I have talked to many SAP HCM consultants. Most of them are aware of the changes and confused. SAP has always been about integration but now we hear about hybrid solutions. For example: store the core employee data in SAP HCM and interface with SuccessFactors' functionality of on-boarding, talent management, compensation management. Some companies integrate SAP finance, production planning, material management, human resources and other functions but what will be the impact of hybrid HR solution. There are many thoughtful questions but few good answers as things are still evolving. Cloud computing is a disrupting technology and has changed HR solutions and in turn the SAP HCM consulting. The consultants need to keep calm, carry on with their current work and understand the new normal proactively
- Networking - LinkedIn.com provides a good way to stay connected to your contacts. Your connections can offer insight and information that can help you. You can also reciprocate the same.
- Learning - Twitter.com, Facebook.com, SAP.com and other sites have a lot of information. You can follow industry experts and companies to learn about the trends as well as new detailed information.
- Certification - Certification is not always required but it can come in handy. Though it might not always be obvious how useful they might be, there is definitely no harm in getting certified.
SAP HCM Consultants (Functional)
The good news is that there are many transferable skills.
- Leadership, Team work and communication These skills are transferable.
- Project management This is also transferable with some knowledge of the new system that you are implementing.
- Documentation and testing These skills are transferable though a little system knowledge might be helpful.
- Business analysis - This skill is transferable. Cloud solution also requires HR processes analysis and requirements gathering.
- Gap analysis and configuration - This requires the knowledge of the new system. Understanding the cloud based solution is the key. If you plan to switch to the cloud, then you should take up some training or be a part of a cloud project. There are no courses available to public and training is only provided to the vendors/ system integrators.
SAP HCM Consultants (Technical)
There are specific challenges to this role as the cloud solution grows but it provides big opportunities. There will be a lot of work in transition and upgrade projects. But as more and more technical work is outsourced, technical consultants might need to add skills (though this might be a boon to technical consultant where the outsource work is going).
- Leadership, Team work and communication These skills are transferable.
- Project management This is also transferable with some knowledge of the new system that you are implementing.
- Documentation and testing These skills are transferable though a little system knowledge might be helpful.
- Development (Programming): Though the basic programming concepts might be transferable, the detailed coding will not. ABAP programming is SAP's proprietary language.
- You can move to other SAP module if you would like to continue within SAP environment
- You can also pursue other upcoming SAP technologies like SAP Mobility and SAP HANA.
- You can move to cloud solutions and learn the new system by getting trained or being part of a cloud project. There are no courses available to public and training is only provided to the vendors/ system integrators
- You can learn more by following people and companies on twitter/ LinkedIn. I have a twitter list that might help to get your started http://twitter.com/manishcom/hrtech-sap-sf-workday
If you have any feedback, please feel free to give your comments here or email manish.thakkar@adept-consultancy.com. I wish you all the best.