SAP, a leading player in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software industry, has significantly shaped how businesses manage their core operations by integrating various processes such as sales, inventory, and finance into a unified system. Beginning in the 1960s, ERP emerged as a solution to automate labor-intensive white-collar tasks, evolving from custom-built software on mainframes to standardized, extensible platforms like SAP's offering, which allows for real-time data processing and seamless integration across business functions. Despite the complexity and cost of implementing ERP systems—often requiring substantial investment in software, consulting, and training—these systems have become essential for large companies seeking to optimize their business models and streamline operations. The ERP market, valued at over $40 billion, is dominated by giants like SAP and Oracle, which offer industry-specific solutions, while newer players introduce modern software practices to cater to niche markets. As data integration capabilities improve with the rise of APIs and data lakes, ERP systems continue to evolve, maintaining their relevance in the rapidly changing technology landscape.