RELEVANCE OF SAP TO FRESHERS

Relevant to : BE(Computer /IT /), BE(E&T/ Mech/ Production and other branches). 3rd Year Computer & IT Engineering , M.Com , MBA (All Streams) What is SAP ? SAP is an comprehensive, multi-vertical ERP solution that can be used to run any part of almost any business. It is so complete that, theoretically it can be used out of the box; meaning a quick and complete solution to a business problem. However because it is very comprehensive we need consultants with Technical & domain expertise to set it up. Who is SAP ? SAP is the Worlds biggest ERP vendor & has more than 70% of the organised ERP market world wide. It is also the 3rd biggest Software company in the world with $ 17.6 Billion in revenues.

I am a fresher BE(Computer /IT), MBA(Systems) or will passout next year, can I do in SAP ? You can become a technical consultant in the Programming (ABAP Consultant) or SAP System administration (Basis Consultant). You can also do BI/BW (Business Intelligence & Warehousing) and BO.

I am a fresher BE(E&T/ Production / Mechanical) or will pass out next year, What can I do in SAP ? You too can train to become a technical consultant in the Programming (ABAP Consultant) or SAP System administration (Basis Consultant). Leraning ABAP is much simpler than Java or DotNet. An ABAP

Consultant can get exposure to multiple domains & generally has a rewarding career.

I am a fresher MBA(Markeing / any other branch) with or without prior working experience , What can I do in SAP ? You too can train to become a domian consultant in your field For example if Markeing is your specialization you can consider SAP CRM or SAP Sales . If you have specialised in Finance you can consider SAP FI. If you have specialised in HR you can do SAP HR. If you have specialised in Material Management you can do SAP-MM.

I am a studying MBA(Markeing / any other branch) who will pass out next year, What can I do in SAP ? You too can train or work as an end user during your vacation or Academic training tenure in any organization having SAP to become familiar with that module in SAP. You can later consider a full fledged training to train as a domian consultant in your field. For example if Markeing is your specialization you can consider SAP CRM or SAP Sales . If you have specialised in Finance you can consider SAP FI. If you have specialised in HR you can do SAP HR.

I am a BE(Production/Mechanical) with a year of experience on Shop Floor, Can I do SAP ? You should consider a career of a domain consultant in any one of the following - Material management, Production Planning, Plant Maintenance etc. You dont need an IT Background to become a domain consultant.

What is the salary I can expect as a fresher in SAP ?

Generally in most of the standard consulting companies you can expect a starting salary of Rs. 3 Lacs per annum.

What is a SAP Domain Consultant ? SAP has various modules such as MM, PM, FI, HR etc. To implement any module. eg. MM you need someone who has a prior experience in Material Management, who can easily understand the requirements and map and configure the same in SAP MM. Such a person is called a domain consultant. (The configuring is not a simple straight forward task.)

What is a SAP Technical Consultant ? The domain consultant can make a lot of headway in designing & implementing a solution in his domain say SAP MM. But at some stage he realises that some programming is to be done. He draws up the specs for the same and passes it on to the ABAP programmer or Technical consultant. Similarly to maintain the system in a good running state or to set up a SAP system a BASIS consultant is required.

Does SAP cover new age computing such as Mobility ? Yes, SAP has Sybase unwired. This analyst sees the mobility offering to be soon available in the ABAP platform. Mobility is a very important area of focus for SAP.

Where can I get employed after learning SAP ? You can find employment in IT companies and also end user companies that have SAP installations.

Is SAP certification necessary to get a job ?

Not at all. Any employer will first check if you have the capability of doing the job. The differential is zero or very less if you have or dont have a certification. It will be good to get certification at a later stage of your career just like other extra qualifications so that you can bargain for a better package. Are salaries of SAP consultants generally more than say a Java, Dot Net or Oracle Consultant ? Yes. No Doubt. Will also add that SAP careers are more stable.

Why are SAP careers more stable than other IT areas ? SAP is not a fancy software but used in essential areas of business. SAP solution entails a huge expenditure hence tends to be treated more seriously than especially developmental IT projects where the spends are generally discretionary in nature.

What are the hot areas in SAP ? MM (Material Management), FI (Finance), ABAP (Programming), BI/BW (Business Intelligence & Warehousing).

What was the growth rate of SAP in India last year ? 40% plus. In fact the SAP segment created sizeable employment opportunities in IT sector.

Every Employer asks for experience & I am a fresher. Well as a fresher you cannot show experience. But it helps if you had done a project in SAP during your final year because employers will definitely be interested. Or perhaps you could give a sap twist to your project. But one thing is certain to set you apart from others, that is

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Practise, make mistakes, learn & the results will show.

SAP courses are expensive (a Few Lacs). Depends from where you do it. Good courses are also available for a few thousand rupees. Spending a few lacs does not guarantee a job or offer better training.

Can you contact a seminar / Technical session on SAP at my college so since I have more queries ? Sure, please co-ordinate & facilitate the same with your colleges HOD or placement officer or relevant authority to contact us.

I need more information, where can I contact ? You can contact consultants at 91-22-25384007 or 9821627206 or sap.thane@gmail.com

For more details Contact Saptarshi Informatics, Only Sap @ Hub Thane - Division , cosmos avenue, next to mahesh tutorial building, Near Station, Thane(w). Tel 25384007 / info@direstraitsconsulting.com / sap.than@gmail.com

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