Nestlé claims SAP first with digital upgrade enabling AI and automation deployment at scale

Nestlé has completed the first part of an overhaul of its global digital core with what is pitched as the world's largest ever SAP upgrade to SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private edition.

It says that this will enable the deployment of AI at scale to achieve better insights as well as the automation and improvement of processes across the company's business operations.

It includes embedding SAP's AI copilot directly into Nestlé's core business systems to help employees access insights, automate routine tasks, and make faster, more informed decisions. This will help Nestlé better respond to changing consumer trends and retailer needs and improve efficiency in areas such as supply chain management, procurement, order fulfilment for retailers and investment prioritisation.  

Anna Manz, Nestlé CFO and responsible for Integrated Business Services, says: "Driving growth through innovation is a top priority. We are transforming our business to invest more boldly in the best opportunities. We need to combine great consumer insights and innovation with flexibility and scale, to provide great quality products to consumers around the world when, where and how they want them."

"This upgrade will help us build multi-year innovation pipelines, more agile production and digital-first marketing and sales platforms for areas like cold coffee, therapeutic pet food and modern cooking aids."

The move means that 50 000 Nestlé users across 112 countries in the company's Asia, Oceania and Africa region are now able to benefit from the new system's capabilities. The company is aiming to complete the upgrade across the rest of the group within a two year period.

Thomas Saueressig, Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE, Customer Services & Delivery, says: "Nestlé's successful go live of SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition showcases how scale can be a strategic advantage for innovation.”

“As one of the world's most recognisable and forward thinking companies, with the go live on SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, the company exemplifies how cutting-edge technology empowers global brands to anticipate consumer trends, optimise operations, and deliver exceptional experiences at scale."

Nestlé's SAP enterprise resource planning (ERP) software connects core business processes, from manufacturing and sales to supply chain, finance, and human resources, end-to-end in a single system, enabling streamlined operations and improved decision-making.

Chris Wright, Head of Nestlé IT and CIO, says: "We are building a future ready enterprise - one that works smarter and faster. Having a common ERP system as our backbone is already a tremendous advantage for Nestlé. It provides a unified platform and data foundation that allows us to execute end-to-end and have visibility across our entire company and beyond.”

“With the upgrade, we gain more flexibility, capabilities and insights that will help us roll out new products globally faster to meet the needs of our customers and consumers. And with the use of AI and automation at scale, we'll drive efficiency and effectiveness, throughout our value chain."

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

Digital upgrades will be a key focus point at the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, sponsored by 3D Cloud and EdTech Innovation Hub.

This is now open for entries. Deadline for submissions is Friday, 5th December. It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

Check out categories and entry forms here.

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January. This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.