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ERP & SAP Growing your career: permanent & freelance IT Consultants Job Descriptions

The Best SAP FICO Training for SAP Consultants

SAP FICO training

SAP FICO (Finance and Controlling) is a critical module within the SAP ecosystem, as it helps businesses efficiently manage their financial processes while ensuring compliance. So, to gain the necessary skills for managing financial transactions, analyzing business performance, and adhering to regulations, SAP FICO training is essential. Whether you aim to advance your career or enter the SAP consulting world, mastering SAP FICO is crucial. Consequently, in this article, we will explore some of the top SAP FICO courses and certifications that can help you succeed in this ever-evolving field.

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What is SAP FICO?

SAP FICO (Finance and Controlling) is one of the most widely used modules within SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing). Thus, it enables businesses to manage and monitor their financial transactions effectively. Moreover, it integrates both financial accounting and controlling functionalities, thereby allowing organizations to track and analyze financial data efficiently. This integration facilitates informed decision-making.

SAP FICO plays a crucial role in several areas, including:

  • Managing financial data
  • Analyzing performance
  • Supporting strategic decision-making
  • Ensuring regulatory compliance

1. Financial Accounting (FI)

Firstly, the SAP Financial Accounting (FI) module deals with general accounting and financial operations within an organization. This module is also indispensable for monitoring and controlling financial transactions and ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, it assists in managing key functions such as:

  • Accounts receivable and payable
  • Asset accounting
  • Cash and liquidity management
  • Debt and credit management
  • Preparation of financial statements, including balance sheets and income statements

2. Controlling (CO)

In contrast, the SAP Controlling (CO) module focuses on managerial accounting and performance management. Thus, it provides detailed insights into cost management, product profitability, and performance, thereby enabling organizations to control operations more effectively. The CO module is essential for tracking:

  • Production costs
  • Profitability of products and projects
  • Service and support cost controls
  • Planning and budgeting future activities

3. Integration and Analysis

Then, one of SAP FICO’s standout features is its seamless integration with other SAP modules such as procurement, inventory management, production, and sales. This integration, therefore, allows for a comprehensive view of business operations, making it easier to analyze financial performance and make data-driven decisions.

Best SAP FICO Training Options for Consultants

Also, there are several SAP FICO training programs available for professionals who want to gain expertise in this module. Below are some of the top training options.

But first, let’s answer some of the most common questions about SAP FICO training.

Faqs
  • How much does SAP FICO training cost?

Firstly, the SAP certification cost can vary based on the location, duration of the program, and the level of SAP certification you are aiming to achieve. 

  • Is SAP Fico easy to learn?

The question of whether it is hard or easy relies completely on the person’s commitment and interest in learning. Hard work is key to successfully learning any new skill or acquiring knowledge.

  • Is Sap Fico a good career?

A career in SAP FICO is very good and demanding, and it continues to grow. The popularity and demand for SAP are increasing day-by-day throughout the world. Moreover, SAP FICO offers you a great number of career options within its domain.

  • What is the SAP FICO Course Duration?

The SAP FICO online course duration is about 3 months.

  • Why should I go for SAP FICO Training?

Enrolling in SAP FICO training can offer you numerous high-paying job opportunities.

  • Who will teach the SAP FICO Course? 

You will be providing SAP FICO working professionals with more than 10 years of experience in this domain.

  • Does SAP FICO require coding?

Contrary to certain other SAP modules, SAP FICO Course normally doesn’t require advanced coding abilities.

Now that you solved all your doubts about SAP FICO trainings, you can delve into the top SAP training options:

SAP FICO Trainings

1. Official SAP FICO Training by SAP

SAP offers official training courses, both online and in-person, for professionals at various levels. These courses, delivered by certified SAP instructors, cover everything from foundational concepts to advanced functionalities. Consequently, to explore the available training programs, visit SAP’s official training website.

2. Online SAP FICO Training Platforms

In addition to official SAP courses, many online learning platforms provide SAP FICO courses. Some of the most popular platforms include Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Pluralsight. When selecting an online course, it is important to choose one led by experienced instructors and to review student feedback to ensure quality.

3. SAP FICO Training at Specialized Training Centers

Alternatively, many organizations specialize in SAP training and offer intensive classroom-based courses. These programs offer hands-on experience and provide an opportunity to interact with instructors and peers. Therefore, for in-person learning, consider finding reputable training centers in your region.

4. University Courses

Also, some universities offer SAP FICO training as part of broader management or information systems degrees. These courses can provide a more academic and thorough approach to SAP FICO. For instance, Poitiers University and Tours University in France offer SAP-related courses that are highly regarded.

5. In-house Training

If your organization already uses SAP, it is worth checking whether they offer internal training programs for SAP FICO. This option can be especially beneficial as in-house training is often tailored to meet your company’s specific needs and processes. Consequently, reach out to your HR or IT department to explore potential opportunities.

Top 3 SAP FICO Certifications for SAP FI CO Consultants

SAP FICO Certifications

If you’re looking to advance your career or gain new qualifications as an SAP FI CO consultant, several well-recognized and highly valued certifications are available. Below are five of the top certifications you should consider:

1. SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP S/4HANA Cloud – Finance Implementation

This certification focuses on SAP S/4HANA Cloud Finance, covering the essential skills needed to implement and manage financial processes within the cloud environment.

2. SAP Certified Application Professional – SAP S/4HANA for Financial Accounting Associates

This certification is designed for experienced finance professionals and emphasizes advanced features of SAP S/4HANA Financial Accounting, including complex configurations and operations.

3. SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP S/4HANA for Management Accounting Associates

This certification is ideal for professionals specializing in SAP Management Accounting (CO) within the S/4HANA environment, focusing on cost management and performance analysis.

Final Tips for Success

Before attempting any certification, it’s essential to gain practical experience and complete the relevant training courses. Additionally, engaging in real-life projects and exercises will help reinforce your understanding and improve your chances of passing certification exams.

For more information on available certifications and training programs, be sure to explore the Mindquest SAP Community. Here, you’ll find the latest insights, job opportunities, and resources tailored for SAP professionals.

In conclusion, SAP FICO training and certifications offer excellent career growth opportunities. By carefully planning your learning path and gaining practical experience, you can position yourself as a sought-after consultant in the SAP ecosystem.

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ERP & SAP Hiring an IT consultant IT Decision-makers Job Descriptions Talent strategy

3 Advantages of Working with an SAP Recruitment Agency

SAP Recruitment Agency

Finding the right talent to manage SAP systems is essential for any business. Since SAP systems are complex and require specific skills, partnering with an SAP recruitment agency can offer significant advantages. Below, discover three key benefits of collaborating with an SAP recruitment agency.

