AI-Generated Code is Changing the Role of SAP Consultants

AI-generated code is already shaping how SAP projects are planned, executed, and maintained, in deep AI-human collaborative development workflows, affecting both functional and technical consultants.

As AI-powered tools automate configurations, assist with coding, and improve decision-making, consultants must rethink their responsibilities and adapt to new ways of working. The role of an SAP consultant is shifting from hands-on system development to guiding AI-driven processes, validating automated outputs, and applying expertise where human oversight remains necessary.

This article from IgniteSAP explores how AI-assisted tools such as SAP Build, SAP Joule, and AI-supported development environments are changing how businesses interact with their SAP systems, requiring consultants to work alongside AI. Understanding this transformation is essential for professionals who want to continue contributing meaningfully to modern SAP projects.

SAP Build: No-Code and Low-Code Development

SAP Build is reshaping how functional consultants interact with system development.?

In the past, business users relied on IT teams to build applications and automate workflows. Now, no-code and low-code platforms enable functional consultants to create and refine business processes without extensive technical knowledge. AI assists in generating scripts, automating approvals, and identifying gaps in system logic.

Functional consultants are expected to work more closely with AI-driven automation, validating whether generated workflows meet business objectives. While they do not need to become programmers, they must develop an understanding of how AI-assisted tools operate, how to refine automated outputs, and where to step in when AI suggestions do not align with business expectations.

The Changing Role of Functional Consultants

As AI takes on a larger role in process automation, consultants must also adapt their approach to business analysis. AI-generated data models provide suggestions for process improvements, cost reductions, and performance optimizations. Consultants must interpret these findings, communicate them to stakeholders, and determine when AI-generated recommendations require adjustment based on broader business priorities.

SAP projects are increasingly dependent on predictive analytics and automated decision-making, but AI lacks the ability to consider factors that are not present in its training data. Consultants are expected to fill this gap by bringing strategic thinking into the equation. This requires a blend of business expertise, technical awareness, and the ability to explain AI-driven recommendations to non-technical stakeholders.

AI-Generated Code and SAP Development

For technical consultants, AI-driven tools can now support the creation of SAP ABAP scripts, automate common development tasks, and identify areas where performance improvements are needed.

While this is an advantage, it also introduces new challenges. AI-generated code is not always optimized for efficiency, security, or long-term maintainability. Developers must check whether AI-created scripts meet system performance standards or if they introduce unnecessary complexity.

Instead of spending most of their time writing code manually, technical consultants are focusing more on reviewing, refining, and testing AI-generated outputs. AI may produce functional code, but it does not account for real-world business requirements, regulatory considerations, or long-term system performance. This means that consultants must have a strong understanding of how AI-driven development tools operate, where they fall short, and when human intervention is required.

SAP Build Code

With the growing use of SAP Build Code (an offering designed to complement, but distinctly different to SAP Build), developers are working alongside AI-powered tools to speed up software creation. AI suggests coding structures, automates debugging, and generates components for SAP Fiori applications.

Developers must assess whether AI-generated code follows best practices, adheres to business rules, and integrates smoothly with other SAP modules. This requires not only technical expertise but also a strong understanding of business processes and system dependencies. AI can automate repetitive tasks, but it cannot make complex architectural decisions or predict long-term scalability issues.

The increasing adoption of AI-driven integration tools is also affecting technical consultants who work with SAP BTP and middleware solutions. AI is now capable of assisting with API management, automating system connections, and identifying potential bottlenecks in data exchange. This reduces the complexity of manual integration efforts, but it also means that consultants must understand how AI-driven middleware operates and when it may generate incorrect configurations.

SAP consultants working in integration must now focus on overseeing AI-assisted processes, ensuring that automated connections function as expected and that data integrity is maintained. AI can accelerate system integration, but without proper validation, it may introduce errors that could disrupt business operations.

SAP Joule’s Role Will Expand in AI-Assisted SAP Consulting

SAP Joule is emerging as a core AI assistant within SAP’s ecosystem, providing real-time support for code generation, system configuration, and decision-making. Its expanding role in AI-generated SAP code is reshaping how functional and technical consultants interact with SAP systems, requiring them to develop new skills and approaches.

Joule is not yet fully autonomous in writing code. It supports predictive completion and explanations rather than generating full ABAP scripts independently.

Joule’s recommendations often require human review to verify correctness, efficiency, and compliance with business standards. Consultants must therefore shift their focus from writing code from scratch to evaluating AI-generated scripts, debugging inconsistencies, and refining auto-generated logic for better performance.

The Role of AI in SAP DevOps and Automated Testing

Another area where AI is influencing SAP development is in DevOps and system testing. AI-powered tools assist in code validation, regression testing, and automated deployment processes. AI-generated test scripts can identify vulnerabilities before they affect production systems, allowing teams to address potential issues early.

