EY is modernising its enterprise resource planning (ERP) infrastructure by migrating to SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, hosted on Microsoft Azure. This transformation is part of an ambitious strategy to create an autonomous ERP system that integrates AI-driven automation to enhance operational efficiency. For professional services firms, legacy on-premises systems have become a challenge, weighed down by decades of customisation and struggling to keep pace with AI, real-time analytics, and agile decision-making. EY is addressing this challenge by adopting a cloud-first approach that allows for greater flexibility, scalability, and innovation.
The collaboration between EY, SAP, and Microsoft aims to streamline internal processes and serve as a model for how enterprises can modernise their ERP environments. SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition provides EY with access to SAP’s latest technologies, including the SAP Business Data Cloud solution and the AI-powered SAP Business Suite. This will enable EY to remain adaptable as market conditions evolve, an essential capability that traditional ERP systems often lack. By embedding AI into its core workflows, EY is reinforcing its position as a leader in digital transformation while strengthening its long-standing partnerships with SAP and Microsoft.
The transition is being executed through the RISE with SAP framework, a structured approach designed to help organisations move smoothly from legacy ERP systems to SAP’s cloud platform. By following this methodology, EY expects to minimise operational disruption while accelerating the modernisation of its financial and business processes. A key aspect of this transformation is the adoption of Microsoft Azure as the foundation for EY’s new ERP system, ensuring seamless integration of Microsoft’s cloud services across its global operations. This decision not only enhances EY’s internal efficiency but also aligns with its strategy of leveraging AI and data analytics to drive business insights and innovation.
A defining element of EY’s migration is the focus on AI-powered automation. Traditional ERP systems function primarily as transactional databases that require manual intervention, but EY’s new system will incorporate AI agents capable of managing complex business processes with minimal human input. These AI agents will automate a wide range of functions, from financial reporting and operational planning to supply chain management, allowing EY to transition from a reactive to a proactive operating model. By shifting to an intelligent ERP system, EY aims to enhance decision-making, improve operational agility, and unlock new efficiencies.
The partnership with Microsoft and SAP represents a significant milestone in EY’s AI transformation journey. As the firm integrates AI into its core business functions, it is not only enhancing its own operational capabilities but also setting a precedent for other organisations seeking to modernise their ERP systems. Running SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition on Microsoft Azure enables EY to harness the power of cloud-based AI and automation, reinforcing its position as an innovator in enterprise technology. The move highlights the broader industry trend of cloud-driven transformation, where businesses are increasingly leveraging AI and analytics to drive efficiency, agility, and long-term growth.