1. Access to a Specialized Network of SAP Talent

An SAP recruitment agency provides access to a vast pool of qualified professionals. Because they focus exclusively on this field, they maintain an extensive database of experienced candidates. Whether you need an SAP consultant, developer, or administrator, an agency can quickly connect you with the right talent.

Furthermore, SAP recruitment agencies have in-depth knowledge of industry professionals. Therefore, they can accurately match your company’s needs with candidates’ skills. This approach ensures that the candidates presented are not only qualified but also a perfect fit for your organization.

Explore the role of the SAP FICO Consultant

2. Significant Time and Efficiency Gains in Recruitment

Recruitment can be a lengthy and complex process, especially for technical roles like those related to SAP. However, by working with an SAP recruitment agency, you can delegate this task, allowing your HR team to focus on other priorities.

In addition to this, agencies possess the necessary tools to screen candidates effectively. They handle pre-selection, initial interviews, and reference checks. As a result, you’ll only meet with the most qualified candidates, making the recruitment process faster and more efficient.

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3. Personalized Recruitment Advice Tailored to SAP Needs

SAP recruitment agencies don’t just provide candidates; they also offer tailored advice and solutions for your recruitment needs. Given their deep understanding of the SAP market, they can identify trends and candidate expectations.

Moreover, a good agency works closely with you to understand your specific needs. They can offer advice on the essential skills to look for, competitive salary benchmarks, and strategies to make your company more attractive to top SAP talent. This personalized approach ensures you attract and retain the right professionals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, partnering with an SAP recruitment agency offers clear advantages: access to a specialized network, significant time and efficiency gains, and personalized recruitment advice. Therefore, by collaborating with SAP recruitment experts, businesses can ensure they have the necessary skills to optimize their SAP systems and remain competitive.

Need advice on how to start or develop your freelance consulting business in tech or IT? Need to start a new permanent or freelance assignment? Join Mindquest and get support from our team of experts.

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ERP & SAP Growing your career: permanent & freelance IT Consultants Job Descriptions

Why Pursue SAP and SAP S/4HANA Certifications in 2024?

Why Pursue SAP and SAP S/4HANA Certifications

Wandering why Pursue SAP and SAP S/4HANA Certifications? As SAP continues to lead in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and cloud solutions, certifications in SAP and SAP S/4HANA remain highly valuable for IT professionals. Then, the shift towards cloud-first strategies and the integration of AI and machine learning within SAP solutions have created new opportunities for certified professionals. Moreover, recent updates to the SAP S/4HANA suite and the growing adoption of SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) highlight the need for up-to-date skills and knowledge.

SAP S/4HANA certifications not only validate your expertise but also ensure you stay current with the latest technological advancements and industry best practices. Given the ongoing digital transformation across industries, having a certification in SAP cloud solutions can significantly enhance your career prospects.

Need advice on how to start or develop your freelance consulting business in tech or IT? Need to start a new permanent or freelance assignment? Join Mindquest and get support from our team of experts.

Trends in SAP Certification:

As the technology landscape evolves, so does the need for SAP professionals to stay updated with the latest trends and developments. Therefore, here’s a deeper dive into the most significant trends in SAP S/4HANA certifications for 2024:

1. Cloud and Hybrid Solutions

pursue SAP S/4HANA Certifications - Cloud and Hybrid Solutions

Firstly, with SAP’s strategic shift towards cloud-first solutions, the demand for expertise in cloud and hybrid environments has surged. Then, SAP Cloud Platform and SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) are at the forefront of this transition, providing a comprehensive suite of services for building, integrating, and extending SAP applications in the cloud.

  • SAP Cloud Platform (SCP): SCP offers a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) environment designed to support the rapid development and deployment of applications. Certifications in SCP validate skills in deploying and managing applications on the cloud, emphasizing security, scalability, and integration with existing SAP systems.
  • SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP): SAP BTP combines database and data management, analytics, application development, and intelligent technologies. Certifications in BTP focus on understanding the platform’s capabilities, enabling professionals to develop and manage intelligent enterprise applications effectively.
  • Hybrid Solutions: Many organizations operate in a hybrid environment, where on-premise SAP systems are integrated with cloud solutions. Certifications that cover hybrid landscapes are critical for professionals tasked with ensuring seamless integration, data consistency, and operational efficiency across different environments.

Learn more about SAP careers from this SAP project management expert.

2. AI and Machine Learning

pursue SAP S/4HANA Certifications - AI and Machine Learning

In addition, the integration of AI and machine learning into SAP systems is transforming how businesses operate. Making these skills highly sought after. SAP has introduced certifications that cater to these advanced technologies, focusing on their application within the SAP ecosystem.

  • SAP Leonardo: As a digital innovation system, SAP Leonardo integrates AI, machine learning, IoT, and advanced analytics into SAP environments. Certifications in SAP Leonardo equip professionals with the skills to implement and manage AI-driven solutions. Also enhancing decision-making processes and operational efficiency.
  • SAP AI Core and AI Foundation: These are dedicated AI and machine learning platforms within SAP BTP. Certifications here validate the ability to develop, train, and deploy machine learning models within SAP systems. Thus driving innovation and gaining a competitive edge.

3. Remote Work Adaptation

pursue SAP S/4HANA Certifications - Remote Work Adaptation

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote and hybrid work models. As a result, SAP professionals need to adapt to managing and supporting SAP systems in these new working environments.

  • Remote Administration and Support: Certifications now include training on how to effectively manage SAP systems remotely. This includes understanding remote access protocols, maintaining security, and ensuring system performance without on-site presence.
  • Collaboration Tools: SAP professionals must be adept at using collaboration and communication tools that facilitate remote work. Certifications cover the use of SAP’s own tools as well as integrating with other popular platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
  • Security and Compliance: With remote work, the focus on cybersecurity and compliance has intensified. Certifications emphasize the importance of maintaining robust security practices and ensuring compliance with various regulations, even when accessing systems remotely.

By pursuing these updated certifications and staying informed about the latest trends, you can ensure that your skills remain relevant and valuable in the evolving IT landscape.

Conclusion

Why pursue SAP S/4HANA Certifications in 2024? Because staying current with these trends through SAP S/4HANA Certifications not only enhances your professional credibility but also ensures you possess the skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern SAP environments. As SAP continues to innovate and expand its cloud and AI offerings, professionals who invest in these certifications will be well-positioned to lead in the digital transformation of their organizations.

Want to make the most of S/4HANA’s career potential? Check out our comprehensive S/4HANA Careers Guide.

