An SAP consultant is an expert on SAP modules who utilizes generated data to guide businesses and organizations. SAP consultants are in high demand in the job market with excellent earning potential. Let’s learn from this Indeed article how to become an SAP consultant and what it takes to be successful in this role.
First, SAP has many products that focus on different processes, including sales and marketing, customer service, finance, and business management. Below are the most common modules.
SAP FI
SAP FI stands for finance, and its primary focus is to store the financial data of an organization. An SAP consultant uses this data to analyze the financial standing of an organization in the market.
SAP CO
Also known as the SAP controlling module, SAP CO is mainly used to plan, report, and monitor the organization’s operations.
SAP MM
SAP Materials Management (MM) is a core function that includes supply chain planning and execution capabilities. SAP MM is what organizations use to make decisions and handle issues related to the procurement of vendor management and raw materials.
SAP SD
The SAP Sales and Distribution (SD) module manages the shipping, billing, selling, and transportation of products and services in an organization. SAP SD is also the module that contains customer relationships, starting with a quotation for sales to the billing of the product or service.
SAP ABAP
ABAP stands for Advanced Business Application Programing, a 4GL language used by businesses and organizations to develop and customize their respective SAP software. It helps build mainframe applications for business aspects, such as finance and procurement.
How to become an SAP consultant
We list a few things to start your career as an SAP consultant.
- Obtain SAP training and certification
Choose the module you’re passionate about as a career, find an SAP course for it, and get certified by an authorized SAP training partner. SAP currently offers over 150 certifications, from beginner to professional levels. The courses have a fee, so do your research to ensure you find one that suits your interests and career goals.
- Work with a consulting company.
Consider joining an IT consultancy company as a junior SAP consultant to understand more about the latest tech and platforms information so you can learn to build next-generation solutions.
- Work as a trainee in SAP support.
Being a trainee or support personnel at a company that has SAP implemented may be an excellent opportunity for you to explore more about it.
- Join an SAP project
Many SAP projects require skills outside of SAP. For example, suppose you’re proficient in databases and SQL. In that case, you can join the project as a data conversion person and teach yourself SAP later, leading to learning whether a career in SAP consulting is suitable for you.
How to become a successful SAP consultant
Being an SAP consultant requires a lot of patience and hard work. Here are some essential tips to help you become a successful SAP consultant.
- Grow expertise
Although you may be focusing on one SAP module, it can be advantageous for you to understand the fundamental processes of the other modules. Diversification of expertise is essential, and being aware of what is happening across SAP modules will help you stay up to date.
- Get training
Joining training programs will help you achieve beyond just the functional knowledge of SAP. There’s a wide range of training available for SAP, both online and in the classroom.
- Discover more domains
It’s ideal to have experience in multiple domains. As you grow professionally, it’s considered an asset to explore modules outside your area of expertise. Enhance your knowledge of application functionality and how to optimize architecture.
- Be current
Your achievement doesn’t end with just a certification. Stay up to date with the current SAP world and its latest developments. SAP programs and applications are changing, and it’s good to be knowledgeable about staying relevant. You can join SAP groups and forums or enter SAP portals that provide updates on SAP programs.
- Build your network
Networking is the key when it comes to achieving corporate success. Build a network to enhance knowledge and stay updated with the industry. One way to connect with other SAP experts is through social networking sites and discussion forums.
- Continue education
Training and gaining knowledge is a never-ending process. Subscribe to SAP newsletters and magazines and attend SAP classes to ensure your SAP knowledge is always current and relevant. Industry knowledge is the key to providing quality services as an SAP consultant.
We offer short courses in SAP and many diploma programs with SAP modules for you to start your career paths in SAP. Please email us at [email protected] to learn more about our courses, programs, and admission requirements.