As the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape evolves, businesses face the challenge of processing vast amounts of data generated by connected devices in real-time and with minimal latency. Edge computing addresses this challenge by bringing computation and data storage closer to the data source rather than relying solely on centralized cloud infrastructure. SAP Leonardo, SAP’s digital innovation system, incorporates edge computing capabilities that enable enterprises to optimize IoT deployments, improve response times, and reduce bandwidth costs. This article takes a deep dive into SAP Leonardo’s edge computing, its architecture, benefits, and practical applications.
Edge computing refers to the decentralized processing of data at or near the location where it is generated — such as IoT devices, sensors, or local gateways — instead of transmitting all data to a centralized cloud. This approach reduces latency, improves reliability, and enhances security by limiting sensitive data transmission.
SAP Leonardo integrates multiple technologies like IoT, machine learning, and analytics to drive digital transformation. Edge computing within SAP Leonardo enables:
SAP Leonardo’s edge computing framework consists of the following components:
These include sensors, actuators, and edge gateways deployed in manufacturing plants, retail stores, or smart cities. They capture data and perform preliminary processing.
SAP Leonardo supports lightweight runtime environments on edge devices that can execute applications, perform data filtering, and run local analytics or machine learning models.
Centralized tools allow IT teams to deploy, monitor, and manage edge applications across distributed devices efficiently.
Processed data and aggregated insights are securely transmitted to SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) or SAP S/4HANA for further analysis, storage, and business process automation.
Edge devices monitor production lines for defects or anomalies, triggering immediate adjustments without cloud latency.
Edge computing processes data from in-store sensors and devices to deliver real-time promotions and customer analytics.
Distributed edge nodes analyze local energy consumption and generation to balance loads and prevent outages.
Edge systems track vehicle health and route optimization locally, enabling fast response to changing conditions.
Organizations interested in adopting edge computing with SAP Leonardo should:
SAP Leonardo’s edge computing capabilities provide a robust framework for enterprises to harness the power of distributed data processing. By enabling real-time analytics, lowering latency, and enhancing security, SAP Leonardo helps businesses unlock new levels of efficiency and innovation in their IoT initiatives. For SAP professionals and organizations aiming to build responsive, scalable, and secure digital solutions, mastering edge computing within SAP Leonardo is a critical step toward future-ready operations.