Here again, consultants must still be involved in reviewing test results, adjusting AI-driven assessments, and manually testing areas where automated processes may not be sufficient. As AI takes over routine validation tasks, consultants are expected to focus on higher-level system architecture, security, and performance optimization.

The Security Risks of AI-Generated SAP Code

While AI-generated SAP code can reduce development time and improve automation, it also introduces new security challenges. AI does not inherently understand business-specific security policies, regulatory constraints, or industry compliance standards. It can generate functional but vulnerable code, exposing SAP systems to potential breaches.

Consultants must now take a more proactive role in security assessments, identifying weak points in AI-generated scripts and ensuring that AI-assisted development follows security best practices. This is especially important in industries with strict regulatory requirements where compliance violations can lead to legal and financial penalties.

The Growing Need for AI Governance in SAP Consulting

AI-driven automation also raises concerns about governance and accountability. Organizations using AI-generated SAP configurations must track how AI-driven decisions are made and determine who is responsible for errors or misconfigurations.

SAP is introducing AI governance frameworks to address these concerns, but businesses still require consultants who understand compliance requirements, assess AI-generated outputs, and guide organizations in managing AI-driven automation responsibly.

Governments and industry regulators are beginning to tighten requirements for AI-generated enterprise software. This includes mandates for explainability, transparency, and auditability of AI-assisted decisions. Consultants who specialize in AI governance, security auditing, and regulatory compliance will find increasing demand as organizations seek expert guidance in navigating new regulations.

SAP professionals must stay ahead of emerging compliance requirements to remain relevant in AI-powered ERP environments. Organizations will look for consultants who can evaluate AI-generated configurations, prevent compliance risks, and guide businesses through AI-driven regulatory audits.

How AI is Affecting Hiring Trends

The job market for SAP consultants is shifting as businesses seek AI expertise.

Companies value consultants who can work alongside AI, assess AI-driven automation, and apply expertise where automation alone is insufficient.

Job postings increasingly reference experience with AI-driven process automation, AI-assisted development workflows, and AI-powered security and compliance measures. Consultants must develop a working knowledge of AI-driven SAP tools to remain competitive.

SAP professionals who adapt to AI-driven changes will see expanded opportunities in consulting, implementation, and advisory roles. Companies are also looking for SAP consultants who understand AI governance, interpret AI-generated recommendations, and refine AI-driven business processes. The ability to evaluate and adjust AI-generated code, workflows, and automation scripts will be a key differentiator in the hiring market.

Organizations that lack internal expertise in AI-assisted SAP implementations are seeking external specialists who can guide them through AI adoption.

Independent consultants who understand AI-driven ERP automation, AI-powered process optimization, and AI-integrated security measures will find high-value contracts.

The need for traditional SAP consulting skills will persist for some time, particularly in areas like business process knowledge, industry expertise, and integration skills, but the role of AI in SAP is creating new needs.

The key is to diversify skills, as SAP professionals who rely solely on traditional configuration and development work may see reduced demand for their services. As AI automates routine SAP tasks, businesses will reallocate budgets toward AI-driven consulting expertise rather than manual system customization.

AI-Focused Training and Certification Paths for SAP Consultants

SAP is offering new certifications and training programs focused on AI-assisted ERP management, AI-driven business process automation, and AI-integrated compliance and security measures.

Courses and certifications focused on SAP AI, SAP Joule, AI-driven security audits, and AI-powered business process automation will become increasingly relevant. Consultants should stay informed about AI-driven SAP advancements and develop expertise in managing AI-assisted system configurations.

SAP professionals must commit to ongoing learning and skill development to remain competitive in AI-driven consulting environments. The most successful consultants will be those who embrace AI-driven tools, refine AI-generated outputs, and guide organizations in adopting AI-powered SAP solutions responsibly.

The ability to interpret AI-generated configurations, adjust automated workflows, and manage AI-driven risk and compliance factors will define the next era of SAP consulting.

SAP Consulting in an AI-Powered Future

AI-generated SAP code is reshaping the consulting profession, requiring both functional and technical consultants to develop new skills and adapt to AI-driven automation. The focus is shifting from manual configuration and development to overseeing AI-generated outputs, refining AI-driven business processes, and ensuring compliance with AI governance frameworks.

SAP professionals who embrace AI-driven changes will continue to find opportunities in consulting, AI governance, and AI-assisted business strategy.

Those who develop AI-focused skills, learn AI-assisted security and compliance measures, and adapt to AI-driven ERP workflows will be the ones who thrive in the next generation of SAP consulting.

If you are an SAP professional looking for a new role in the SAP ecosystem our team of dedicated recruitment consultants can match you with your ideal employer and negotiate a competitive compensation package for your extremely valuable skills, so join our exclusive community at IgniteSAP .