tasks through AI. This approach aims to reduce maintenance costs and improve operational efficiency, especially benefiting large conglomerates and multinational corporations with multiple subsidiaries.
Manos Raptopoulos emphasized, “SK AX is a highly pragmatic and capable partner in the Korean market and will play an important role in SAP’s broader AI expansion strategy. This collaboration will accelerate the global shift toward AI-based ERP transformation.”
Son Geon-il added, “Our preparations for integrating AI into ERP systems are complete. Moving forward, the focus will be on building trustworthy models in actual customer environments and leading innovation in the global market by working with SAP.”
