ERP is Easy

Hello friends. Welcome back to my blog. In this post, we will discuss the different types of SAP roles available in the market, their responsibilities and the steps you can take to become an SAP consultant.

Now let’s go through the types of roles one by one in detail.

• SAP ABAP developer – An ABAP developer specializes in customizing, enhancing, and maintaining SAP software applications. They primarily code in the ABAP programming language but it is advantageous to also know some of the other programming languages like Java Script and SAP UI5 which is also based on Java Script. As an ABAP developer, it is really important to also know SQL programming as they will be using a lot of SQL queries to retrieve and update data from the databases. Some of their responsibilities include modifying existing ABAP programs, optimize performance and create workflows. ABAP developers also provide ongoing support, document their work, and ensure security compliance within the SAP ecosystem.
• SAP Basis consultant – An SAP Basis consultant, also known as the SAP technical consultant, is responsible for managing the technical infrastructure of SAP systems. Their primary role includes installing, configuring, and maintaining SAP applications and databases. They also handle system monitoring, performance optimisations and system upgrades. Additionally, SAP Basis consultants ensure the high availability and reliability of SAP systems by implementing cluster and disaster recovery architectures, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating with other SAP professionals to support the overall functioning of SAP environments. I have written a detailed blog about the SAP Basis consultant role. Please go through it if you are interested in learning more about it.
• SAP Integration consultant – An SAP Integration Consultant specializes in connecting SAP systems in an organization’s landscape with other SAP systems or non-SAP systems. Their key responsibilities include designing, implementing, and maintaining interfaces and integration solutions. This involves using technologies like SAP Process Integration (PI/PO), SAP Cloud Platform Integration, and middleware tools to enable seamless data exchange and business process automation between different systems. SAP Integration Consultants collaborate with stakeholders to understand integration requirements, ensure data consistency, troubleshoot integration issues, and optimize system interoperability for efficient business processes.
• SAP functional consultants, also known as business process consultants or business architects, are defined based on their SAP modules, like finance, procurement, logistics, materials management, supply chain management, human capital management, payroll, etc. The functional consultants offer consulting on the best practices an organisation must follow. They help redefine the existing business processes, configure the SAP systems based on the customer requirements, set the rules, workflows, define master data and work with the developers to alter or create WRICEFs based on the business requirements. I have also written a blog post on WRICEF if you want to learn more about that.
• SAP Data Migration consultants – They extract, transform and load data from the source system to the target systems. They are mainly involved when there is a migration project for example when you are implementing an S/4HANA system and you would like to migrate the master data from your ECC system to the S/4HANA system. Their responsibilities include data assessment, data mapping, data extraction, data transformation, data loading, testing, troubleshooting and documentation.
• SAP BTP Architect – An SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform) architect designs and oversees the implementation of SAP BTP solutions for the organization. They define architecture, select services, and ensure the BTP platform aligns with an organization’s business needs, security requirements, and scalability goals. This role involves creating technical roadmaps, optimizing system performance, and guiding teams in developing applications and solutions on the SAP BTP.
• SAP security consultant – The security consultant will design the type of SAP authorizations the people in the organization would require to use an SAP system. They create & manage the user accounts in an SAP system and also define the process to add or remove authorisations. They assess security risks, design and implement security measures, define user access controls, and conduct audits to ensure compliance with security policies and regulations, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of SAP environments.
• Technical solution architect – Business architects design the end to end business process and based on that they will propose the different types of technical solutions that can be used to execute the end to end business process. Where as the Technical architects will design the technical aspects of it. For example they will determine whether a product would be compatible with other products in the environment, how does the integration work, what middleware to be used, the best possible way to make all these product’s talk to each other in an efficient and cost effective way. That’s the role of a technical solution architect.
• SAP Test Manager – An SAP test manager is responsible for overseeing the testing process related to SAP software implementations or upgrades within an organization. SAP test managers play a crucial role in ensuring that SAP applications function properly, meet business requirements, and are free of errors or defects before they are deployed in a production environment. Their roles and responsibilities include test planning, test strategy development, test management, test execution, defect management, reporting and documentation.
• SAP Project Manager – An SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products) project manager plays a critical role in the successful planning, execution, and completion of SAP-related projects within an organization. Their responsibilities are diverse and encompass various aspects of project management, team leadership, and stakeholder communication. Their key roles and responsibilities include project planning, team leadership, stakeholder management, resource management, risk management, quality assurance, budget management, change management, documentation and post-implementation support.

There could be other SAP roles available but these are some of the most common ones that you can see in an organization.

How to Become an SAP Consultant: Now that you know the diverse world of SAP consulting, how do you become one?

• Firstly, Identify Your Interest: Take a moment to discover where your passion lies. Are you drawn to the technical aspects of SAP, or have you got experience in business areas like finance, procurement, etc. or perhaps data management? What ever it is, first you need to identify your interest.
• Then formulate a Plan: Once you’ve identified your area of interest, create a detailed plan. Outline the steps you need to take to become an SAP consultant in your chosen field. It could be about doing courses in that field or getting an internship and work experience or networking with people on LinkedIn in that field. What ever it is, write them all down. Create a plan.
• Finally, Execute Your Plan: The key to success is execution. Whether it’s acquiring certifications, gaining experience, or networking with professionals in the field, just writing down the plan is not enough but take action to turn your plan into reality.

Becoming an SAP consultant is a journey that begins with understanding your passion and ends with a fulfilling career. It can’t be done overnight but with a planned approach, you can easily become one.

If you found this blog post helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more SAP insights. If you have any questions or want to share your SAP journey, comment below.

Until next time, stay curious!

Checkout my “Introduction to SAP – The Complete Package for Beginners | 2 Hour Course with a 157-Page Free PDF” course on YouTube – https://youtu.be/1jFQMadZLfs?si=Kdic_gZ9cpo2qTlm