Discover SAP experts from the Netherlands. If you are or want to become an SAP pro, these are the people you should include in your Twitter feed.
Discover SAP experts from the Netherlands. If you are an SAP pro in the Netherlands or would like to become one, these are the people you should include in your Twitter feed. Some are SAP insiders, while others are independent experts and consultants. All of them are worth a follow.
10 experts SAP from the Netherlands to follow on Twitter
As the IT environment is constantly evolving, it is crucial, if not necessary, to connect with the brightest minds to keep up with innovation. In other words, the more contacts you get, the more likely you are to solve IT challenges. Therefore, we at Mindquest are pleased to provide you with a list of the best SAP Experts from the Netherlands to follow.
Firstly, Fred is an SAP Developer and Consultant at strategic SAP integrator SOA People, where he is helping grow the firm’s SAP HANA and Big Data practices. Fred is also a certified Scrum Master and was recognised with the 2017 SAP Community Citizenship Award for his many contributions to the SAP community.
Twan is a Customer Innovation Architect at SAP, where he leads the SAP Experience Center in the Netherlands to help customers and partners develop personalised SAP experiences that benefit both the business and the end-user. Moreover, Twan has an extensive track record as a blogger and can often be found sharing his experiences and insight at seminars and industry events.
Robin is an SAP experience specialist with more than 13 years behind his back helping organisations develop and implement environments on the SAP NetWeaver platform. His expertise also covers the newer SAP Cloud Platform and SAPUI5/OpenUI5. In addition, Robin has his own company, Qualiture, and is an SAP Mentor and SAP HANA Distinguished Engineer.
Then, Marleen is SAP’s Senior Director Industries & Value Advisory for North EMEA, where she mainly focuses on helping financial services companies with strategic software solutions. She is also the Global Head of SAP’s Global Business Women’s Network, the largest SAP employee-driven network (75 chapters, 13,000+ members) helping women advance their careers and the company’s business.
Wim is a Senior SAP Expert at INNOV8iON, a consultancy specialised in SAP technologies. He focuses on the SAP Cloud Platform, designing and developing innovative solutions by leveraging a mix of Machine Learning, IoT and SAP Fiori. Wim is also heavily involved in the Dutch SAP community and the country’s chapter of SAP Inside Track.
Jan is an Enterprise
Architect at SAP, where he works together with businesses to co-develop
next-gen enterprise architectures for SAP customers and partners. Jan describes
himself as an SAP Cloud Platform addict and SAP Technology Ambassador. He often
tweets about upcoming workshops and webinars and has been blogging for years.
Xavier is an SAP BI and SAP Analytics Cloud specialist working at consulting firm Interdobs. He is also a book author at SAP PRESS and an avid blogger. In addition to the educational content he regularly shares on Twitter, you can find his expert tips on his blog HackingSAP.com.
Wouter is the SAP
S/4HANA Finance Managing consultant at Capgemini. He
has over two decades of experience working with SAP FICO in 15 countries, where
he has helped leading multinational companies with a wide variety of SAP
projects. Wouter helps customers define and implement the roadmap to S/4HANA
Finance and transform processes accordingly.
Martijn is SAP BI
Consultant at Interdobs. He specialises in SAP BusinessObjects
solutions, as well as in SAP Analytics Cloud and SAP HANA. Martijn regularly
shares educational content on these platforms and contributes to their
continuous improvement by submitting improvement requests.
Denys is Technology Expert at SAP focusing on SAP HANA and Analytics. He has been at SAP for more than 10 years, where he helps SAP’s Global Partner Organisation support partners with the company’s technologies. Denys is a true SAP advocate, blogging extensively and managing content for the SAP HANA Academy.
According to a report by the Financial Times, Apple Siri may be the new Google. In other words, Apple might be working on their own search engine in a move to make Siri a one-stop shop.
The rumours emerged at a time when big tech is under growing scrutiny for its monopolistic practices.
Besides trying to capitalise on the current media agenda to appear more pro-competition, Apple Siri intends to eliminate the need for its popular assistant to resort to Google searches whenever a query is made.
Experts, however, believe the move might be a stepping stone towards a full-fledged search engine that eliminates the Google factor altogether.
Will Apple Siri be the new Google? Edge computing in 2021
In addition, a new Forrester report points at 5 predictions about how technological transformation will impact edge computing in 2021.
Spending on edge computing is expected to grow at the detriment of the public cloud. Orchestration and 5G will also keep on spreading.
