Despite its surging popularity, machine learning isn’t new. It’s been around for more than 50 years, first introduced when a neurophysiologist and mathematician co-wrote a paper on how human neurons might work. To illustrate the theory, they modeled a network with electrical circuits, and soon after, computer scientists began applying the idea to their work.

Today, machine learning certainly has evolved. Companies use machine learning to tap into big data to make forecasts that will drive their businesses forward in areas such as product development, customer satisfaction, and employee recruitment or retention, just to name a few.

Simply stated, machine learning allows an organization to conduct business more intelligently. We sat down with Markus Noga, senior vice president of SAP Leonardo Machine Learning, to better understand how it can be used and how it will continue to evolve.