How to shift from ERP tester to SAP Functional Consultant?

[Former Member]

Hi friends,

I'm currently working as a Software tester and have worked with ERP applications(Not SAP) for more that 2.5 years now. I do have a decent domain knowledge of ERP at present.

I want to learn SAP and make a career as a functional consultant.

My question is:  If i do a course in one of the functional modules of SAP will i be able to get a job in SAP with my prior experience of ERP?

Thanks and Regards,

Arjun

[former_member183424]

This message was moderated.

[Colleen]

Do you have a template or something to copy/paste this list? If I knew nothing about SAP I would be confused by a list of acronyms with no context. You are also using module and component interchangeably as well

Hey, Plant Maintenance - for all non-SAP knows it might be an extension of Gardening (mmm that might be a fun game for coffee corner... If you didn't know SAP what would an acronym potentially mean to an outside?).

[former_member183424]

I don't think any professional guy will think about that Plant Maintenance = extension of Gardening. Yeah a little kid can think about that.

[Colleen]

It was a literal play on words when read with lack of context. I'll have to watch my sense of humour.

You'd be surprised the number of adults who are really just overgrown children.

[former_member183424]

Hmm. That can be.

[former_member182378]

Dev,

Colleen's point of paste a long list is valid.

Some comments:

1. The OP is asking about functional role - Why paste a list with ABAP and BASIS?

2. The OP is not asking for the modules in SAP. His question is different

3. We should encourage members to search the internet. This is spoon feeding, that too in very large feedings (spoon size)...

What is the use of pasting this long list? This is not your contribution too and is very generic (not tailored to the OP's queries).

In my opinion it is daunting and irrelevant...to this discussion

TW

[Former Member]

Doing a course does not guarantee a job. Domain knowledge matters. Otherwise you can try getting into SAP ERP testing, then move on to functional side.

[Former Member]

I do have ERP domain Knowledge.... And i'm very sound in Sales, Purchase, Production and Inventory related modules...

[Lakshmipathi]

Since you have sound knowledge in Sales and Purchase, you can better opt for SD/MM functional consultant and explore the possibilities of learning these two modules.  Needless to mention, you should have the practical knowledge in Sales and Purchase; only then, this is easy to learn.

G. Lakshmipathi

[Former Member]

Sir,

I've been a software tester.. I've never worked as a sales or purchase professional as in.. But i do know the processes involved in sales and purchase as i was involved in assisting my senior in one of the ERP implementations( But mainly with sales and manufacturing).  Would that suffice for practical knowledge?

[former_member182378]

Arjun,

Rahul has given some good suggestions.

Move gradually to SAP functional consultant role. First try to get a job as a SAP tester. (in ERP package) and then with time and learning try for a consultant's role.

[former_member182378]

Arjun,

Being a tester, how much did you learn about the functionalities of that ERP system?

If one's mind is "fixed" as a tester then it is very difficult to "un-fix" it.

Analyze from your past behavior and gauge how much you were interested in the functionalities, that you were testing. And then take a decision.

[Former Member]

I assisted my senior with ERP implementation for sales and purchase.

I also get opportunities to provide consultancy to our clients when they need a workaround for a process.

I find myself more intrested towards doing research in the ERP system and understanding why a particular functionality is required.. That is why i want to move to Consultancy.

Also would i require to go through a SAP course before applying for SAP ERP tester position?

[Former Member]

What i mean to say is that - I'm not fixed to testing.. I enjoy testing but i enjoy learning ERP Processes more..

[former_member183424]

You can do SAP course, but not mandatory. If you will do SAP course, then you can better understand about your work and also you will get a deep knowledge about the all theoretical things.

[former_member187748]

Hi Arun,

please understand one thing that working as an end user has a different role with repect to a consultant,

so what you will need to get through the process involved in the life cycle of concerned module, like if you will choose SD , then you must know what is Pricing procedure, what is Sales order delivery and many more stuffs, i means to say that you have to learn how these things are managed in terms of SAP.

Once you will get acquainted with the process it will become more fruitful to you to become a good functional consultant, so you can start with a SAP tester, where you will get a schematic view of flow of data in any module, then you can move towards being an sap functional consultant.

[former_member182378]

Arjun,

Good to know that you enjoy learning the ERP processes and functionalities. This is required to become a functional consultant.

No course is required to transition to SAP ERP tester. I think there are no courses offered for this too.

As a long term goal (5 - 7 years) take one module and keep learning, in addition to your job as a SAP tester.

Say you have choosen SAP SD as the module you want to become a functional consultant, then ask for testing in that area. When you are lucky and you get to do testing in that area - do all kinds of R&D -

- what are the organization structures? e.g. sales organization etc. and what are their roles? (from business point of view)

- what are the document types? what is the flow?

- what are the prices, any credit limit given?

etc.

Typewriter

[narnei]

Dear Mr.Arjun Nair,

Welcome to the world of SAP. Congrats for choosing sap as your career platform.

I appreciate your interest on SAP ERP.

Based on your interest you can choose any module ( technical / functional ).Each module has its own importance in real time.

If you want learn more about any / preffered module, you can always access help.sap.com which will give you a list of results and among them you can choose whichever link you want to start studying on that subject.

Based on your research choose a right module which suits you better.

It might depends on your Interest also, Like if you are interested more on Programming side then think about Technical module ABAP.

Or if your interest is more on Functional side ( Requires business process knowledge on various / any industries & configuration skills in ERP ).

Based on your experience I  believe that the  below functional modules will be more suitable for people who has some Business / Domain / experience . Just think & try to follow the SAP Help to take a right decision.

MM – MATERIAL MANAGEMENT  ( More about Purchasing related activities  / Goods receipts / Inventory Management / vendor management )

SD – SALES & DISTIBUTION ( All sales related activities)

PP – Production Planning

Wish you all the best.

Regards,

N.S.Rao

[Former Member]

Also i did try to find jobs as SAP tester but i think i will have to find an entry level job as a SAP tester... since Organisations keep asking for atleast hands on knowledge of SAP...

The only viable solution i found was of doing a Course in SAP module.. and then try to get a job as SAP tester..

Once i gain experience in the concerened module i will try to land a job of a Consultant..

[former_member182378]

Arjun,

Why don't you stick to the ERP system you are currently working?

In that system, try to become a functional consultant.

[Former Member]

I want to change because i believe i will learn a lot more in SAP and its the best ERP..  SAP is not available in my company as in