Present Market Skills Required for an SAP Basis Consultant

SAP, or Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing, is a widely recognized enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that plays a pivotal role in managing business operations for numerous organizations. As the landscape of business technology continues to evolve, the role of an SAP Basis Consultant has become increasingly crucial. In this article, we will explore the current market demands for this specialized role and the skills one should possess to excel in it.

The Role of an SAP Basis Consultant

An SAP Basis Consultant is instrumental in maintaining the underlying technical infrastructure, such as system configuration, system management, and performance tuning, of SAP environments. While a Business Analyst (BA) focuses on analyzing business processes, requirements gathering, and improving business operations, an ABAP Business Analyst in SAP possesses additional expertise in SAP's Advanced Business Application Programming (ABAP) language, enabling them to configure SAP systems, create custom programs, and integrate SAP solutions with business requirements. Essentially, an SAP Basis Consultant combines business knowledge with extensive technical skills, bridging the gap between business needs and technical implementation.

Understanding SAP Modules

SAP is a comprehensive ERP suite that encompasses various modules to cater to different business needs. These modules include:

PP for Production Planning: This module is crucial for organizations involved in manufacturing and requires advanced knowledge to manage production processes efficiently. FI (Finance): As one of the main modules, FI is responsible for all finance-related transactions and operations, including accounting, finance, and supply chain management. MM (Materials Management): This module is vital for managing materials, including procurement, inventory, and consumable goods. SD (Sales and Distribution): This module is used for managing sales and distribution processes, including customer interaction, order management, and sales analysis.

To excel in an SAP Basis role, one should have a deep understanding of these key modules and how they integrate and function within the SAP ecosystem.

Virtualization and Infrastructure Knowledge

Virtualization and infrastructure knowledge have become essential for the modern SAP Basis Consultant. As businesses move towards more efficient and scalable solutions, knowledge of virtual technologies, such as cloud computing and virtual machines, is a significant asset. Popular virtualization technologies include:

VMware Certifications: VMware is a leading player in virtualization. Certification from VMware showcases expertise in virtual environments and cloud infrastructure. AWS Certifications: Amazon Web Services (AWS) is another major cloud provider. AWS certifications, such as the Amazon Certified Solutions Architect or AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, are highly sought after in the current market. CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate): Understanding and managing network infrastructure is crucial for an SAP Basis Consultant. The CCNA certification provides a solid foundation in networking.

Additionally, being well-versed in modern cloud technologies and infrastructure is crucial. Concepts like scalability, high availability, and disaster recovery should be second nature to an SAP Basis Consultant.

Conclusion

The role of an SAP Basis Consultant is multifaceted, requiring a blend of business acumen and technical expertise. With the increasing adoption of SAP across various industries, the demand for skilled Basis Consultants remains high. To succeed in this role, one must not only be adept in SAP modules but also possess a strong understanding of virtualization and cloud technologies. Acquiring relevant certifications and demonstrating a passion for continually learning can significantly enhance one's career prospects in this dynamic field.