From mainframe to SAP

[Former Member]

Hi,

I've been into mainframe development for 7 years and have worked with banking and manufacturing firms.

I am thinking of retooling myself by attending a SAP course. Any recommendation which SAP module to take?

Should I take functional or development?

Please advise.

Thanks,

Jerold

[Former Member]

Hi there,

Don't forget R/2. I think it runs on mainframes only...

So, is it CICS or KIX?

greg

[eddy_declercq]

Hi,

If you have cobol experience, abap looks rather familiar. Otherwise Java might be a good path. All depends on what you want to do eg. Web enabled or not, etc

Eddy

[Former Member]

Functional is where it's currently at.

Programming can always be done anywhere --once someone can explain waht the problem is then programming a solution is normally "just an exercise in translation".

If you stay in functinal you will always be guranteed a job whether in SAP or outside of it.

I'd also suggest looking at E-Commerce, JIT type logistic solutions and CRM with possibly some portal type stuff as this is where the growth area is.

If you are more into things like HR then look at ESS type solutions and Workflow systems.

Cheers

Jimbo

[JozsefSzikszai]

>

> once someone can explain waht the problem is then programming a solution is normally "just an exercise in translation".

are you sure?

[Former Member]

Hi Eric

James is right, although I am yet to meet a functional person who can explain what they want. Be functional if you don't want to actually do anything.

Gareth

[Former Member]

That surely reflects badly on the hiring policy of the company the functional guy is working for.

If you can't at least explain in simple clear concise language (doesn't have to be in English if you are a non English speaker) your business process(es) you are trying to model / automate / change then what on earth are you doing as a Functional consultant.

You need to start from very simple concepts such as

say an Oil company.

These companies generally have 3 sorts of requirements

1) Those who find the reserves

2) Those who get it out of the ground

3) Those who sell it.

For each of these areas you now go on to the more detailed processes like OK we've found the reserves but the field overlaps with another company's field. So you need to sort out Legal requirements over who owns what and how to "divvi" up the amount extracted etc etc.

Most people try to over complicate stuff.

Start with the basic principle of "What are we actually trying to do" (apart of course if you are a commercial organisation - to make money) and work from there.

As I mentioned above if the functional guys can't explain what they want then why are the still in business.

Cheers

Jimbo

[ChrisSolomon]

OK we've found the reserves but the field overlaps with another company's field. So you need to sort out Legal requirements over who owns what and how to "divvi" up the amount extracted etc etc.
Most people try to over complicate stuff.

"I drink your milkshake!" *

I thought that was a pretty simple, clear explaination. (haha)

*_There will be Blood_ movie reference