SAP’s Learning Hub, for which you can request a free trial, should be your go-to place for official learning resources and documentation.

Also, you can complement these with SAP PRESS Certification Success Guides, one of which Denys has authored. If it’s motivation you are looking for, he also has a lot to say.

You can follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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ERP & SAP IT Decision-makers Job Descriptions Tips & errors to avoid

ERP Project Failure: 10 Common Causes and How to Prevent Them

ERP failure causes

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are pivotal for integrating various business processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and facilitating informed decision-making. However, despite their transformative potential, ERP implementations can sometimes falter, leading to wasted resources and unrealized benefits. Therefore, understanding the ERP failure causes and implementing proactive strategies to address them is crucial for ensuring successful adoption and maximizing ROI. In this post, we’ll delve deeper into 10 key ERP failure causes and provide comprehensive solutions to mitigate these risks effectively.

To help companies achieve a successful SAP implementation, this whitepaper explains SAP implementation best practices. It also presents a case study from the global leader sportwear company ADIDAS as an example of successful SAP implementation.

Whether you are a business leader, IT professional, or project manager, this whitepaper will help you understand how to plan, execute, and manage a successful SAP implementation that delivers tangible benefits and ROI.

1. 🗓️ Inadequate Planning and Strategy

One of the first ERP failure causes is an inadequate foundation planning and strategy. This is the main reason why ERP implementations are prone to derailment before they even begin. Rushing into the process without a clear roadmap can result in confusion, delays, and budget overruns.

💡Solution: Prioritize the planning phase by conducting thorough research, engaging key stakeholders, and establishing clear project goals and milestones. Also, develop a comprehensive implementation roadmap that outlines key deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements. By investing time and effort upfront, organizations can set a solid foundation for a successful ERP deployment.

2. ✅ Poor Vendor Selection

Then, second to the list of ERP failure causeschoosing the wrong ERP vendor can spell disaster for an implementation project. Compatibility issues, lack of support, and mismatched expectations can lead to dissatisfaction and inefficiency.

💡Solution: To avoid this pitfall, take a strategic approach to vendor selection by evaluating multiple vendors based on their track record, industry expertise, technological capabilities, and scalability. Engage in thorough due diligence, also including product demonstrations, reference checks, and onsite visits. Moreover, prioritize vendors that demonstrate a deep understanding of your industry and offer a flexible, customizable solution that can adapt to evolving business needs.

3. 🧭 Lack of Executive Support

Moreover, executive buy-in is essential for driving organizational change and overcoming resistance to ERP adoption. Without visible sponsorship and support from senior leadership, ERP initiatives may struggle to gain traction and momentum.

💡Solution: Engage senior executives early in the ERP planning process and clearly articulate the strategic importance of the project. Demonstrate how the ERP system aligns with broader organizational goals, such as improving operational efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, or enabling growth opportunities. Secure visible sponsorship from top management to instill confidence in the project and foster a culture of accountability and ownership.

4. 📚 Inadequate Training and Change Management

Also, transitioning to a new ERP system requires a cultural shift and a commitment to ongoing learning and adaptation. Without proper training and change management initiatives, employees may struggle to embrace new processes and technologies.

💡Solution: Develop a comprehensive training and change management program tailored to the specific needs of end-users. Offer hands-on training sessions, workshops, and online resources to familiarize employees with the ERP software and its functionalities. Also, foster a culture of continuous learning and feedback, and provide ongoing support to address user questions and concerns. Then, communicate the benefits of the ERP system transparently and involve employees in the decision-making process to cultivate a sense of ownership and empowerment.

5. 🎛️ Scope Creep

Then, another common reason of ERP failure causes is scope creep: the enemy of ERP projects, leading to ballooning budgets, extended timelines, and diluted focus. Without clear boundaries and prioritization, organizations risk losing sight of their original objectives.

💡Solution: Firstly, define the scope of the ERP project rigorously and establish clear boundaries around deliverables, timelines, and budget constraints. Then, conduct thorough requirements gathering and prioritize functionality based on business value and impact. Also, resist the temptation to accommodate every stakeholder request and focus on delivering core functionalities that address critical business needs. Regularly review and reassess the project scope to ensure alignment with evolving business priorities and market dynamics.

6. 📊 Poor Data Quality and Governance

Also, data is the lifeblood of ERP systems, and poor data quality can undermine their effectiveness. Without proper governance and data management practices, organizations risk making decisions based on inaccurate or incomplete information.

💡Solution: Prioritize data quality initiatives as part of the ERP implementation process, including data cleansing, validation, and enrichment. Establish robust data governance policies and procedures to define data ownership, access controls, and quality standards. Invest in data management tools and technologies to automate data validation. Enforce data governance policies, and maintain data integrity throughout the ERP lifecycle. Regularly monitor and audit data quality metrics to identify and address issues proactively.

Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of SAP

7. 📝 Overlooking Integration Challenges

In addition, ERP implementations often require integrating with existing systems and processes. Ignoring integration challenges can result in data silos, workflow disruptions, and compatibility issues.

💡Solution: Conduct a thorough analysis of integration requirements early in the ERP planning process to identify potential bottlenecks and dependencies. Engage cross-functional teams, including IT, operations, and business stakeholders, to collaborate on integration design and testing. Leverage integration tools, middleware solutions, and industry standards (e.g., APIs, web services) to facilitate seamless data exchange and interoperability between disparate systems. Prioritize data mapping, transformation, and validation to ensure consistency and accuracy across integrated systems.

Also read the 5 key benefits of hiring a SAP FICO Consultant

8. 🔬 Insufficient Testing

Then, thorough testing is essential to uncovering software defects and usability issues before they impact end-users. Without adequate testing, organizations risk encountering critical issues during production deployment.

💡Solution: Develop a comprehensive testing strategy that encompasses functional testing, regression testing, performance testing, and user acceptance testing. Define test scenarios, scripts, and acceptance criteria based on business requirements and user workflows. Allocate sufficient time and resources for testing activities throughout the ERP implementation lifecycle, including system configuration, customization, and data migration phases. Leverage automated testing tools and methodologies to accelerate testing cycles, improve test coverage, and identify defects early in the development process. Encourage user participation in testing activities to validate system functionality, usability, and performance from an end-user perspective.

9. 🤝 Failure to Align with Business Processes

Also, ERP systems should align with existing business processes to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. Failure to map ERP functionality to business requirements can lead to resistance and inefficiency among end-users.

