How to advance in SAP contracting

As an SAP ABAP consultant, consider the following strategies to remain relevant in the current market 1. Learn New SAP Technologies:   - SAP S/4HANA: Familiarize yourself with ABAP on SAP S/4HANA, as many businesses are migrating to this platform.   - SAP Fiori and UI5: Understanding front-end development with SAP Fiori and UI5 can help you create modern, user-friendly interfaces.   - ABAP in the Cloud: Learn about ABAP for SAP Cloud Platform (now SAP Business Technology Platform) and how it integrates with other cloud services. 2. Stay Updated with Latest ABAP Features:   - SAP regularly updates ABAP with new syntax and features, like CDS views, AMDP (ABAP Managed Database Procedures), and new debugging tools. Staying current with these changes is crucial. 3. Enhance Your Skills in Related Areas:   - Integration Skills: Learn about integration technologies like SAP PI/PO, SAP CPI (Cloud Platform Integration), and APIs to connect SAP with other systems.   - Functional Knowledge: Deepen your understanding of functional modules (e.g., MM, SD, FI) to better understand the business processes behind the code.   - DevOps: Familiarize yourself with CI/CD pipelines, version control, and other DevOps practices in SAP environments. 4. Soft Skills Development:   - Communication and Consulting: Strengthen your communication and consulting skills to effectively interact with stakeholders and translate business requirements into technical solutions.   - Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking: Continuously improve your ability to solve complex problems and think critically about business needs. 5. Certifications and Continuous Learning:   - Obtain certifications in relevant SAP modules or new technologies.   - Participate in SAP Learning Hub, online courses, and workshops to keep your skills up-to-date. 6. Network and Share Knowledge:   - Engage in SAP communities, attend SAP conferences (like SAP TechEd), and contribute to forums and blogs to build your network and stay informed about industry trends. 7. Adapt to Market Demands:   - Monitor industry trends to identify emerging needs. For example, there's a growing demand for expertise in sustainability reporting, data analytics, and AI/ML within the SAP ecosystem. By staying technically proficient, expanding your knowledge base, and being proactive in understanding market trends, you can ensure your relevance and competitiveness as an SAP ABAP consultant.

I still remember my days in SAP support. I was just out of 6 implementations and eager to make an impact, but soon I found myself caught in a loop—just solving tickets. It felt like I was on autopilot, missing out on the bigger picture. That’s when I realized, if I wanted to grow, I had to dig deeper. 💡 💼 Lesson 1: Don’t just solve the ticket. Explore the entire functionality.  When a ticket came my way, instead of just fixing the issue, I began asking questions. What’s the root cause? How does this functionality fit into the overall business process? This approach didn’t just solve the problem at hand—it built my understanding of the system as a whole. 🔍 Lesson 2: Know the config, the business processes, and the T codes.  I started diving into the configuration, understanding how it was set up, and why. I learned the ins and outs of the business processes. I didn’t just memorize T codes—I understood their significance. This knowledge became my backbone. In fact the system was setup by someone who heads a Consulting Powerhouses in India now. His config were the best of breed. 🔄 Lesson 3: Run end-to-end process cycles on the SAP system.  One of the most valuable things I did was running these cycles myself. It was like taking the system for a test drive. I got to see how everything interconnected, which made me better equipped to solve complex issues. 👨💻 Lesson 4: Understand the exits used—the BAPI, BADI, and routines. Digging into the exits was a game changer. I wasn’t just solving issues; I was understanding the very tools that made the system tick. This gave me the confidence to step up my game. 📝 Lesson 5: Document everything. Every time I resolved an issue or learned something new, I documented it. Over time, this became a valuable resource, not just for me, but for the entire team. It’s also the key to clearing interviews—your documentation becomes your personal success manual. 📈 Lesson 6: Learn from the Change Management process. I took it upon myself to create Change Management documents. At first, it seemed daunting, but it taught me the importance of ITSM processes. It’s like learning to see the bigger picture—how each change impacts the entire system. 👨🏫 Lesson 7: Learn from your boss’s management style. Lastly, I closely observed how my boss handled things. I watched, I learned, and I started incorporating those management techniques into my work. After all, if you aim to grow, you need to see yourself in your boss’s shoes. These lessons didn’t just help me survive in SAP support—they helped me thrive. My biggest salary hikes and promotions came during this period. If you feel like you’re not learning enough in your support project, remember, it’s not about waiting for opportunities. It’s about creating them. Take control, dive deeper, and push yourself to learn beyond the ticket. Your future self will thank you. #SAP #SAPS4HANA #S4HANA #SAPConsulting #SAPCommunity #SAPConsultant #SAPConsultants #SAPSupport