Edge hosting is likely to become its own marketplace, with content delivery companies reaching out to colocation partners to build a widely distributed network of data centres that can host applications closer to where they are used.
AI will also move towards the edge, making machine learning happen closer to the source rather than within the data centre.
Microsoft is celebrating a record quarter, fuelled by the growth in cloud adoption brought about by the epidemic.
The company’s core cloud business grew 31% over the last quarter, with Azure’s revenue jumping up by 47%.
Enterprise software giant SAP had a few cloud updates as well this week. The firm announced a new roadmap to shift to a co-innovation, one-data model that prioritises cloud-based subscriptions over traditional upfront licensing.
Discover 3 IT lastest news. Windows made with Linux. Linux the new Windows? - AI: behind the screens - The pandemic and S/4HANA implementation
Is Linux the new Windows?
The renowned
open-source champion Eric Raymond has always been a huge Linux believer.
Raymond has long argued that the OS is destined to rule the
desktop market. Now he’s gone a step further by saying that it won’t be long
before Windows 10 becomes a simple emulation layer on top the Linux
kernel.
According to Raymond, Microsoft’s latest investments in the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) reveal that the Redmond, Virginia company might be quite aware of this impending shift. The company also has recently unveiled a Linux version of Edge for IT pros to test websites.
But there’s more: the Windows emulation might ultimately disappear altogether, leaving us with a Microsoft shell that is basically all built on Linux.
Despite the media buzz around AI, it can be
difficult for someone who is not immersed in the technology to precisely tell
you how and where it is being applied.
Well, this
week we got a behind-the-screens look at what developers are doing in both the
public and the private sector.
The city of Amsterdam debuted the Algorithm Register, a portal where everyone can learn more about the various AI initiatives being implemented across the city.
Also, Alexa developers unveiled how they get Amazon’s smart home assistant to interpret what users mean rather than what they say. Here’s more.
The pandemic and S/4HANA implementation
S4HANA implementation was ramping up before COVID-19 hit the global business community. Now, as uncertainty piles up, some organisations might consider postponing their migration to SAP’s next-gen ERP until things settle down a bit.
But should
they?
In an interview with TechTarget, S/4 experts recommend taking advantage of the current disruption. The slowdown in activity offers a great opportunity for IT departments to undergo a more thorough examination of their legacy ERP and come up with a better ecosystem that delivers greater business value.
The biggest challenge they face: convincing business leaders their S/4 project should move ahead.
The staffing as a whole is undergoing a profound and rapid transformation. But what about the IT staffing sector? IT staffing enjoys all the benefits...
If you are an S/4HANA expert living the 9-to-5 life, chances are that you have considered going independent at some point. No one would blame you. Becoming a freelance S/4HANA consultant can be a solid career choice
Proof of this is the resurgence of self-employed workers we have been experiencing since 2018. However, this sweet desire often clashes with the harshness of reality. Plus, this lifestyle is not for everybody.
Hence the importance of being prepared. It is essential that you ask yourself the right questions at the right time. Focus on these essential questions.
Here are a few honest questions you should ask yourself before blindly jumping head-first into the unknown.
The real reasons for your wish to be a freelance S/4HANA consultant
The first question you need to answer bluntly is why you really want to become a freelancer. What are your underlying motivations? Would you like to have more free time or no longer depend on an employer? Or is it because you would like to have a wider variety of projects from which to choose? Is it for financial gain?
If your main arguments are mostly “anti-wage,” well – that is not always a good sign. There is the danger of opting for independent employment as a means of escape rather than as a set career goal. If it is only a question of no longer being a permanent employee, it is very likely that you will quickly be faced with the harsh reality. Being a freelancer doesn’t mean drinking French press coffee and decorating your table with a succulent plant while strumming a few hours a day on your keyboard. It is a real commitment, a new way of living and organising your day.
You should take a look at what kind of relationship you have with work, identify your professional aspirations and define your priorities.
Assess your strengths and areas for improvement
Most often, someone embarking on a freelancing life already has years of salaried employment behind their back. They are, hence, well aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Making an honest self-assessment is a must to orient your future moves.
If you are disorganized by nature, for example, it will be good to put an effort into developing your organisational skills. You could use one of the many apps targeted at freelancers or improve your time-management methodology.
You should also pay attention to your starting point. If you are starting with a non-existent network, this is a disadvantage that you will need to work harder to overcome. If you have a financial safety net, then you have an advantage compared to those who start without any safety net.
However, don’t turn these disadvantages into barriers. On the contrary, these must be seen as challenges to overcome, to push you to go even further and stay motivated.