💡Solution: Conduct a thorough analysis of existing business processes and identify opportunities for process optimization and standardization. Engage key stakeholders, including department heads, process owners, and end-users, to collaborate on business process mapping and requirements gathering. Customize the ERP system to align with specific business needs and industry best practices while minimizing the need for complex customizations. Provide training and support to help users understand how ERP functionality supports their day-to-day tasks and decision-making processes. Continuously monitor and refine business processes based on user feedback, performance metrics, and industry trends to drive continuous improvement and organizational agility.

Also read how to implement an efficient ERP in 6 steps

10. 🛠️ Lack of Ongoing Support and Maintenance

Lat but not least, ERP implementations require ongoing support, maintenance, and updates to remain effective over time. Without dedicated resources and processes in place, organizations risk encountering technical issues and compliance challenges.

💡Solution: Establish a dedicated support team or center of excellence (CoE) responsible for managing ERP system operations, maintenance, and user support. Define service level agreements (SLAs) and escalation procedures to prioritize and address user queries, technical issues, and enhancement requests in a timely manner. Invest in training and knowledge transfer to empower internal resources to handle routine support tasks and troubleshoot common issues independently. Stay informed about software updates, patches, and security advisories released by the ERP vendor and apply them promptly to mitigate security risks and ensure regulatory compliance. Continuously monitor system performance, usage trends, and user feedback to identify opportunities for optimization and enhancement. Engage with the ERP vendor and user community to stay abreast of best practices, industry trends, and emerging technologies that can further enhance the value and capabilities of the ERP system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ERP failure causes can be attributed to a myriad of factors, including inadequate planning, poor vendor selection, lack of executive support, and insufficient training and change management. However, by addressing these challenges proactively and implementing best practices for ERP implementation and management, organizations can minimize risks, maximize ROI, and achieve long-term success with their ERP initiatives. By fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, organizations can leverage ERP systems as strategic enablers of business transformation, growth, and competitive advantage.

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ERP & SAP Job Descriptions

SAP Best Practices: How to Implement and Optimize Your SAP System

SAP best practices
SAP best practices

SAP is a complex software system that can be challenging to implement and optimize. However, with the right approach and best practices, you can ensure a successful SAP implementation and get the most out of your investment. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best practices for implementing and optimizing your SAP system.

To help companies achieve a successful SAP implementation, this whitepaper explains SAP implementation best practices. It also presents a case study from the global leader sportwear company ADIDAS as an example of successful SAP implementation.

Whether you are a business leader, IT professional, or project manager, this whitepaper will help you understand how to plan, execute, and manage a successful SAP implementation that delivers tangible benefits and ROI.

What is SAP

Firstly, let’s specify what is SAP. SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing) is a software system that enables businesses to manage their operations and resources efficiently.

Companies use SAP to integrate different business functions. For example, they can integrate finance, logistics, human resources, and procurement, into a single system. Thus allowing them to streamline their processes and optimize their resources.

Moreover, businesses can tailor SAP to meet their specific needs because the system is highly customizable. Thousands of organizations worldwide use SAP as is provides real-time insights and data analytics that can help businesses make better decisions.

SAP history

SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing) has come a long way since its inception in 1972.

Founded by five former IBM employees in Germany, SAP started as a small company with a big vision. This vision being: to create software that could streamline business processes and help organizations operate more efficiently.

Over the years, SAP has grown into a global leader in enterprise software, serving customers in more than 180 countries.

Today, SAP offers a wide range of solutions that enable businesses to manage their operations, from cloud-based applications to analytics and database technologies.

Despite its growth and success, SAP remains committed to its original mission, to help businesses run better and more efficiently through the power of technology.

Best practices to implement and optimize your SAP system

Knowing the best practices for implementing and optimizing your SAP system is essential for any organization that wants to leverage the full potential of the software.

SAP is a complex system that can have a significant impact on a business’s operations, resources, and overall performance.

Implementing SAP in the wrong way or failing to optimize it can lead to costly mistakes, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities. On the other hand, following best practices can help organizations ensure a successful implementation. This by minimizing risks, and achieving maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

By knowing the best practices for implementing and optimizing SAP, businesses can save time, reduce costs, and make the most of their investment in the software.

Learn more about SAP careers from this SAP project management expert.

1 Define Your Business Processes

Before implementing SAP, it’s essential to understand your business processes and how SAP can support them. This includes defining your business requirements, mapping out your processes, and identifying any gaps or areas for improvement. By taking a process-centric approach, you can ensure that your SAP implementation is aligned with your business goals and objectives.

Taking a process-centric approach to SAP implementation involves examining and understanding your business processes in detail. This means identifying the activities, resources, and information flows involved in each process, as well as the inputs and outputs. It’s also essential to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of each process, including identifying any bottlenecks or areas where productivity could be improved.

Once you have a clear understanding of your business processes, you can begin mapping them to SAP modules and functionalities. This involves identifying which SAP modules can support each process and configuring the system accordingly. It may also involve customizing SAP functionalities to meet your specific business requirements.

In addition to mapping your processes to SAP, it’s also important to identify any gaps or areas for improvement. This may involve identifying processes that are not currently supported by SAP or processes that could be optimized using SAP functionalities. It’s also essential to ensure that your SAP implementation aligns with your overall business goals and objectives. It could be increasing productivity, improving customer satisfaction, or reducing costs.

Overall, a process-centric approach to SAP implementation help ensure that the system is aligned with your business requirements. It also helps ensure that your SAP implementation is scalable and can adapt to changes in your business processes and requirements over time.

Discover more about what is ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)

2 Choose the Right SAP Modules

Once you have a clear understanding of your business processes, it’s important to select the right SAP modules that align with your requirements. SAP offers a wide range of modules and applications, each designed to address specific business needs. When selecting SAP modules, it’s important to choose the ones that are most relevant to your business processes and requirements. For example, if you’re a manufacturing company, you’ll likely need modules for production planning and control, materials management, and plant maintenance.

In addition, there are several other SAP modules that may be relevant to different types of businesses. For instance, finance and accounting modules, such as SAP FI and CO, can help companies manage their financial operations. Including accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, and financial reporting. Human resources modules, such as SAP HCM, can assist in managing employee data, payroll, and benefits administration.

Learn more about SAP FICO Consultant

Moreover, supply chain management modules, such as SAP SCM, can help companies streamline their supply chain operations. Also including procurement, inventory management, and logistics. Sales and distribution modules, such as SAP SD, can help companies manage their sales processes. For example order processing, pricing, and delivery.

It’s essential to note that selecting the right SAP modules is critical for a company’s success, and it requires careful evaluation of the organization’s business processes and needs. Companies must also consider the complexity and cost of implementing and maintaining the SAP modules they choose. Therefore, it’s crucial to work with experienced SAP consultants who can provide guidance and support throughout the selection and implementation process.

