Published Date : 27/05/2025
MADRID — SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) has announced that Heineken, one of the world’s largest brewers, has launched an internal artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot named Hoppy. This chatbot is designed to enhance business processes by providing real-time data access and streamlining internal operations.
With operations spanning over 70 countries and more than 165 breweries worldwide, Heineken faced a significant challenge in ensuring that business users could quickly and efficiently access and analyze data. Hoppy, powered by SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), represents a significant step forward in addressing this challenge.
By leveraging advanced natural language processing (NLP) and integrating data from multiple systems, Hoppy eliminates the need for time-consuming manual searches. This allows business users to focus on more strategic and impactful tasks, thereby enhancing productivity and efficiency. The chatbot is particularly useful in a global company like Heineken, where data access in multiple languages is crucial.
Heineken has also adopted SAP Datasphere, which provides a unified data model for improved data access and scalability. The generative AI hub capability integrated with SAP BTP further enhances Hoppy’s functionality, enabling natural language querying, visualization, and more secure data access. This combination of technologies ensures that users can interact with the chatbot seamlessly and retrieve the information they need quickly and accurately.
Andre van Schuijlenburg, Director of Global Process Management at Heineken, shared his thoughts on the project: “Building and integrating agents is not always an easy journey. There is still a lot to be discovered. But as we say in the team: ‘Don’t worry, be Hoppy!'” This positive outlook reflects Heineken’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
Since its introduction on platforms like Microsoft Teams, Hoppy has significantly reduced the time knowledge workers need to retrieve information, from 15 minutes to just one minute. The integration of SAP Business AI capabilities into Hoppy has also opened up new possibilities for automating repetitive tasks, further enhancing business processes and streamlining communications and decision-making.
Additionally, Hoppy can now flag missing cost center information in purchase orders, promoting efficiency and accuracy across the company’s operations. This feature is particularly valuable in a complex and data-intensive industry like brewing, where accuracy and compliance are critical.
Manos Raptopoulos, Chief Revenue Officer for APAC, EMEA, and MEE at SAP, commented on the collaboration: “Heineken’s decision to leverage SAP Business AI for its internal chatbot exemplifies an innovative approach to reimagining operational efficiency and employee empowerment. We’re proud to see our technology facilitating smooth internal communication and knowledge sharing for such an iconic global brand.”
The introduction of Hoppy is a testament to Heineken’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance its operations and empower its workforce. By embracing AI and advanced data management solutions, Heineken is setting a new standard in the brewing industry and positioning itself for continued success in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Q: What is Hoppy?
A: Hoppy is an internal AI chatbot introduced by Heineken to enhance business processes and provide real-time data access to business users.
Q: How does Hoppy improve data access?
A: Hoppy leverages advanced natural language processing and integrates data from multiple systems, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual searches and allowing business users to focus on more strategic tasks.
Q: What technology powers Hoppy?
A: Hoppy runs on SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) and utilizes SAP Datasphere for a unified data model and generative AI hub capabilities for natural language querying and visualization.
Q: What are the benefits of using Hoppy for Heineken?
A: Hoppy has significantly reduced the time knowledge workers need to retrieve information, from 15 minutes to just one minute. It also automates repetitive tasks and flags missing cost center information in purchase orders, promoting efficiency and accuracy.
Q: How has Heineken integrated Hoppy into its operations?
A: Heineken has integrated Hoppy into platforms like Microsoft Teams, making it accessible to knowledge workers and streamlining internal processes and communications.