In some cases, it can be a good idea to do a little training before you start, to network a little and save enough money to be able to deal with unforeseen events. Take advantage of this period to clarify and outline your services offer and make a business plan.
Defining your offer and your target audience
Freelancing encompasses a large number of roles and services. An S/4HANA consultant must properly market their expertise in order to be successful. Their profile must fit into often-searched categories and nevertheless stand out from competitors.
There are many questions to ask yourself at this stage:
What services should I offer? Which kinds of jobs do I want to do as a freelance S/4HANA consultant?
What elements should I highlight to stand out from my competition? What are my strengths?
How much is this kind of work worth today?
Who is my offer for?
Pay attention to state and European regulations
This step is crucial. Depending on the country you plan to operate in, there will be several legal forms and statutes that you are obliged to comply with. Efficient management of your fiscal and employment status takes knowledge and caution.
For example, you should find out about the rules governing sick leave and unemployment benefits before you start. The world in which you enter is radically different from the salaried one.
Creating a personal business entity is a good place to start. Administrative and management procedures are greatly facilitated and you can often benefit from advantageous social contribution rates. Taxation is also interesting here.
Working with industry-savvy recruiters can also help you choose your status and navigate the regulatory landscape.
Explore our definitive S/4HANA Careers Guide. to gain more insights into S/4HANA careers and how to best approach them.
S/4HANA is short for “Simplified For HANA (Hi-Performance Analytical Appliance).” While ECC6 objective is to run on a variety of databases from vendors such as Oracle or IBM, S/4HANA; as its name suggests; can only operate on SAP HANA. Launched in 2015, SAP’s in-memory database allows for increase data access speed and greater live data analysis capabilities. This is a key advantage in the era of the connected enterprise and data insights. Additionally, a different column-based data organisation allows for the reduction of the number of databases needed to integrate all the information. This allows to streamline and speed up data analysis.
But let’s dive into the details of this overview of SAP S/4HANA.
SAP S/4HANA vs ECC6: A New UX
Additionally, S/4HANA comes with significant updates. Among the most immediately noticeable changes is the system’s reliance on the SAP Fiori 3 UX. The new user experience streamlines day-to-day use of the platform for both developers and end-users.
Another big change introduced by S/4HANA comes in terms of module and component organisation.
Firstly, data from what were two separate modules; Financial Accounting (FI) and Controlling (CO); is now integrated into a single pool of information: the Universal Journal. The new arrangement allows users and business managers to make better and faster decisions from a more holistic financial and management perspective.
By integrating all accounting-relevant information from various components into a single, universal journal, S/4HANA speeds up data processes by eliminating redundancies and data reconciliation. The result is a data insights ecosystem that puts less strain on the system and has a reduced memory footprint.
Embedded analytics and Machine Learning
Additionally, a built-in data analytics module further supports this integrated data processing approach. Embedded Analytics leverages SAP ABAP Core Data Services technology to create Virtual Data Models out of operational data and provide real-time operational reporting. In other words, everything that business users need to operate from a smart business cockpit packed with data insights and forward-looking tools.
Furthermore, embedded Machine Learning capabilities push these predictive tools to a new level, allowing companies to build smart applications like predictive pricing and maintenance.
Greenfield vs.
Brownfield implementation
First of all, it is important to note that not all S/4HANA migration projects work in the same way, and therefore, the expertise you will require and obtain will depend on the type of project you are involved in.
A greenfield implementation refers to the process
of adopting S/4HANA and designing its ERP system from scratch. This approach
parts from the business and operational needs of the system to then come up with
the technical infrastructure that will make it possible. Greenfield projects
can be applied when an organization has no previous ERP system or processes in
place, as well as when it wants to design a completely new one.
Conversely, brownfield implementations part from already present processes or systems and convert them to the S/4HANA platform. This process involves the revision of the entire previous ecosystem and then the optimisation of existing processes. Companies who are already working with SAP’s previous suite (ECC6 and want to upgrade to S/4HANA, often apply it.
Blueprinting
Preparation is fundamental. A successful migration to S/4HANA is dependent on the proper outlining of a series of key processes. Since the ERP suite has a one source of truth approach, these involve integrating all relevant data into the same data pools. The processes will be approached differently in greenfield and brownfield migrations.
For example, all accounting-related data will be entered once into the Universal Journal. A similar process will be carried out to unify all partner-related information into the Business Partner data pool. A thorough mapping and configuration of New Asset Accounting will be required to migrate to S/4HANA finance, etc.