Discover What is SAP Integration Solutions

3 Plan and execute data migration

Data migration is also a crucial aspect of SAP implementation. It involves transferring data from legacy systems to the new SAP system. This process can be complex, particularly when dealing with large volumes of data or when the data is of poor quality. Therefore, it’s essential to plan data migration carefully to ensure that the data is accurate, complete, and consistent.

The first step in data migration is to identify the data that needs to be migrated. Then, to determine the best approach for migrating it. This may involve developing a data migration strategy, mapping the data from the legacy system to SAP, and developing a plan for cleaning and validating the data.

Once the data has been migrated, it’s crucial to carry out testing to ensure that the system is functioning correctly. This may involve testing individual transactions, testing end-to-end business processes, and performing load and performance testing. The goal of testing is to identify any issues or errors in the system before going live. Also to ensure that the system is functioning correctly and meeting the business requirements.

In addition to testing, it’s essential to provide adequate training and support to end-users to ensure that they can use the SAP system effectively. This may involve developing training materials, conducting training sessions, and providing ongoing support to end-users.

Overall, data migration and testing are critical components of SAP implementation. By planning and executing data migration and testing carefully, companies can ensure that their SAP implementation is successful and that the system is aligned with their business requirements.

Here you can get an overview of SAP S/4HANAand its differences with ECC6 here.

4 Develop a Customization Strategy

SAP is a highly configurable system that can be customized to meet specific business needs. However, customization can also be time-consuming and costly if not done properly. To minimize the risks associated with customization, it’s essential to develop a customization strategy that balances your business requirements with SAP’s standard functionality. This can involve:

  • Identifying any gaps or areas for improvement: Before customizing SAP, it’s crucial to analyze your current processes and compare them with SAP’s standard processes. This analysis will help you identify areas where the standard functionality doesn’t meet your business requirements and determine what kind of customization is necessary to fill those gaps.
  • Evaluating the cost and benefits of customization: Customizing SAP can be expensive and time-consuming, so it’s important to evaluate the cost and benefits of any customization before making changes to the system. Consider factors such as the impact of customization on system performance, maintenance costs, and the potential benefits it offers, such as improved productivity, better data quality, and enhanced user experience. By doing so, you can ensure that any customization is justified and aligned with your business goals.
  • Establishing a governance framework to manage changes to the system: To manage changes to the SAP system, it’s essential to establish a governance framework. This framework should define the process for making changes, including who can make changes, how changes are approved, tested, and deployed. It should also establish guidelines for documenting changes and maintaining system integrity. By establishing a governance framework, you can properly manage and control any customization, reducing the risk of errors and system instability.

Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of SAP

5 Ensure Data Quality and Integrity

Data quality and integrity are critical for any SAP implementation. To ensure accurate and reliable data, it’s important to establish data standards, validate data quality, and implement data governance processes. This includes identifying any data dependencies or integration points, establishing data validation rules, and ensuring that data is entered consistently across the system.

In addition, organizations should also consider implementing a data management strategy for SAP. This includes identifying data owners and stewards, defining data policies and procedures, and establishing a data quality management framework.

Data management is critical for ensuring that data is consistent, accurate, and reliable across the entire organization. It also helps organizations to comply with regulatory requirements and maintain data privacy and security. By implementing a data management strategy for SAP, organizations can ensure that their data is of high quality and integrity, which is essential for making informed business decisions.

Furthermore, organizations should regularly monitor and analyze their data to identify any data quality issues or inconsistencies. This includes performing data audits, data profiling, and data cleansing activities. By proactively monitoring data quality, organizations can identify and correct data issues before they become more significant problems.

You can also read : Why an ERP implementation needs a Project Manager

6 Train Your Users

Finally, user adoption and training are crucial to the success of SAP implementation. End-users need to understand how to use SAP effectively. This to perform their daily tasks and make the most of the software’s features and functionalities. Providing comprehensive training and support can help to increase user adoption and ensure that the implementation is successful.

SAP is a complex system that requires specialized skills and knowledge. To ensure that your users can effectively use the system, it’s important to provide comprehensive training and support. This can involve developing training materials, providing hands-on training, and establishing a help desk or support system.

In summary, implementing SAP requires a process-centric approach, selecting the right modules, careful planning and execution of data migration, thorough testing, and comprehensive user adoption and training.

By following these best practices, you can ensure a successful SAP implementation and optimize your system for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. With the right approach and support, SAP can be a powerful tool for driving business growth and success.

Also read our article about how to implement and efficient ERP in 6 steps

Conclusion

In conclusion, SAP is a powerful software system that can help businesses operate more efficiently. In fact they can streamline their processes, and achieve their goals.

However, to truly harness the power of SAP, it’s essential to know the best practices for implementing and optimizing the system. By doing so, organizations can avoid costly mistakes, minimize risks, and achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

The history of SAP is a testament to the value of innovation and continuous improvement. As the software continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of businesses, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest best practices and technologies. By embracing the potential of SAP and following best practices, organizations can unlock new levels of success and growth.

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ERP & SAP Job Descriptions

How to implement an efficient ERP in 6 steps

implement an efficient ERP
implement an efficient ERP

Certainly, to implement an efficient ERP is a crucial task; choosing a cloud-based solution can make the process faster. However, since an ERP covers the entire range of business functions, it is important to perform all the necessary steps carefully and methodically.

Switching to a new system, or activating it from scratch, requires a major preliminary analysis, a careful migration and testing process, scrupulous staff training, and fine-tuning of the system.

For this reason, we at Mindquest have summarized the various phases of this process in the following 6 steps.

Flowchart of ERP implementation steps

Flowchart of ERP implementation steps

Also read the advantages and disadvantages of SAP

1. Discovery and planning

Firstly, discovery and planning is perhaps the most important phase: if done methodically, it helps reduce time, cost, and risk. This phase consists of researching and selecting a system, establishing a project team, and defining detailed system requirements.

2. Design

Then, by analyzing the hardware and software infrastructure in place, new and more efficient workflows and other business processes can be designed to take advantage of the system.

In particular, if the choice falls to a cloud-based ERP, it is critical to check the quality, stability, and security of Internet access. Systematic analysis of information flows is critical here. Single systems may, in fact, perform less well than industry-specific products.

At this stage, it is also critical to define a team responsible for the process. Since the implementation is a complex task, dedicating resources makes it easier to interface with the support team.

3. Development

In addition of having performed the audit and mapped the information flows, assigned functions and responsibilities, and identified the most suitable solution, the actual implementation phase begins.

