RISE with SAP Deployment Fuels Saudia’s Digital Transformation
Embracing digital transformation, Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has initiated RISE with SAP deployment, marking a crucial step towards its strategic technological advancement.
In an age where digital transformation plays a crucial role in fostering business growth and enhancing customer experiences, Saudia has made significant strides to align with this global trend. The airline has opted for a strategic partnership with SAP, a renowned German software developer, embarking on an ambitious journey of implementing the RISE with SAP solution on Google Cloud. This move signifies Saudia as the pioneering airline in the kingdom to deploy such a solution, melding cutting-edge technology with a strategy to enhance its operations and services.
RISE with SAP is a holistic cloud solution designed for organizations that utilize Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software such as SAP ERP or SAP ECC. The comprehensive suite includes S/4HANA, SAP’s robust ERP solution that provides in-depth visibility into operations, real-time insights, and automated processes to amplify efficiency and drive growth.
The introduction of RISE with SAP marks a significant leap towards comprehensive digital transformation. The model is designed for organizations seeking to accelerate and simplify their digital journeys, both in terms of technology and business processes. By adopting cloud-based technologies, S/4HANA enables users to harness the potency of digitalization, create new business models, and transform existing ones to keep pace with the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Saudia’s Digital Transformation: Strategic Moves and Partnerships
In line with the airline’s broader digital transformation strategy, Saudia has forged several partnerships and introduced multiple innovations. This includes the recent collaboration with SAP and Google Cloud aimed at bolstering its operational efficiency and safety while curbing operational and maintenance costs. The strategic decision reflects Saudia’s commitment to optimizing its operations, not only to weather the digital storm but to harness its power to its advantage.
Taking advantage of the RISE with SAP platform, Saudia plans to expedite its transition to the cloud, adopt advanced technologies, and leverage SAP-powered solutions with a focus on sustainability. Additionally, the company will implement industry-specific solutions such as route profitability analysis, allowing Saudia to optimize flight schedules considering passenger convenience, profitability, and sustainability.
Saudia’s strategic move to digital transformation also prioritized data sovereignty and sustainability. The mission-critical data from their operations will be securely hosted on Google Cloud, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s objectives. The decision to host data domestically ensures compliance with local data regulations and affirms Saudia’s commitment to data protection and privacy, a crucial aspect in today’s data-driven world.
Abdulgader Attiah, Saudia Group’s Chief Data and Technology Officer, has stated that the transformation is focused on maintaining superior safety, efficiency, and sustainability standards while simultaneously offering exceptional service to guests. With the RISE system, Saudia will benefit from automatic updates to its solutions, ensuring that the company stays at the leading edge of technology while safeguarding its data sustainably and securely within the kingdom.
The Future of Saudia with SAP Deployment
As Saudia continues its digital transformation journey, it aims to deploy more SAP solutions across different functions. This will encompass areas such as human resources and procurement, integrating digital solutions like SAP SuccessFactors Employee Suite, SAP Fieldglass Services Procurement, and SAP BW/4HANA data warehouse solution.
Ahmed AlFaifi, the Senior Vice President and Managing Director at SAP Middle East & Africa – North, has commended Saudia’s leadership in leveraging SAP on a secure and reliable cloud infrastructure. He underscored the potential of the digital transformation initiative to grant Saudia a competitive edge in the global aviation industry.
In November 2023, Google unveiled a new cloud region in Dammam. This strategic move aimed to bolster innovations, hasten transformation initiatives like Saudia’s and strengthen the expansion of the Saudi digital economy through advanced cloud computing services. The development of the Dammam cloud region not only serves Saudia but also paves the way for other businesses in the kingdom to embark on their digital transformation journeys.
The RISE with SAP deployment is a testament to Saudia’s strategic foresight and commitment to innovation. With the kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative as the guiding light, Saudia’s digital transformation journey serves as an inspiring blueprint for other airlines seeking to leverage technology and digital transformation to enhance their operations and customer experiences.