The team in charge of the migration will need to make an inventory of all preexisting data sets and figure out a way of adapting them to the S/4HANA ecosystem. These processes involve a lot of data cleaning and reconciliation and can take a lot of time. However, companies must ensure they put enough focus on this step, as it will serve as the backbone on which to build a next-generation ERP and a truly intelligent digital enterprise.
This overview of SAP S/4HANA piqued your interest? Want to make the most of S/4HANA’s career potential? Check out also our comprehensive S/4HANA Careers Guide.
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.
Looking for the definitive S/4HANA careers guide? Here's everything you need to know about pursuing a career in the new incarnation of SAP's ERP
Looking for the definitive S/4HANA careers guide? Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about pursuing a career in the new incarnation of SAP’s ERP; S/4HANA.
The clock is ticking for companies across the globe to migrate to SAP’s next-generation ERP suite. With the German company discontinuing official support for its currently most used ERP (ECC6) in 2030; those businesses working with the legacy software must now go through the lengthy and resource-intensive process. And that is great news for you.
Although S/4 is the future of SAP ERP and organisations adopting SAP for the first time are jumping directly into the newer platform; expertise in S/4 remains elusive as many companies are still waiting to carry out the migration.
Whether you are interested in learning more about S/4HANA or you would like to expand your expertise, these are golden days for SAP specialists. The generational change in both the workforce and SAP’s ERP offers an unparalleled opportunity for consultants and in-house talent alike. Take advantage of it. Develop your S/4 expertise with this S/4HANA careers guide. The rewards will be plentiful.
Any S/4HANA careers guide should start by clarifying exactly what S/4HANA is.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are all-encompassing software toolsets with capabilities extending across most business functions and departments. From accounting and human resources to procurement and supply chain management, ERP software allows organisations to easily plan and execute operations from a single platform. The speed, efficiency and cohesiveness derived from its use have made ERP a staple of business management. As well as one of the most profitable specialisations in the IT world.
S/4HANA is SAP’s response to the enterprise’s move to the cloud and its need for faster data processing. Half of all business data is estimated to be already in the cloud. More and more companies are taking business-critical applications off-premises, and few applications are more critical than ERP systems. At the same time, the modern enterprise requires data insights and operational efficiency that were simply out of reach for legacy ERP software.
Labelled as SAP’s next-generation ERP, S/4HANA will effectively replace the ubiquitous ECC6 suite. When official support for the latter is discontinued in 2030.
Migration to S/4Hana
The migration to S/4HANA, has many steps and can accommodate several approaches. Companies moving into the new ecosystem can do so by building on top of already existing systems or by starting anew (brownfield vs. greenfield implementation). Regardless of the chosen approach, however, you can be sure of one thing: all projects start with the blueprinting
As a world-leading ERP provider, SAP provides a comprehensive catalogue of solutions that only experts can implement and help run smoothly. Accordingly, there is a constant stream of demand for IT professionals with SAP skills. What’s more: demand outweighs supply in some areas of expertise. Chief among these is S/4HANA.
According to a report by Resulting IT, only 8% of organisations using ECC have made the transition to the new iteration of SAP’s software suite. That is alarming, especially considering that the report estimates the current product set has over 400 million lines of code and many companies have invested millions customizing it. These will have to be re-written when moving to S/4HANA. But that’s just the beginning of the story.
When it comes to S/4HANA, the difficulties in finding talent that is well-versed in the new environment multiply. There is a generalised lack of experience in the live or near go-live stages of the transition. Although 48% of SAP specialists declare having been involved in S/4 projects. A significant portion of these are solutions architects. And therefore only have experience in the early blueprinting stages of the project.
Couple that with the fact that; just in the UK alone; 40% of SAP experts plan to retire within the next 10 years, and we are looking at the perfect storm.
The expertise that you will develop and need will vary depending on the type of projects you take.
Additionally, and just as with ECC6, there are two main categories of S/4HANA expert profiles: functional and technical. These two categories often overlap with one another, and the best specialists have a combination of the two.
Go beyond this S/4HANA careers guide and learn more about all the different roles within S/4HANA.
Developing your S/4HANA expertise
At the theoretical level, the best way to go about honing your S/4HANA skills is to resort to SAP’s official learning portal, SAP Training. There you can find a myriad of courses and certifications that will help you master the various tools in S/4.
While the courses are free, you must pay a fee to obtain the official certification. But we highly recommend you do so, since they are a great measurement of how prepared you are and validate your expertise in front of the SAP community. They will look great on your CV
The courses and certifications are a good option for newcomers to the SAP ecosystem. But also for seasoned professionals looking to upskill and add new S/4HANA capabilities to their toolset.
