A typical use case for these tools is the development of an internal chatbot that answers HR inquiries, for example. Such inquiries may relate to the number of remaining vacation days or requests for employment references.

The aim is to reduce the workload on employees, shorten response times, and simplify access to knowledge. The basis for answering such questions can often be found in company documents such as HR guidelines, FAQs, and contract documents.

The solution: The interplay between SAP AI Core and SAP AI Launchpad

Both components are needed to implement such an AI project, and they perform different tasks:

• SAP AI Core serves as the technical runtime environment for the AI model.
• SAP AI Launchpad is the central management and control interface for the entire AI lifecycle.

1. SAP AI Core: Technical Implementation

The development of the chatbot with SAP AI Core involves the following steps:

1. Model development:
   Data scientists develop a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) application based on LLMs. The texts and HR documents are vectorized to enable context-based responses.
2. Containerization:
   The model—including data and vectorization logic—is bundled in a Docker container. This means that all dependencies (e.g., Python libraries, embedding models) are clearly defined and reproducible.
3. Deployment & scaling:
   SAP AI Core is used to roll out the container on the BTP infrastructure.
   The platform ensures that the model scales automatically, for example, when many employees use the chatbot at the same time.
4. Automation & Monitoring:
   Argo Workflows automate recurring tasks (e.g., retraining, index updates for new documents). AI Core monitoring functions capture response times, error rates, and model quality in real time.
5. Integration into business processes:
   The model is provided as a web service (API endpoint) and can be integrated directly into SAP-based systems such as SuccessFactors or Workzone—for seamless access by employees.

2. SAP AI Launchpad: The central control level

While AI Core ensures technical execution, the SAP AI Launchpad provides the necessary interface for management and control.

Specifically, the Launchpad offers the following advantages:

• Transparency & control:
  The launchpad can be used to manage the entire lifecycle of the chatbot—from models and deployments to runtimes, metrics, and versions. This allows decision-makers and project managers to keep track of performance, costs, and usage.
• Easy monitoring:
  Performance indicators such as response times, token consumption, or error rates can be viewed directly in the UI—without having to delve deep into technical logs.
• Low-code/no-code prototyping:
  Departments (e.g., HR or IT business partners) can use the launchpad to create prototypes, customize prompts, or upload documents for RAG scenarios without any programming knowledge.
• Integration with Generative AI Hub:
  Various foundation models (e.g., GPT-5, Claude, Gemini) can be tested via the model library. This allows you to evaluate which model provides the best answers for HR-specific contexts.
• Orchestration & workflow design:
  In the "Orchestration" section, complex processes such as anonymization of sensitive personal data or translation can be configured, tested, and integrated directly into the chatbot workflow with a single click.

Sample cost calculation

To illustrate the cost structure, the following scenario is assumed for the HR chatbot: 1,000 inquiries per month.

The costs for such a project consist of two main components: the usage-based costs for SAP AI Core and the fixed price for the SAP AI Launchpad.

1. Variable costs: SAP AI Core (billed in capacity units)

The costs for operating on SAP AI Core are consumption-based and are measured in capacity units (CUs). They consist of the following three factors:

(Note: The conversion values are based on SAP Note 3437766 and current AI Corecost rates in the Discovery Center.)

2. Fixed costs: SAP AI Launchpad

Regardless of the actual use of the chatbot, a monthly flat fee is charged for the SAP AI Launchpad. This fee covers the provision of the central management and monitoring interface.

• Monthly fixed price: approx. €580

Summary of costs

The total monthly cost for this AI project is therefore made up of the variable, usage-based costs for SAP AI Core (billed in CUs) and the monthly fixed price for the SAP AI Launchpad.