Advice on Career In SAP SD

[Former Member]

Hi Guys,

Just joined SCN and am already on my way to post my first question!

I have been working for an IT company for past 41 months (3.5 yrs). My job profile is of an EDI Analyst (Electronic Data Interchange). EDI Analyst is basically a technical job (which also requires Business Knowledge). EDI Analyst are the ones who are responsible for implementing and supporting Electronic Data Interchange system between companies. Data is exchanged (in a Standard format) between companies (called as Trading Partners in EDI lingo ). Amongst others, one of the responsibility of an EDI Analyst is to make sure the document is received, processed and posted successfully in the final receiving system. In this (my job's) case, the final reeiver/system/destination is SAP. And this is how I was introduced to SAP SD (around 3 years back)
Since then my interest in SAP has been growing. Below is the snapshot of the exposure I have in SAP (relating to EDI).

1. Creating/Managing of partners (T-Code WE20)
2. Working with EDPAR/Output Determination tables
3. Monitoring IDOCs (Inbound and Outbound)
4. Using other EDI related T-codes and tables

Apart from this I have been reading a book "ALE, EDI, & IDoc Technologies by Arvind Nagpal and John Pitlak  " which has given me more knowledge on EDI/SAP.

Now, I am planning to move full-time into SAP and work as a SAP Functional Consultant. Before taking any decision (it would be a big one as I would be altogether changing my career track), I would like to have your (everyone's) advice,

1. Is this the right path that I am choosing? (I am interested in SCM and in SAP SD. Not much inclined towards ABAP coding though)
2. What else would I need to learn to get into (junior?) SAP Functional Consultant role?
3. Or ( Am I equipped with enough SAP knowledge to) take the plunge and then learn on the job?

Need help, as I find myself in the middle of my career crisis (high time for me to decide on this now! )

Waiting for the advice.

Thanks for your patience and reading the whole question!

Best Regards,
N.J.

[jpfriends079]

Hello Nishant

As you are working as EDI Analyst. Probably have good hands on experience on the same. I would recommend you for SAP PI/XI (SAP NetWeaver Process Integration) to enhance your current capabilities and career progression.

From further guidenec on the same, following SCN wiki link will be helpful:

- First Step to Learn SAP XI or PI

Thanks & Regards, JP

[Former Member]

Hello Prakash,

Thank you very much for your suggestion.

I have no working experience with SAP PI/XI, and as I am currently working in SAP SD (and I am comfortable with SD) so thought if I could go towards the SAP SD Functional Consultant path.

Best Reagrds,

N.J.

[former_member182378]

Nishant,

1. Is this the right path that I am choosing? (I am interested in SCM and in SAP SD. Not much inclined towards ABAP coding though)

If you only know EDI related topics, then it would be a long way to get a job in SAP SD.

In SAP SD, you would have to understand e.g. Enterprise structure, SD processes, Basic functions, SD related master data etc. to qualify in an interview for a junior SD consultant

2. What else would I need to learn to get into (junior?) SAP Functional Consultant role?

Mentioned in point 1

3. Or ( Am I equipped with enough SAP knowledge to) take the plunge and then learn on the job?

No.

Detailed mentioned in point 1

[Former Member]

Hello TW,

Thank you for your suggestion and the information.

Best Reagrds,

N.J.

[former_member1326872]

Hi Nishant,

I am a SAP ABAP developer so far but now I have got an opportunity to work as an EDI analyst. I have no experience in EDI so far. So could you please provide me some insights or details on the EDI job, so I will be able see if it will be easy or tough for me and decide whether to take up this EDI job or not.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Swetha.

[Former Member]

Hi Nishant,

As suggested by Jyoti, you can transform your career in SAP Process Orchestration (SAP PI/PO).  This is exactly suits for your skill and high demand in current market.

One of my friend who was in Webmethods EDI Analyst then he moved to SAP Process Orchestration (SAP PI/PO) and transformed his career as SAP Process Orchestration consultant.

Do not think any other options... Take the advice of Jyoti.

Best Of Luck.

Regards

GGOPII

[Former Member]

Hi Nishant,

Could sense you are more inclined/'comfortable' towards Functional side of SAP such as SCM, SD etc., Suggest pick up the basics of SAP-SD such as Enterprise Structure, Master Data, Basic Functions and beyond. First, run through complete cycle of various Transactions for various sales cycles, as if you are a 'Business User'. This will let you get a handle. Then, focus towards 'Configuration'. Go through well-known books. Try out in IDES system if you have access. Bonafide on-line access for SAP-IDES is available. Ensure you carry out this while you cling on to your current assignment. Once you are reasonably comfortable, SAP Certification in SD would immensely help you.

And, you are not just out of college now; You have business experience more particularly with good hand in EDI. Way to go !!

Well, the learned contributors here are providing you suggestions with limited information available from your end; However, you need to take the final call.

Believe, its possible to transform your career into SAP-SD. Wish you Good Luck !!

Pl don't hesitate to revert.

Regards,