No matter how good your S/4HANA careers guide is, and in addition to learning the basics and getting certified, you must get real-world experience working with S/4HANA. The way to go about it will depend on how many S/4 projects you have previously collaborated with, as well as your knowledge of ERP systems and business domains.
To those who are completely new to S/4HANA, it can be challenging to get a job in a field that requires previous experience. But you can get around this barrier.
Be ready to take a pay cut in exchange for a role in S/4HANA projects, even if it is through positions that are more junior than those you would normally pursue. Think of it as an investment in your future. Make sure to highlight the suitable skills that you already possess, like ERP expertise or knowledge in and business.
The importance of attending events
You should also keep an eye open for any relevant industry and networking events. Attending will give you a better feel for what it is like to work in S/4 and will provide you with actionable tips on how to build your career. You can even often find companies looking for new talent among attendees.
Re-orient your CV to highlight your S/4 focus and skills. Present yourself not as an IT expert with S/4 know-how, but as an expert in S/4HANA. Try to get involved in a wider variety of projects that allow you to build deeper and more comprehensive expertise. Again, industry events are highly recommended to stay up-to-date with current trends and best practices and network with other professionals. Keep learning. Stay tuned regarding software updates, new certifications.
There is always room for improvement. Once you have some S/4HANA experience on your back, focus on becoming a true expert in the technology.
In addition to cultivating your S/4HANA skills, you must define a career strategy. What’s the best way of becoming a highly coveted expert? There is not a simple answer to this question. Especially since the rapid evolution of the talent market has blurred the traditional line between permanent contracts and freelancing.
Permanent position & Freelancing paths
A permanent position offers you greater stability and social protections. Giving you access to more economic benefits, like unemployment and certain contract regulations. It also lets you enjoy the totality of a company’s corporate benefits, whether it’s paid tuition or a gym membership. Something you wouldn’t have access to as an independent employee. This can be decisive in newer fields like S/4HANA, since you might be able to benefit from free training and career development programs.
On the other hand, freelancing makes it easier for you to develop a wider range of skills by working on different projects. This broader experience is very attractive to employers. At the same time, businesses are more likely to hire freelancers for S/4HANA projects, as there is a shortage of skilled workers and S/4 implementations often have a specific duration.
Independent workers must deal with limited social protections, fluctuating activity and internal red tape. However, the average daily rate of SAP freelancers is well above the average rate of salaried employees in most countries. They also express high levels of job satisfaction, with 4-out-of-5 freelancers claiming to be happy with their lifestyle.
Conclusion
Depending on the stage of your life cycle you find yourself in, you’ll tend to favour one option over the other, and that’s totally fine. Both paths are complementary and have their perks and disadvantages. Additionally, the relative novelty of S/4HANA is a key factor to consider when making your decision.
Some businesses are
thriving amid the global turmoil caused by the spread of COVID-19. Whereas whole
economic sectors are falling victim to the effects of a quarantined population and
the fall in demand, others find themselves in a privileged position to face
this once-in-a-century crisis. This competitive advantage is particularly
noticeable in areas like technology.
U.S. oil prices have turned negative for the first time in history. Traditional retailers
are struggling to stay afloat, drastically cutting down expected profits for
the second half of the year while delivering disappointing first-quarter results.
At the same time, online retail moguls like Amazon’s Jeff Bezos have seen their
net worth skyrocket since the lockdown began.
With the surge in remote
work and internet traffic, businesses need IT now more than ever. Videoconferencing services
and other collaboration tools are booming, while the rise in digital operations
has multiplied the number of cyber threats and accentuated the cybersecurity skills shortage.
But that’s not all.
Facing a new reality
Many organisations were not ready for the sudden shift to digital and
decentralised ways of working. For some, digital transformation went overnight
from being a mid-term goal to a bare necessity. They were either relying too
much on on-premise storage and computing, or perhaps they were simply not ready
to have most of their employees working from home at the same time. This change
in demand has propelled cloud services forward, with more and more clients
signing up for access to IaaS and PaaS solutions.
The big winners
There are no clearer signs of the cloud’s
buoyant momentum that the good results the top industry players have achieved during
the first quarter. Even if overall company performance is not as strong.
IBM has seen the pandemic thwart what
otherwise would
have been a solid quarter of growth. However, the company claims hybrid
cloud adoption has spiked as a direct result of the pandemic. IBM’s (and by
extension Red Hat’s) platform and containerization offerings allow companies to
quickly deploy and easily escalate business-critical applications – a major
advantage in today’s everchanging situation.
