SAP skills and experience are among the most desired throughout the IT sector. With the software suite continuing to go from strength to strength, it’s no surprise that many are looking to build the necessary skill sets to develop a career within SAP.
Currently, the software is being used in over 19,000 companies across the world and recent collaborations with huge companies such as Accenture, Capgemini and Deloitte have only strengthened the links to the oil and gas, manufacturing and digital transformation industries. With strong bonds with sectors across the globe, the demand for those who have an expertise with various SAP modules is only growing.
With SAP offering more than 160 certifications, there are plenty of opportunities for IT professionals to find a niche and build their career around it, whether that be within the HANA, ABAP or SCM modules.
To ensure that everyone can attend these courses, SAP host them all over the world, from the UK to Hong Kong. A full list of official training courses can be found on the SAP website and they range from free courses you can complete yourself to certification courses that help you validate your expertise and experience.
The certifications can ensure that you meet all the requirements for any SAP role and they come in three forms:
- Associate certifications – These are tailored for those new to SAP and serve as a beginner’s certification.
- Specialist certifications – This level builds on the associate level and recognises professionals with skills in specific components.
- Professional certifications – The highest level of SAP certification is globally recognised and proves that an individual has in-depth knowledge and can lead projects as well as execute them. Earned through a rigorous testing process, this accreditation often comes hand-in-hand with higher billable rates.
As expected the modules that are most frequently used are typically the ones with the most opportunities for SAP specialists at any level of experience. While these can change over time, the common ones that are nearly always in demand tend to deal with supply chain, finance and HR.
It will come as no surprise that the courses that are most in-demand correlate to the modules that pay the most and these cover areas that are critical to businesses' continued success.
SAP S/4HANA
This module provides a complete business suite that can streamline a majority of business processes. From digitising finance processes to delivering insights tailored to each company, SAP S/4HANA delivers a complete picture of operations.
When it comes to official SAP training courses, there are over 50 that relate to this module and they range from financial accounting to enterprise portfolio & project management. They don’t all need to be completed to build a career around SAP S/4HANA, but having some experience or qualifications can only help with applications.
SAP FI
SAP FI, one of the most recognised SAP assets, is frequently referred to as an ECC, which stands for ‘ERP Central Component’. This financial accounting module helps to automate and store financial data across an entire enterprise, covering everything from payroll to reporting.
There are always official SAP courses running that cover various angles of financial automation. With so many businesses across the world adopting SAP for their finances, often using a bespoke configuration, experts can benefit from having a broad knowledge of the module but may need specific training to gain deeper knowledge.
SAP SCM
With SAP SCM helping businesses manage their supply chain more efficiently, this module helps to cover production planning, business forecasting and demand planning. The software helps businesses become more streamlined by bringing new technologies such as AI and the Internet of Things to supply chain management.
There is an array of official courses that can teach users with any level of experience how to harness the power of SAP SCM. With a focus on educating business analysts, executives and system architects, the training can range from overviews to more in-depth, technical uses of the module.
SAP HCM
The SAP HCM module can help global businesses manage and engage the entire workforce on a more personal level. Within this key SAP module lies the tools needed to better deliver personnel administration, organisational management and payroll.
All of these module features are covered in various official SAP courses that are split up for beginner, intermediate and advanced users. From general software overviews to in-depth analytics and reports, these courses can improve any HCM specialist’s skills.
SAP BI
While some businesses may use a variety of different tools to find insights that can help sway big business decisions, SAP BI (Business Intelligence) is designed to put all this information in one place. This module provides users with key metrics and customer behaviour in one flexible, scalable place.
With a wide variety of official courses around the world focusing on SAP BI, users of all experience levels can learn new ways to uncover key business insights. From platform administration to reporting with depth, SAP BI’s analytical benefits make experts well versed in the module, and in high demand. While these courses can help those working in SAP improve their skill sets in high-demand areas, they’re not essential. Many of the skills can be self-taught or developed through employer training as a career progresses.
However, whether an employer sees the true benefits of official training or not, taking the time to develop skills in any of these key SAP modules will always be a sound career decision.
