A SAP consultant helps a company build "systems applications and products," which is where the acronym "SAP" comes from. SAP typically encompasses, but is not limited to, systems involving managing finances and accounting as well as sales distribution on an enterprise scale. As a consultant, a SAP consultant's task would be provide input for the design, structure, and implementation of such a system. This job requires a lot of mental muscle, including creativity to problem-solve as well as a sharp eye for detail to keep plans efficient and practical. Additionally, a SAP consultant is responsible for helping to bring results, which puts the consultant in a position with heavy responsibility, making this occupation ill-suited for people who function poorly under pressure. Additional desired traits include strong interpersonal and organizational skills, as consultants often need to communicate directly with their clients.
A bachelor's degree in management, communications, or computer science is a minimum academic requirement to become a SAP consultant. SAP certifications are available for individuals who wish to demonstrate a specialization for the position.
SAP consultants work with clients who provide a need for a structure to either be built from the ground up, improved, or maintained. SAP consultants function as a sort of manager, advisor, and employee. They are accountable for managing results; they help design and configure systems as well as test; and in performing the other two tasks, it can be necessary to do the work themselves.
SAP consultant positions are full-time positions, as companies with large systems need to have them maintained. On occasion, a contract for a SAP consultant opens when a system needs a sudden upgrade or a foundation, but positions typically are full-time.
SAP Consultant Tasks
- Identify, document and conduct all unit testing, mock and system testing of mission critical scenarios, manage expected results versus actual results, track and resolve errors.
- Assist technical and functional design configuration for transformations, reports, updates, and interfaces.
- Design and configure the logical and physical design and architecture, development, integration, testing and deployment of the SAP Netweaver business warehouse.
- Prepare and execute implementation, user testing, and fit/gap analysis.