German ERP powerhouse SAP has
also managed to maintain strong cloud bookings. The company even managed to
increase overall revenue. SAP S/4HANA gained an additional 300 customers in
Q1, bringing the total up to 14,100 accounts. That’s a 23% increase from the
same time last year. The results further demonstrate S/4HANA’s growing momentum and as the deadline
to migrate to the newer ERP system approaches.
Additionally, and in what is another tell-tale sign of the health of the
industry, Alibaba announced it will be investing $28 billion to expand
its cloud infrastructure and semiconductor business. That’s over half of its
revenue for the past fiscal year.
Cloud providers and their customers are betting big on the cloud’s
potential to protect company operations and speed up the recovery process once the
crisis is over.
Several online learning platforms and software manufacturers have made some free IT courses so that tech professionals can exit this crisis better prepared.
It’s probably safe to
say that we all have uttered these words at some point in our lives — If I
had more time, I would….
With a good part of the world on lockdown to fight the expansion of COVID-19, now it might be the perfect time to put this premise to the test. Even if your effective schedule remains unaltered and you are simply working from home, there’s still a lot that you can do with whatever time you’re saving by not having to commute.With this in mind, several online learning platforms and software manufacturers have made some courses available for free so that tech and IT professionals like yourself can exit this crisis better prepared. These courses add to the already extensive list of free online resources that were already accessible before the quarantine.
Re-skilling and continuous learning are a must for those looking to advance their career in a field like technology, where skill shortages are a prevalent problem and tools are constantly being updated. Accordingly, we suggest you make the most of the extra time on hand by benefitting from the below resources.
Coursera
The eLearning powerhouse has always offered a multitude of free courses from ivy-league universities and top technical schools across the globe — especially if you didn’t mind not receiving an official diploma for which you had to pay. However, and until May 31, a total of 100 courses will be accessible for free through the platform.
The reviews team at Business Insider has gone through the list of courses and identified 9 of them related to computer science. You will obtain an official certificate upon completion, at no cost and even enjoying access to otherwise premium features like homework grading and expanded reading materials
Hurry up, as most of
these courses start today, April 08 – and make sure to add that certificate to
your CV and LinkedIn profile once the course is completed.
With a somewhat more
of a quick-bite and mobile mentality, Udemy offers a wide variety of courses
and tutorials in dozens of topics. These are taught by subject matter experts
and eLearning initiatives directly, without requiring the involvement of a third-party
institution.
The portal has made available over 530 courses for free so we can all invest in our education in the upcoming weeks. A lot of these focus on IT-related topics, from data science to videogame design.
A household name in tech education and computing, Codeacademy offers free courses on topics spanning from coding to computational theory and web development. The possibilities are almost endless, and you can even choose specific skill paths like building chatbots with Python or creating front-end apps with React.
CompTIA IT
Fundamentals
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), known globally for its reputed certification programs, is offering free 30-day learning licenses for its IT Fundamentals (ITF+) curriculum. The overall course is probably too introductory if you are a seasoned tech expert, but you might find it touches on topics you haven’t had time to explore.
You can also pass the
link along to anyone who is considering a career in IT but is not quite sure
yet.
SAP and Microsoft
Another
career-advancement option for these days of confinement is investing time in
official vendor certifications and learning programs. These let you master some
of the world’s most ubiquitous software tools and validate your skills in front
of the community.
Additionally, Microsoft Learn offers a comprehensive host of learning resources for Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, or the Power Platform. among others. Just keep in mind that, to protect its staff from the virus, Microsoft has implemented some changes in its user policy, as well as extended certain courses and deadlines. Here’s a full list of changes.
Don’t forget your
soft skills
Last but not least, think of dedicating some time to develop your soft skills. In IT, it is becoming increasingly vital to possess a strong set of soft skills to complement your technical ones – from interpersonal communication to adaptability and creative thinking.
Or perhaps you should focus on your mental health and resilience? LinkedIn Learning is providing free mindfulness courses to help people cope with lockdowns.
What are the different S/4HANA roles that IT professionals can choose to take?
As a result of the impending 2030 deadline,
businesses still relying on SAP’s older software find themselves in a race
against the clock to migrate to S/4HANA; a lengthy and hefty task. But early
adoption has been sluggish, and few SAP specialists have had the chance to get
hands-on experience with the technology.
