Importance and career scope of System Applications and Products (SAP)

What is SAP?

SAP stands for Systems Applications and Products. It is by far one of the most sophisticated and high grade ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems. ERP is an industry term used for a wide spectrum of activities that helps businesses to manage the important day to day processes.

These days, SAP basis jobs are high in demand and so are the professionals. If you are planning a career in it, then you can expect some a high grade career full of lucrative options and opportunities. With the passage of time, SAP has emerged out to be the highest and biggest paid areas of specialization within the IT industry.

Products of SAP

SAP was founded in and around 1972 by IBM engineers. SAP ERP is one of the top software products of SAP AG, a German multinational software corporation. The tech giant is in development of enterprise software that aids large organizations to manage operations and customer relations in the most hassle free and efficient manner. The ERP application has hit the bull's eye and has given the corporation, a worldwide fame and repute. It is worthy to note that, presently SAP AG is the industry leader in enterprise applications and is the fourth largest independent software supplier. The products of SAP are mentioned below-

• SAP R/3 and R/3 Enterprise
• mySAP Business Suite
• SAP ERP
• SAP industry Solutions
• SAP xApps
• SAP Solution Manager

Importance of SAP in businesses

SAP which was earlier meant for large organizations can now be seen implemented in small-scale industries too. Many companies have realized the high potential and importance of SAP solutions in their businesses and so are making the most of it. Moreover, the fact that many fortune 500 companies are extensively using SAP systems internally for their daily operations and reporting, it has triggered SAP basis jobs in the market.

The primary benefit of implementing SAP in the organizations is that you get a comprehensive set of integrated, cross-functional business processes. Through optimum utilization of the SAP modules, enterprises can reap the business benefits of the application. Some of the benefits of SAP are listed below-

Heightened flexibility resulting in cost reduction

SAP solutions enable the organizations to upgrade their process standardization, efficiency and adaptability via wise use of service architecture. This in turn helps the organizations in the expansion of its information and concerted functions to broader communities. In this way, organizations can cut-down the operational expenses.

Increased productivity

Why the companies are taking SAP technology solutions? Because of the sole and ultimate purpose of increasing the productivity. SAP ERP has a robust architecture and so helps in enhancing the operational efficiency. The seamless flow of data within the organization and easy access to vital information & transactions via various access terminals influences productivity, of course in a constructive manner.

Maintains financial health of an organization

The SAP ERP financial solutions help in building, maintaining and monitoring the financial health of an organization. It enables a person to discern company’s current and future financial status. The better visibility of the finances would prepare the company to act accordingly in odd times, thus, improving financial control.

Finer lining-up of the strategies

SAP solutions promote homogenous practices across an entire division. Efficient and optimized use of ERP helps an enterprise run in consonance with the plans and strategies formulated by the top authorities. Employees can easily access the right information in real time environment which ultimately improves operational efficiency. Not only this, SAP ERP can be used to identify the major areas of concern in departments across.

Some of the common SAP basis jobs in the market

The ERP market is ruled by SAP systems. Before we further plunge deeper into SAP basis jobs, first let us understand the meaning of SAP basis. SAP Basis can be defined as the administration of the SAP system. It is the link between the database, application and the operating system. Further, SAP basis can be defined on two grounds-

SAP Basis, the Administration Part

Those with SAP basis jobs are required to perform tasks like to install, configure, update, patch, migrate, troubleshoot any technical fault/problem on the SAP systems and handle all the daily operations for the particular system. It majorly involves administration of RDBMS (Relational Database Management System or to be precise-the database SAP system in use), client-server architecture and the SAP GUI.

Keeping in mind the high end technical skills and intricate domain knowledge associated with the SAP basis jobs, the professionals in occupation are bestowed with high pay packages.

SAP Basis, the Technical Part

The other part that describes the SAP basis is the technical part of the older releases of SAP systems. It refers to the time when SAP basically offered two products (SAP R/2 and SAP R/3) the development of the technical (basis) part was intimately associated with the development of the application part.

Where to look for SAP jobs?

There are a plenty of SAP basis jobs in the market. With SAP jobs one can expect a growth oriented and performance driven career. There are vast opportunities for those looking for SAP jobs. The top cities in India that are creating lavish job opportunities in this field are-Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Not only metro cities are creating good employment opportunities but the job market in Tier II cities too is bustling with new career avenues. Cities like Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Indore and Pune are doing exceptionally well when it comes to generating SAP basis jobs.

In order to unearth various job openings, one must make extensive use of online job portals and professional networking sites. Online job search is one of the easiest ways to directly connect with your potential employers. Moreover, these websites are updated with the latest openings available in the companies which you can easily apply while sitting at your home.

Working as an SAP professional

For instance, an SAP Programmer is required to perform complex ABAP programming, design, testing and debugging work related to implementation, enhancement and support of SAP modules. Those working in this position should be able to identify the critical elements of complex application problems, develop and examine data, define solutions and provide logical recommendations.

Some of the common SAP basis jobs are listed below-

• SAP Developer
• SAP Consultants
• SAP Lead
• SAP ABAP Programmer
• SAP Technical Consultant
• SAP Solution Manager
• SAP Programme Test Manager
• Channel Sales Manager
• Business Object Developer

Required skills and education

The skills vary from position to position, but employers typically look for the following skills in a candidate-

• In-depth technical knowledge about SAP's services
• Decent negotiating skills
• Good understanding of the business
• Team player and natural flair of management
• Good project management skills
• Strategic thinker and problem solving skills

Irrespective of the level you enter, you'll need a degree in information technology or equivalent field. Some of the common education backgrounds for this profession are-engineering, masters in computer applications, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor in commerce & arts.

Finally, the Employment Opportunities

With a huge number of small and big companies implementing SAP solutions in the businesses, those with SAP skills and knowledge are high in demand. Tech companies are the biggest employers of SAP employees. SAP professionals work in aerospace, defence, healthcare, professional services and finance industry. The top IT companies that are actively creating SAP basis jobs are- Tata Consultancy Services, Wirpo, Infosys, Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Google and so on. SAP mobile technologies portray an emerging market. SAP has made some partnerships in mobile technologies and the future looks auspicious.