Joule Studio Agent Builder Hits General Availability, Signaling Shift in Agentic AI

SAP has announced the general availability of the Agent Builder capability in Joule Studio, marking a strategic shift from deterministic, rule-based automation toward agentic automation designed to reason, plan, and execute complex workflows autonomously. First previewed at SAP TechEd 2025, Agent Builder is now part of SAP Build, extending Joule’s role from conversational assistance into enterprise-grade process orchestration.

For decades, automation in SAP environments has relied on predefined logic, primarily scripts and workflows optimized for stable, repeatable scenarios. While effective for structured tasks, these approaches often break down as processes span multiple systems, exceptions multiply, and business conditions change in real time. SAP positions agentic AI as a response to these limitations, enabling Joule agents to dynamically assess context, determine next steps, and carry out multi-stage actions without fixed execution paths.

Agent Builder runs on the same underlying agent framework as SAP’s prebuilt Joule agents, providing access to deep reasoning models, persistent context across tasks, and built-in data protection guardrails. By delivering the capability within SAP Build, SAP aims to make agentic automation accessible while preserving enterprise governance, security, and lifecycle controls.

From Static Automation to Context-Aware Agents

A defining capability of Agent Builder is the ability to ground agents in enterprise-specific context. Developers can connect agents to curated document sets and operational data via SAP AI Core, ensuring that reasoning and decisions are anchored in company policies, contracts, and process documentation rather than generic model knowledge. SAP frames this grounding as essential for producing reliable and auditable outcomes in regulated business environments.

The release also introduces AI-guided development, sometimes referred to as “vibe coding,” allowing developers to define agent goals and behaviors using natural language. Joule then recommends agent configurations, tools, and orchestration patterns, accelerating development while maintaining control over execution boundaries. This lowers the barrier for both professional and advanced business developers to design agentic workflows within SAP’s governance framework.

Agent Builder supports multi-agent orchestration, enabling organizations to assemble modular systems of specialized agents. Instead of relying on monolithic automation logic, orchestrator agents can delegate tasks, such as compliance validation or data analysis, to purpose-built sub-agents. This modular approach simplifies maintenance, supports reuse, and allows agentic solutions to scale incrementally as business needs evolve.

Interoperability is extended through support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP), allowing Joule agents to interact with third-party tools and applications through standardized interfaces. By configuring MCP connections within SAP BTP, organizations can enable agents to coordinate workflows across SAP S/4HANA, SAP ECC, SAP cloud applications, and non-SAP systems without custom point integrations.

Early Enterprise Adoption and Operational Impact

SAP partners and customers are already exploring agentic AI in real-world scenarios. KPMG, for example, is using Joule Studio to build specialized agents for fulfillment orchestration and supply chain processes. Valentino Köster, Global Head of SAP360 Program & AI at KPMG AG WPG, said the platform enables organizations to “transform business context into measurable value by building specialized AI agents for fulfillment orchestration, supply chain management, and more.”

Additional use cases include payroll variance analysis, inventory optimization, logistics planning, and customer purchasing behavior analysis, where agents can detect anomalies, recommend actions, and execute follow-up steps across systems. In a joint proof of concept, Nestlé worked with SAP and IBM to automate complex order fulfillment processes using data from both SAP and non-SAP sources, highlighting how agentic AI can streamline cross-system orchestration.

Governance remains central to SAP’s approach. Joule agents inherit SAP Cloud Identity Services and principal propagation, ensuring actions execute strictly within a user’s authorization context. Human-in-the-loop controls are included by default for critical decisions, allowing organizations to balance autonomy with oversight as agentic automation expands.

What This Means for SAPinsiders

Agentic AI changes how automation delivers business value. SAP customers can move beyond brittle scripts toward adaptive processes that handle variability without constant redesign. This reduces operational friction across SAP S/4HANA and hybrid landscapes.

Automation evaluation criteria are shifting. Technology leaders should prioritize governance, document grounding, and interoperability alongside model intelligence. Platforms that integrate cleanly with SAP BTP and external systems will deliver faster time to value.

SAP roles will evolve toward agent design and oversight. Developers and architects will spend less time coding rules and more time defining goals, curating business context, and managing approval checkpoints. Organizations that invest early in these skills will scale agentic automation more effectively.