If you’re an SAP consultant & you’re not sweating bullets after Sapphire 2024, you missed the memo. AI is coming for you. But Jonathan, you’re kidding, right? RIGHT? I wish I was: ‘Joule for Consultants’ will accelerate projects by +30% by automating many routine tasks. Whose routine tasks? Yours. Low-code/no-code development on BTP promises to make it easier for businesses to customize SAP themselves. Whose customization work? Yours. SAP’s “clean core” ERP strategy keeps S/4HANA free from excessive custom code, meaning fewer complex customizations. Whose complex customizations? Yours. But my friend, you are not going to freak out. You are going to pull yourself up by your bootstraps & prepare for the future. Here’s how you are going to turn these challenges into opportunities: 1. Embrace AI to Enhance Your Skills Joule is a game-changer, yes. But, instead of fearing it, leverage it. -Understand how Joule works & integrate it into your workflow to enhance productivity. -With Joule handling routine tasks, focus on higher-value activities like strategic planning.  -Take courses in AI & ML so you can stay ahead & offer new AI-driven services to your clients. 2. Master Low-Code/No-Code Platforms LCND development on BTP is revolutionizing customization. So you need to get ahead by mastering it. -Obtain certifications in SAP’s low-code/no-code platforms to help clients build & customize applications efficiently.  -Position yourself as an expert who can train client teams to use these platforms effectively.  -Create & market pre-built solutions that clients can easily customize, adding value to your consulting services. 3. Adapt to the Clean Core ERP Strategy With over 6k customers adopting RISE with SAP, the clean core ERP strategy is here to stay. Adapt & thrive. -Shift your focus from heavy customization to mastering configuration within the clean core framework.  -Advise clients on best practices for maintaining a clean core ERP system, ensuring they get the most out of their S/4HANA investment.  -Keep abreast of the latest updates & features in S/4HANA to provide the most current & relevant advice. 4. Evolve with the Industry The traditional SAP consulting model is evolving. So should you. -Commit to lifelong learning & stay updated with the latest SAP technologies & industry trends.  -Expand your expertise to include emerging technologies like blockchain, IoT, & advanced analytics. -Join SAP communities, attend conferences, & collaborate with other professionals to stay connected & informed. Sapphire 2024 was a wake-up call. The old way of doing SAP consulting is being profoundly reshaped. If you’re not adapting, you’re falling behind. The future is… LITERALLY  RIGHT  NOW It is time to pivot & find your new niche before it’s too late. If you don’t embrace these changes & you don’t take proactive steps, you may find yourself wishing that you had.

How to Earn 5 Promotions in 6.5 Years as an SAP Professional The Secret to Rapid Career Advancement in SAP Here are the thoughts from a very successful consultant I have worked with for a while.... During my first job as an SAP consultant, I achieved something remarkable: 5 promotions in just 6.5 years. How did I manage such rapid progression in the competitive world of SAP? Here's the key strategy that set me apart: While most SAP professionals casually approach their 1:1s, expecting their manager to lead... I dedicated at least 1 hour to preparing for every one-on-one meeting with my manager. My Winning Formula for SAP 1:1 Meetings For each meeting, I came prepared with: 1. 3 SAP project wins from the week   - E.g., Successfully completed an SAP S/4HANA module implementation ahead of schedule   - Resolved a critical SAP ABAP performance issue, improving system response time by 30%   - Received positive feedback from the client on our SAP Fiori UX design 2. 3 priorities for the upcoming week   - E.g., Finalize the SAP BW/4HANA data model for the finance team   - Conduct SAP Security and GRC training for new team members   - Begin scoping for the upcoming SAP SuccessFactors integration project 3. Specific questions requiring manager input   - E.g., "How can we better align our SAP roadmap with the company's 5-year strategic plan?"   - "What's your perspective on incorporating SAP Cloud Platform into our current infrastructure?" 4. 1 new idea to enhance our SAP practice   - E.g., Proposing an internal SAP innovation lab to explore emerging technologies like SAP Leonardo   - Suggesting a cross-functional SAP knowledge sharing program to improve collaboration The Impact of Preparation By consistently showing up prepared, you immediately set yourself apart in the SAP ecosystem. Plus, you're creating a documented record of your achievements in SAP projects and initiatives. This approach makes it incredibly easy for your manager to: - Write a glowing performance review - Justify your promotion to higher management - Recognize your contributions to the SAP practice Pro Tip for SAP Professionals Maintain a "win document" specifically highlighting your SAP achievements, certifications earned, and innovative solutions implemented. This becomes invaluable when discussing career progression or applying for senior SAP roles. #SAP #SAPjobs #Promotions #zarantech