Written By: Ndz Anthony Business Intelligence Expert
SAP, commonly pronounced as 'sæp' or S-A-P (System, Application, and Products In Data Processing), is a software company that offers transformative enterprise management solutions to businesses around the globe.
The SAP company is a leader in ERP technology and business solutions.
SAP ranks amongst the Fortune 500 as the third-largest publicly-traded company(by revenue) globally.
One reason for these statistics is their top-tier customer base. SAP solutions are frequently expensive, closed source, and require professionals to implement.
Here at ERP Fixers, we know too well how challenging implementing SAP software can be, hence the need for trained SAP experts, typically known as SAP consultants in the SAP Ecosystem.
This article will discuss SAP Consulting, the types of SAP Consulting, how to become an SAP consultant, and finally, the prospects of SAP consulting.
What is SAP Consulting?
We can define SAP Consulting as the activities, processes, and tasks. SAP consultants undertake to help SAP customers manage and optimize their business operations.
Types of SAP Consulting
There are numerous SAP consultant types; as a matter of fact, there are as many SAP Consultants as SAP Products.
However, we can group sap consultants into two main categories, functional consultants and technical consultants.
Who is a Functional SAP Consultant?
This category of SAP consultants works closely with the domain experts and developers to set up and enable the use of functional SAP modules deployed within user departments.
The Key roles & Duties of a Functional SAP Consultant include:
Liaising with Heads of Departments during business process design and implementation phases.
Liaising extensively with heads of departments and "super users" to understand their SAP requirements and provide solutions to business needs. Enforcement of internal controls within SAP and other business systems.
Provide user manuals and training to users of enterprise systems.
Provide operational and periodic ad-hoc reports to administration to aid decision-making on SAP and SAP-related Systems.
Examples of functional SAP consultant roles are SAP MM Consultant, SAP PaPm Consultant, SAP HCM consultant, etc.
Technical Consultants:
These categories of SAP consultants are more tech-savvy and work closely with the functional consultants to implement, modify or enhance the existing SAP system.
Their Key roles & Responsibilities include:
Based on approval, work together with functional consultants to proactively implement new features, introduce new systems and modify existing business processes to improve efficiency.
Oversee and manage projects to modify, enhance, or implement new functionality on SAP and other related products.
Support users on change control and management.
Examples of technical SAP consultant roles are SAP ABAP Developer, SAP BW Consultant, SAP Basis consultant, etc.
How to Become An SAP Consultant
We have found two significant routes to commence your career as an SAP Consultant.
1. The SAP YPP Program
The SAP Young Professional Program is an initiative by SAP Digital Skills Center created to bridge the digital gap existing in today's workforce.
The program is designed to:
Sieve top graduates and subsequently equip them with soft skills, accredited SAP certifications, and a sense of belonging within the SAP Community.
Set a stage for career growth within the SAP Ecosystem as potential SAP consultants.
Balance the demand for SAP consultants across the SAP Ecosystem.
If you are interested in an SAP career and a B.s.c in Business Administration, Management Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field, you should consider applying.
2. SAP Certification and Training
Suppose you already have some experience working with SAP, maybe as a superuser in your company. In that case, you might want to consider this path.
Pick your preferred SAP module.
Invest in the training course for that module
Write certification exam
Intern or Volunteer to join up with an SAP Consulting firm to gain experience.
With this route, your credibility and experience will be evident to potential employers. You stand a higher chance of being considered for SAP Consultant roles.
Prospects of SAP Consulting
SAP is an in-demand profession, and there are many possibilities within the sap consulting space.
In this section, I will outline a few prospects for sap consulting.
1. High Earnings
SAP software is to the ERP ecosystem what Apple products are to the tech-gadget industry. SAP software is relatively expensive and usually deployed by enterprises with high budgets and large-scale businesses. Hence, the reason for top-notch earnings in the industry. The compensation for SAP consultants ranks among the highest, with opportunities for job growth prospects, salary, quality of life, and other benefits. PayScale estimates an average SAP Consultant salary at $89,129k per year.
2. In-demand Profession
According to most recent articles and employment agencies, jobs in SAP consulting are high in demand. Due to the increased demand for technology solutions, they will continually rise.
3. Top-Tier Firm
According to Glassdoor, SAP ranks as the "best places to work in 2022". Due to its success as an international brand, SAP consultants are highly regarded and respected in the corporate world.