This step consists of the configuration of access and permissions. The ERP is used by several users and in different capacities. It is therefore important to set permissions and roles for access according to one’s user profile.

It also includes the preparation of the data and processes to be migrated. Preliminary analysis helps to resolve any format incompatibilities in time. Centralized data management eliminates redundancies and duplicates

4. Testing

During this phase, it is valuable to continuously test the functions of the system and refine the development to solve any emerging problems.

Fine-tuning, it is to say, testing the system to gradually verify the results of the migration process and adjust any discrepancies in use and access.

5. Deployment

Once this phase is also completed, we move on to the actual operational verification of the new ERP. This is accompanied by staff usability testing.

With the new ERP fully operational, it is possible to observe its actual operation. Preliminary analysis and partial testing are useful, but the go-live is the real litmus test.

6. Support

In the initial break-in period, the work of the support and service team is critical. This is also the reason for choosing not only the ERP, but also the company that provides it.

Maintaining the ERP implementation after deployment helps keep users satisfied and ensures that the company achieves the desired benefits.

Last but not leas, the project team may remain responsible for the ERP system during this phase, but will focus on listening to user feedback and adjusting the system accordingly.

Further development and configuration may be needed as new features are added to the system. It is also critical to train new staff on the system to implement an efficient ERP.

Are you looking for freelance or permanent assignments in the ERP field? You can now apply for our Tech & IT job opportunities on our freelance and permanent recruitment platform.

You can also explore the role of the SAP FICO Consultant

Need advice on how to start or develop your freelance consulting business in tech or IT? Need to start a new permanent or freelance assignment? Join Mindquest and get support from our team of experts.

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ERP & SAP Job Descriptions

What is ERP, the advantages and disadvantages of SAP

What is ERP SAP
What is ERP SAP

ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. ERP is software that allows companies to integrate different operations within a single program. While ERP is a generic name to refer to enterprise resource planning, SAP is the best-known ERP software.

In this article, we will explain what is ERP, why it is important, and also the advantages and disadvantages of SAP.

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1. What exactly is ERP

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a software that allows combining production, logistics, inventory, accounting, and human resources operations in the same program.

One of the advantages of ERP systems is their ability to automate processes, resulting in time and cost savings for companies. This is because the implementation of an ERP within the company can bring a large amount of important information on business performance onto the same platform, thus giving order and consistency to all the data generated day by day in the project. 

When talking about ERP, it is impossible not to mention SAP.  And the difference between the two concepts is very simple.

ERP is the generic name used to refer to an enterprise resource planning system, any system, regardless of brand or function; SAP is a specific ERP, and one of the best known.

1.1 Why is ERP crucial for a business

There are certainly many good reasons why ERP is critical to a company’s success. Below are the most relevant ones, let us analyze them together considering the various areas of business management.

  • Firstly, a good ERP implementation helps companies better manage financial activities, from payroll administration to sales reports.
  • ERP also helps provide a clearer picture of the company as a whole.
  • ERP helps improve customer relations and accompanies the company in the technological adaptation that is so much in vogue in recent years.
  • As a unified system, ERP promotes data compatibility in all its areas.

Also read how to implement an efficient ERP in 6 steps

2. Systems, Applications, Product (SAP) in Data Processing

Systems, Applications, Product (SAP) in Data Processing

The name SAP comes from a German multinational company founded in 1972 by former IBM employees. Since then, in the name of this world-renowned company, SAP services or “Systems, Applications, Products in Data Processing” have been used in almost all areas of business administration.

The company’s development has been so rapid that it has become the leader in ERP software. Its services stand out for covering both administrative and customer needs and providing the necessary tools.

Particularsly, there are three basic characteristics of the SAP system: Tailor-made, Canned, and Open Source.

2.1 SAP: a Tailor-made system

Firstly, when one speaks of a system as tailor-made, it means that it has a high degree of personalization. And this, in system terms, refers to a large number of modules that SAP offers. These modules allow each company, small, medium, or large, to adapt it to its own objectives and use only the functionalities that are of interest to it.

Although they have some disadvantages such as unforeseen events and the cost of the process, they meet the needs of the client in a more positive way when dealing with small or medium-sized businesses.

2.2 SAP: a canned system

Then, a canned system means that it includes the systems of companies that produce software to meet the needs of the market on a broader level. The canned system is marketed through software licenses.

The experts’ conclusion on this feature is that it is very difficult to develop a system that encompasses all business functions. For this reason, they say, companies buy a canned ERP that is tailor-made to their needs.

2.3 SAP: an open-source system

Last but not least, as a group of programs, SAP system handles large amounts of data, analyses it, and allows for faster and more compliant processes.

SAP is an open-source system that can be modified by the client, and in the specific area of SAP the programming language is ABAP. The fact that the programs are open provides excellent benefits to the companies that use them.

2.4 Characteristics of the ABAP language

  • Goal-oriented programming
  • Simple language
  • Event-driven
  • Ready for multi-language environments

Moreover, the ABAP language has elements to declare data, internal control elements, operational elements, and database access.

3. The advantages and disadvantages of SAP

SAP systems have their pros and cons. We will detail the main advantages and disadvantages of SAP.

3.1 Advantages of SAP

Simplicity

Firstly, one of the advantages of SAP is its ease of use. The interface is very intuitive and, although its use can become more complex with the addition of modules and new functions, it is not necessary to have the in-depth technical knowledge to understand and enjoy the tool.

Flexibility

Another advantage is that the flexibility offered by this system allows companies to create rules in the SAP system. This will make it possible to channel possible errors and mistakes. In companies, it is possible to decide which employees have access to the data handled by the SAP system.

3.2 Disadvantages of SAP

Periodic system update

Among the disadvantages of the SAP system, we could say that it needs a periodic system update every few years. And this entails an economic cost that may be difficult to assume for some. In addition, with each upgrade there are changes in functions, some disappear, others are added, and it can be confusing.

High Costs

Besides the aforementioned disadvantage in terms of the unexpected or disproportionate costs that the SAP system can generate, it must be taken into account that in order to apply this system it is necessary to acquire the software and hardware to run the programs in the company and, in addition, the cost of hiring employees who are responsible for using this technology.

4. What are the SAP solutions?

SAP offers solutions in a wide range of areas, such as Finance, CRM, Network and Expense Management, Digital Supply, Human Resources, Business Technology, Industry and more.

Below are the features of each of them.

Discover What is SAP Integration Solutions

4.1 ERP and Finance

SAP ERP and Finance

Firstly, Enterprise Resource Planning offers various financial reports. For example, the reports include cash flow projections based on inventory management and order status.

These types of reports also provide the possibility of duplicate entries, as this is done automatically.

