New SAP + Databricks Integration: Why It’s Time to Pay Attention

Announced on Feb. 13, SAP and Databricks have introduced a bi-directional data-sharing integration via SAP Business Data Cloud, allowing organizations to seamlessly connect SAP data with Databricks' AI and analytics platform. This eliminates the need for complex ETL processes, enabling real-time data access, improved analytics, and AI-driven decision-making.

For anyone using SAP Cloud (RISE with SAP), this is a significant opportunity—especially for organizations that haven’t yet built a data lakehouse. Industries that rely on real-time visibility into their data—and that need to layer on AI, ML, and GenAI more than ever, such as manufacturing—stand to benefit the most, gaining the agility to respond to fast-changing dynamics.

The bottom line: This has the potential to make AI/ML implementation 10 times faster, cheaper, and more accessible for companies previously limited by having their data locked in SAP. But with the challenge of accessing SAP data addressed, the new hurdle will be the skills gap—bridging the expertise of data teams accustomed to SAP with the capabilities needed to leverage Databricks. 

4 Reasons the SAP + Databricks Integration Matters

This integration isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a fundamental shift in how businesses can harness their business-critical data for AI, analytics, and real-time decision-making.

1. A Break from the Past: Traditional SAP data access required expensive workarounds (like slow and complex one-directional solutions) and data duplication. Now, data moves securely and efficiently without unnecessary complexity.
2. A Smarter Path to AI: With all finance, HR, and operational data now available, a complete view of the business can streamline AI and machine learning efforts, making real-time insights more achievable.
3. Beyond IT: This shift isn’t just for data teams. Finance, supply chain, operations, HR, and more now have access to better, fresher data to drive real impact. However, the new challenge will be bridging the expertise of in-house data teams accustomed to SAP data alone with the capabilities needed to leverage Databricks. 
4. A Stronger Case for Modernization: This integration is built for RISE with SAP and S/4HANA. For companies still on legacy ECC or on-prem SAP, this is another reason to consider the move to the cloud.

West Monroe: Navigating the Change

We’ve been working with SAP data for decades and in Databricks since its inception. As partners to both, we understand both the technical details and the business outcomes this unlocks. If you’re wondering how to take advantage of this shift—or what it means for your AI and analytics strategy—now is the time to start the conversation.

Authored by: Sam Dawes, Doug MacWilliams, Chris Perry