The recent landmark partnership between SAP Labs France and Targa Telematics aims to accelerate the process of transitioning to more efficient and sustainable modes of transportation.
SAP Labs France is a premier research and development (R&D) center for SAP, one of the world’s leading providers of enterprise software solutions. Established in 1998, the facility serves as an innovation hub that develops cutting-edge technologies to enable customers to manage their business operations more efficiently.
Located in Sophia Antipolis, one of Europe’s largest technology parks, SAP Labs France provides its researchers and engineers with a dynamic environment where they can explore advanced concepts while collaborating with partners worldwide. The lab has been instrumental in developing numerous revolutionary products such as SAP HANA and SAP S/4HANA, enabling customers to leverage data more effectively for enhanced decision-making.
Recently, SAP Labs France has joined forces with Targa Telematics — a specialist in developing Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and digital platforms for connected mobility — to leverage its knowledge of vehicle electrification and provide a comprehensive platform to build, operate, and maintain electric vehicle charging networks. This platform will enable the integration of end-to-end billing processes onto a single framework for streamlined operations.
On the other hand, Targa Telematics will utilize its expertise and advanced technology in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), IoT, and data analytics to strengthen its partnership with the SAP R&D center. The strategic alliance is anticipated to enable both parties to deliver innovative services that can help businesses provide efficient solutions for electric vehicle owners, thereby creating sustainable competitive advantages in an increasingly digital world.
An analysis conducted by Targa Telematics has revealed that a large majority, approximately 70 percent, of vehicles within the scope of larger fleets could be replaced with electric cars without much difficulty. This finding indicates that transitioning to electric-powered fleets is a viable option for many companies and organizations, as doing so could lead to substantial cost savings as well as improved environmental sustainability.
Accelerating Sustainability with SAP Labs France
The primary objective of SAP Labs France and Targa Telematics’ collaborative project is to provide assistance and guidance to customers who are considering fleet electrification and management. The solution strives to help companies in reducing their environmental footprint by assessing all vehicles in their fleet and evaluating which ones can feasibly be replaced with electric vehicles. This helps to ensure that companies are taking a comprehensive and data-driven approach to their sustainability goals.
Moreover, the integration of Targa Telematics’ digital platform and the SAP E-Mobility platform has enabled the creation of the said powerful solution that gives fleet managers access to advanced tools, which they can use to manage and book charging stations with the necessary power output. Automation technology is also included in the offering so that it can automatically configure the right KWH value for optimal recharging.
Detailing more about the project, Hanno Klausmeier, Managing Director at SAP Labs France, shared:
“When I announced my wish in 2015 to convert the entire company car fleet to electric cars within 5 years, I got a lot of criticism. Today 92% of our employees are happy EV drivers and Open E-Mobility was instrumental in driving this change.”
In addition to maximizing its fleet optimization and boosting its sustainability, the project can be further enhanced with a Corporate Car Sharing solution that offers keyless access to the latest electric vehicle models. Leveraging an Open E-Mobility platform will ensure optimal power supply for these vehicles while providing a greater degree of convenience and flexibility.
Pleased to work closely with an “innovative player” like SAP Labs France, Jad Tabet, Country Manager of France at Targa Telematics, said that the companies share a mutual approach to innovation and environmental sustainability. He added:
“The future of fleets will also be influenced by digital solutions, supporting clients’ operability and offering significant benefits to reach the company’s and environmental KPIs. Thanks to this collaboration, we keep investing in Research & Development to support rental companies and company fleet managers in their digital transformation and vehicle electrification.”