SAP FICO is a functional component of SAP ERP. Many large companies use it to generate and manage financial statements. For example, it is useful to create reports, but also for analyzing the decision-making process.


Explore the role of the SAP FICO Consultant

4.2 CRM and customer experience

SAP CRM and Customer experience

Then, a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is a tool that helps companies to understand customer needs and to respond to those needs.

In turn, an SAP CRM system allows companies to optimize workflow and create knowledge sharing. It also improves account management, and all this helps companies to effectively address customer needs.

A CRM (customer relationship management) consultant, otherwise known as a CRM expert, is a specialist in customer relationship management software and the relationships themselves.
Usually, a CRM expert works for an ESN or a BtoB agency. He/she may work in a large group or in small structures and must mainly work with customer service, marketing, and web marketing.

If you what to know more about this expert, read also the entire job description of the CRM Consultant.

On the other hand, the role of e-CRM occupies an important place in the field of customer relations on the web; since it coordinates the implementation of digital campaigns across all of the digital platforms of a company.

Salesforce is a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platform that enables companies to simplify and optimize customer interactions. The Salesforce consultant deals with the IT side of customer relationships and specializes in the Salesforce ecosystem. His role consists of advising companies on implementation strategy and conducting studies to meet all customer needs.

Also discover the role of the Salesforce Consultant

4.3 Network and expense management

SAP Network and expense management

Spending management refers to the practice of managing supplier relationships and company purchases. It helps to identify the money spent and make the most of it. In this sense, SAP leads to greater efficiency by automating the entire process. It also reduces supply costs and risks by keeping track of what is brought in, from whom, and for how much.

4.4 Digital supply chain

SAP Digital supply chain

In addition, the Digital supply is the result of the application of digital technologies. With its end-to-end connectivity, SAP eliminates the use of paper. It also eliminates manual data entry and makes everything reliable and easy.

The IoT is undoubtedly a rapidly expanding sector. Consequently, the role of IoT consultants is growing. They can also help a company in transforming its existing products into connected objects as part of a global innovation process.

Discover the job description of the IoT Consultant

4.5 HR and staff interaction

SAP HR and staff interaction

On the HR side, SAP helps in organizational management and tracks attendance. It also helps to accurately verify payroll and ensure overall HR compliance. Moreover, it improves employees’ feelings and attachment to the company and productivity.

4.6 Experience Management

SAP Experience Management

Moreover, SAP Experience Management helps monitor the interaction of people and the company. In other words, it enhances the experience of interacting with a company to uncover opportunities for improvement. It also reduces the gap between companies and customers.

Jira is a multifunctional platform developed by Atlassian that facilitates the management of development and Agile projects. It is a tracking software that allows teams to define activities, identify blockages and share information.

Also discover the role of the Jira Administrator

4.7 Business Technology Platform

SAP Business Technology Platform

SAP Business Technology Platform has data and database management and analytics, and also intelligent technologies which helps simplify any company’s adaptation to instantaneous market changes.

4.8 Digital Transformation

SAP Digital Transformation

SAP provides leading intelligent applications and technologies such as AI and machine learning. It helps companies and organizations reinvent themselves, and become more customer-focused and profit-driven.

4.9 Small and midsize businesses

Certainly, small and midsize businesses face a number of challenges. These include cash flow management, supply chain operations, and employee engagement. SAP helps these companies understand the latest industry trends. It also helps them reinvent product branding and embrace leadership change.

4.10 Industry solutions

SAP Industry solutions

Finally, SAP also offers more than 25 industry-specific ERP solutions to help companies. With that, organizations get an overview of industry-specific business processes. Some of these industries are aerospace and defense, banking, defense and security, insurance, and high-tech.

To conclude this discussion about what is ERP and the advantages and disadvantages of SAP, it is important to mention S/4HANA. This is because it represents one of the most vibrant areas of enterprise IT. Investing time in developing one’s skills in S/4 can lead to a successful and reliable career. But what is this new iteration of SAP’s ERP all about? 

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Categories
ERP & SAP Job Descriptions

CRM Consultant: Job Description

CRM Consultant: Job Description
What is the role of the CRM consultant or expert? Discover in their job description their missions, skills, training and salary.

Use our template to create a compelling and comprehensive CRM Consultant job description to attract top talent.

What is the role of the CRM consultant or expert? How to become a CRM consultant? What are the required skilled and the salary expectation? We tell it all in our CRM consultant job description.

Are you looking for IT mission opportunities in the Tech and IT sectors on a freelance or permanent basis? Mindquest can help you find your next IT mission opportunity. Find CRM missions by browsing our freelance and permanent vacancies available on our digital recruitment platform.

CRM consultant: the job description

A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) consultant; otherwise known as a CRM expert; is a specialist in customer relationship management software and customer relationship itself. When creating a call center, this professional assists in optimizing the relationship with customers. But also in making decisions relating to the choice of IT tools. Usually, a CRM expert works for an ESN or a BtoB agency. They can work in a large group or in small structures and is mainly required to work in collaboration with customer service, as well as with the marketing and web-marketing service.

The role of the CRM consultant is to define, configure, implement and manage the CRM software while promoting its positive impact on the company’s strategy. CRM Software is the backbone of any call centre. Indeed, the CRM software makes it possible to keep all the history of exchanges with customers and to manage the call lists on a daily basis. In choosing which CRM to implement, they can choose between independent CRM software or an ERP (including other business management modules). They manage the CRM software on a daily basis. That is to say, they take care of monitoring developments and finding new improvement strategies. Furthermore, they also collect data concerning customers and their life cycle, and carry out reports.

Discover more about what is ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)

The CRM consultant is also focused on determining the best strategies to increase customer loyalty and engagement. This professional thus sets up loyalty campaigns and works to understand which are the dissatisfied customers (detractors) and satisfied customers (promoters) by calculating the NPS score (Net promoter score).

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Required Skills

CRM Consultant skills

How to become a CRM consultant? The CRM consultant must have a perfect command of software packages dedicated to CRM. He or she must also possess solid knowledge in the areas of sales and marketing. Specializing in customer data analysis, it is important that he or she has knowledge and skills in data mining and brand optimization on search engines and social networks. The CRM consultant must demonstrate good analytical skills and be responsive to any changes they need to be able to detect. This professional must know how to approach a project as a whole.

A true specialist in customer relations, it is important that they know all the technical and strategic aspects. In addition, the CRM consultant must have a taste for contact, good listening skills and a sense of service. It is essential that the CRM consultant has a great spirit of synthesis and good adaptability.

