SAP NOW AI Tour: Data+AI+Platform: Lessons from the Grid: A Practical Journey to Operationalising AI Initiatives

The session “Lessons from the Grid: A Practical Journey to Operationalising AI Initiatives” offered a rare inside look at how SA Power Networks is embedding AI into its operations. Moderated by Murali Shanmugam (Global Business AI Strategy Advisor, SAP ANZ), the panel featured Travis Smith (SAP Domain Architect, SA Power Networks) and Muen Chen (Data and Decision Science Manager, SA Power Networks), who shared their company vision, AI strategy, and hands-on lessons learned from operationalising AI at scale.Travis and Muen explained how SA Power Networks’ AI approach is guided by their “productivity pursuer strategy”, aimed at boosting efficiency across front- and back-office operations while optimising costs and strengthening core business capabilities. They categorise AI into Standalone tools (public tools like ChatGPT, supported by safe-use training), Embedded AI (features like SAP Joule and Studio), and Hybrid AI (composable modules via SAP BTP Generative AI Hub), with a focus on applying—not building—their own models.Central to their journey is the DRIVE Framework, which ensures AI initiatives deliver business value: Data & Design, Risks & Responsibilities, Implementation & Infrastructure, Value & Velocity, and Expertise & Empowerment .Practical insights included deploying an internal “SAP GPT” tool, conducting Joule pilots in SuccessFactors and Work Zone, and developing hybrid AI use cases like natural language search on long notifications. Challenges such as compute restrictions, large model costs, and central identity management were candidly addressed.The session closed with three lessons for every organisation: start small and experiment, embrace rapid change, and prioritise change management to ensure adoption and long-term value realisation.