Demand for S/4 skills is higher than ever and will only increase in the coming months. Both newcomers and SAP veterans have now the chance to jump on the S/4HANA bandwagon and give a boost to their career.
Functional vs.
Technical roles
Just as with ECC6, there are two main categories of S/4HANA roles: functional and technical. However, these two categories often overlap with one another, and the best specialists have a combination of the two.
Then, functional roles essentially serve as the link between business and solution development, helping organisations design and implement S/4HANA environments. These profiles combine a sound technical understanding of SAP’s ERP suite with domain expertise – having knowledge of, for example, finance or HR. They also possess strong communication and leadership capabilities. Therefore, a functional expert has a strong business background and a very good understanding of business flows and processes. Thus, that leads them to be responsible for customising the ecosystem after the implementation of new flows or after an evolution in the core model.
On the other hand, technical roles, as the name suggests, have more to do with the development (coding), monitoring and running of S/4HANA applications. Their main strength is in IT, and less so in industry knowledge or interpersonal skills. However, that doesn’t mean technical profiles don’t need to be competent in these areas – soft skills are becoming more and more crucial for IT professionals.
Functional roles
Specialists in functional S/4HANA roles come from a technical background or are at least well-versed in the technical requirements and capabilities of S/4HANA. Then, domain or industry expertise is a must, as they must have a good grasp of all those non-IT-related concepts to design efficient solutions.
Moreover, a great part of the functional specialist’s job is coordinating with business leaders, end-users and all the other roles involved in the SAP project. Consequently, they also must be good communicators and have well-developed project management and organisational skills.
Also, the specific role within the team mostly depends on the depth of focus and level of seniority. The main functional roles include:
Business Analyst
Firstly, SAP Business Analysts are responsible for assessing and defining the business case driving S/4HANA implementation. These professionals understand the ins and outs of SAP’s platform, leveraging great business and industry acumen to identify what ERP solutions can be applied to optimise company operations. They also help train end-users in the use of the platform.
They
often come from a business background or have extensive experience in the
specific industry and practice (e.g. Finance or manufacturing), a skillset they
complement with S/4 training and know-how. Others started in IT and have later
garnered valuable business and consultancy expertise.
Application / Module expert
These are very focused business analysts or more
technical profiles specialised in a particular S/4HANA module (e.g. Finance,
Sales). These subject matter experts can provide advice and implement SAP
components or oversee their day-to-day operations — or both. It is a must for
module experts to be proficient in the area of business to which their module
relates.
A good example of an SAP application expert is the SAP FI/CO consultant or analyst. These professionals are specialists in de Finance and Controlling modules, expertise which they combine with financial wisdom to help companies produce reports and streamline operational costs.
Solution Architect
As their title suggests, solution architects are the ones designing the S/4HANA environment based on the company’s business needs. They also have a big-picture mentality, which they mix with a deep understanding of SAP tools and other software and hardware tools to devise custom-made ERP systems.
In addition, architects need to be good at communicating their vision and collaborating across the many teams involved in a project, both in technical roles and in more business-related areas.
Project Manager
Somewhat the least technical role of them all,
the project manager coordinates the full life-cycle implementation and
configuration of S/4HANA projects. Think of them as a sports team coach. The
project manager keeps track of project goals and progress while ensuring that
every moving part is on the same page.
Moreover, these are individuals with strong leadership and communication skills and that have a knack for problem-solving. They possess a good understanding of the S/4HANA platform and its different modules. In fact, SAP project managers usually have a business background as well as expertise in core modules (e.g. Supply Chain or Finance). Under today’s continuous improvement and delivery (CI/CD) paradigm, project managers must also be proficient in Agile development methodologies.
Technical roles
These are the developers and specialists
responsible for delivering and maintaining the SAP solutions as designed by the
functional half of the team. Technical specialists are also often involved in
the design phase of a project and can help advice on capabilities or ways of
approaching a problem. The best specialists in technical positions tend to have
good business and domain knowledge and are able to put themselves in the shoes
of the functional specialist.
Technical S/4HANA roles include:
ABAP Developer
Creates, tests and implements S/4HANA solutions using SAP’s proprietary ABAP language. These are SAP’s hardcore coders, in charge of the platform’s back end and making the application work. They also are, of course, great coders, and they need to possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
The best ABAP developers combine mastery of
S/4HANA modules with great creativity to deliver efficient and lean software
solutions. They are also fluent in DevOps and Agile development methodologies
and work well in CI/CD product cycles.