Also discover our Job Description: IT Business Analyst

Salary

CRM Consultant Salary

How much does a CRM consultant make? The salary of a CRM consultant varies depending on the experience of the consultant. But also depending on the scope of their position and the size of the company. Indeed, some CRM consultants only work on the software aspect, while others will be responsible for a large part of the customer relationship.

Within a large group or small business, the salary range for this professional is wide. Generally speaking, a CRM consultant can earn close to €35,000 / year at the start of a career. At the end of his career, he can hope to earn more than €65,000 / year as a senior. The average salary of this professional is around €45,000 per year. The average daily rate for a CRM consultant developer is generally between $400 and $900.

Read more about 12 Best CRM Certifications in 2021 and 18 CRM Experts You Need to Follow

Training and education of the CRM Consultant

CRM Consultant Education

Different training courses allow you to become a CRM consultant, with a Bac + 4 or Bac + 5. Graduates from business or engineering schools are usually highly appreciated by employers. It is thus possible to enter a business school or an engineering school, with a diploma with a specialization in marketing or web marketing. You can take a Master in Marketing or International Marketing or join a communication or marketing school. There are also certifications for using software that are popular with employers, such as Salesforce certifications.

Find CRM assignments on our freelance and permanent IT recruitment platform, or join Mindquest so you don’t miss out on any CRM assignments!

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ERP & SAP Job Descriptions Project Manager

Jira Administrator : Job Description

Jira Administrator
The Jira Administrator is an expert in this tool. They play a transversal role to manage requests, raise anomaly tickets, validate workflows, etc.

Use our template to create a compelling and comprehensive Jira Administrator job description to attract top talent.

Jira is a multifunction platform developed by Atlassian which facilitates the management of development projects and Agile projects. It is a tracking software that allows teams to define tasks, identify blockages and share information. This tool is also designed specifically to meet the needs of teams working in Scrum or Kanban. Explore the role of the Jira Administrator.

The Jira Administrator is an expert in this tool. As part of the development of software or application, they play a transversal role to manage requests, raise anomaly tickets, validate workflows, etc.

Also explore the role of the IT Vendor Manager

What is the role of the Jira Administrator?

Within an IT team, the Jira Administrator is responsible for performing the administration of Jira projects, ensuring optimal use of the tool and providing technical support.

Analyse and evaluate technical specifications

Jira is a comprehensive tool which fits into the complex structure of a company’s information system. At first, the job of the Administrator involves analysing the existing IT ecosystem and the organisation of the development teams; in order to make proposals consistent with the operational needs of the project.

Deployment and configuration of the tool

Next, the Jira Administrator is responsible for implementing the changes validated upstream by the functional administration unit. They work in JQL (Jira Query Language), creating workflows and forms.

Documentation and support for migration projects

The Jira Administrator is also responsible for writing, updating and publishing documentation dealing with the efficient use of tools, practices and procedures. It is also its duty to provide the necessary support and supervision to development teams. In order to ensure the correct use of tools and respect for defined processes.

Also discover the other Project Managements roles and career paths

Required skills of the Jira Administrator

Initiative

The Jira Administrator must be a driving force in the evolution of the use of tools, as well as and be in a process of continuous improvement. IT departments need people who go forward on their own to anticipate problems and, above all, find solutions to resolve them.

Great educational qualities

The Jira Administrator must be able to interact in a pedagogical manner with the rest of the teams. They must be able to adapt to the different situations encountered and to different interlocutors. They must be able to present the project, convince and lead the team towards a common goal.

Technical mastery

The job obviously requires in-depth knowledge of Jira, but also mastery of Agile project management methodologies. Usually, knowledge of the JQL language and tools such as Script Runner (scripts in Groovy language), Bitbucket, Team calendars, or even All-in-One Reports is required.

Salary

The average daily rate ranges between €400 and €800.

Training of the Jira Administrator

To become a Jira expert, it is often required to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Information and Systems Management, Digital Information Management or another appropriate discipline.

But note that other combinations of relevant education and experience, such as holding the Scrum Master Certification, may be considered.

Discover more about what is ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)

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ERP & SAP Job Descriptions

Salesforce Consultant : Job Description

Salesforce Consultant
The Salesforce consultant is on the IT side of customer relations and specialises in the Salesforce ecosystem. Exlpore the role...

Use our template to create a compelling and comprehensive Salesforce Consultant job description to attract top talent.

Salesforce is a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platform that allows companies to streamline and optimise their interactions with their customers. The Salesforce consultant is on the IT side of customer relations and specialises in the Salesforce ecosystem. Their role involves advising companies on the implementation strategy and carrying out studies to address all customer requirements.

Also explore the role of the RPA Consultant

What is the role of the Salesforce Consultant?

Define user needs and write specifications

Above all, the first task of the Salesforce Consultant is to collect the company´s needs and offer a set of Salesforce tools that address what the team is trying to achieve. Once the information has been collected, the consultant must write the specification describing the project´s needs and the proposed solutions.

Managing the development of the Salesforce ecosystem

Once the needs and specifications are established, the consultant is in charge of setting up the various tools and managing their development. They often keep assisting the team throughout the project´s life, helping optimise the system and the customer relationship strategy.

User training

Another key mission of the consultant is user training. Once the tools are deployed, the consultant must help teach users how to take advantage of them and help them get a good grip on the platform in general.

Required skills of the Salesforce Consultant

Mastery of the Salesforce CRM tool

The expert must, of course, have perfect knowledge of the Salesforce platform. And have a good understanding of the various tools available within it.

Analytical spirit and rigour

Also, a Salesforce Consultant must have a good analytical mind and good organisational skills. They should be able to process databases and extract relevant analyses to improve the customer relationship strategy in place.

Knowledge of marketing and sales

In addition, to be able to understand the needs of the team; it is useful for the consultant to know and master the essentials of client and prospect relationships. It also pays to have a 360° view of business processes and the specifics of the market in which the company operates.

Within the industry

A Salesforce Consultant can work in a wide variety of organisations; consulting firms specializing in IS, or companies that use this solution, all sectors combined.

Salary of the Salesforce Consultant

The average daily rate fluctuates between €300 and €800.

Training of the Salesforce Consultant

In conclusion, to access this role, it is recommended to have a university degree from a business or engineering school. It is also possible to access this profession by having completed a professional master’s degree specialising in Customer Relations and Marketing. Or in Management Sciences. To specialise in Salesforce CRM, the consultant should later take specific training provided by Salesforce or any third-party training organization. 

The Salesforce Consultant can evolve into the manager of a team of consultants or an in-house Salesforce. They can also transition to another customer relationship management solution.

Learn more about ERP and advantages and disadvantages of SAP