SAP Fiori Developer
They are the front-end counterpart of ABAP
developers. SAP Fiori is SAP’s advanced user experience (UX) engine. Fiori
developers work together with their ABAP piers to develop the visual interface
of S/4HANA applications.
In addition, these technical professionals are good coders, but they also possess skills in end-user-related areas like psychology
SAP Basis Administrator
The equivalent of a System Administrator in other platforms, SAP Basis administrators configure and ensure the correct performance and the reliability of the whole S/4 environment. They also have a mix of technical and interpersonal capabilities and do a lot of landscape management and monitoring.
Basis administrators have a deep understanding of the S/4HANA ecosystem and its different modules, but they are also knowledgeable in ABAP, Linux and Java. They also have good collaboration skills, as they need to coordinate with technical colleagues and end-users to keep the system in perfect shape.
Security Analyst
Moreover, administers and monitors security roles and authorization profiles for S/4 systems. Security analysts can be also considered a more focused version of a basis administrator, combining deep technical knowledge of the SAP environment with a focus on security.
Security analysts are proficient in SAP’s
role-based security concepts and Profile Generator. They also need to be able
to speak to infrastructure-level security concerns to other, less technical
roles within the IT team or business managers.
Data analyst
Lastly, these professionals leverage business intelligence and data management to produce insights that help inform business decisions. They are also experts in data engineering and databases, able to create high and low-level data product designs based on business and technology requirements. Moreover, data analysts are experts in SAP HANA in-memory database, and they need fluency in Agile methodologies to be able to collaborate effectively with the rest of the technical team. Additionally, the best data analysts possess good business and domain acumen, which lets them reach deeper and more actionable insights and better communicate with their business peers.
Want to make the most of S/4HANA’s career potential? Also Check our comprehensive S/4HANA Careers Guide.
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German ERP vendor SAP has kick-started the new decade with renewed strength. After undergoing a series of leadership changes in the past year, the company appears set on re-examining its product and strategy roadmaps based on customer feedback and more realistic self-assessment. Not surprisingly, it is S/4HANA – the new iteration of SAP’s core ERP system — the one leading the charge.
The firm was originally scheduled to discontinue support for its current ECC Business Suite in 2025, hoping the deadline would prompt a critical mass of its customers to transition to S/4HANA. However, after sluggish early adoption rates and mounting stakeholder pressure, the new leadership team decided back in February to give customers a much-needed extension.
Under the new roadmap, SAP ensures first-party support for ECC until 2030 – albeit free, general-access maintenance will be discontinued in 2027. At the same time, the company is future-proofing its customers’ investment in S/4HANA by promising platform support until the end of 2040.
Although it is still early to tell the extent to which this new policy will impact adoption in the coming months, the measures have been well-received among the community. Additionally, the migration to S/4HANA is only poised to keep gaining momentum as digital transformation initiatives across the globe enter a more mature phase.
Accelerating S/4HANA adoption
A few factors have been holding up widespread adoption of S/4HANA. First of all, there seems to be a generalised confusion around the benefits and specifics capabilities of S/4HANA. A recent study by Resulting IT revealed that SAP consultants are only marginally more knowledgeable in the platform than their clients.
The insight is pretty
telling and suggests that SAP could have failed in its past efforts to
communicate with its stakeholders and manage change. Thankfully, that problem
has a relatively easy solution. The latest changes in leadership and the
extension of ECC support signal the company’s awareness of this issue and increase
confidence that it will be addressed.
Understanding S/4HANA is crucial for its adoption. This might sound like an obvious requirement for buying into a new product, but it is especially important in S/4HANA. This is not a simple software update that can be installed over the weekend. The next-generation ERP suite implies a profound redesign in terms of architecture that requires companies to invest a lot of resources and re-evaluate internal processes to carry out the migration. On top of that, existing customers who have already invested a lot of money in ECC customizations will have to start from scratch.
Therefore, it is paramount that the decision to embark on a migration project stems from a solid business case if it wants to succeed. It is never easy to convince entire teams and organisations to change their processes, but trying to do so without strong arguments and a clear roadmap can be dangerous. Moving to S/4HANA is not exclusively an IT call. It requires that business leaders across the organisation are involved in the decision-making and willing to implement changes.
Time will tell how SAP’s renewed focus on S/4HANA translates into client adoption. However, recent announcements make us think the company is on the right track and the S/4HANA will only gain momentum from now on.
Is your company planning to move to S/4HANA but is still not sure when? You might want to hurry things up.
If you are a specialist in SAP technologies but still haven’t gotten your feet wet with S/4HANA, here is why and how you should do it.
