5 Qualities of a Good SAP Consultant

For many developing companies, installing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution is the natural next step that should be taken for the business to evolve. However, implementing a software solution is a taxing process that requires a lot of resources and oversight. Moreover, it is a highly specialized field that needs the keen eye of an expert. As such, it is critical for companies to add a reliable consultant to their ERP teams, who can serve as a guide and compass throughout the entire implementation process.

The stakes are raised when a company chooses to use an SAP solution. SAP is one of the most high-functioning ERP systems in the world and offers several kinds of modules and products that cater to the needs of companies across all industries. Indeed, SAP is complex as it is effective, so having an experienced SAP consultant on board will be crucial to a successful installation.

Finding an SAP consultant is not a problem. There are numerous profiles online, and an SAP partner likely has in-house consultants that they can recommend. The issue, however, lies in finding a good SAP consultant, one who is skilled enough to direct an ERP team and is analytical enough to find the right product for the company’s needs. To address this concern, they should look for the following five qualities when hiring an SAP expert.

Possesses Extensive Knowledge of SAP Products and Their Applications

As mentioned earlier, the SAP brand has a large variety of products in its portfolio. Going through these programs with no prior knowledge not only makes choosing the right solution more difficult, but it also costs companies a large amount of time and resources. SAP consultants usually become specialists in select fields (e.g. finance, inventory, production, etc.) and will already have a couple of products in mind depending on which industry a business is in. Thus, when choosing among consultant candidates, look for individuals who are knowledgeable about products and processes that cater to specific industries that your business falls under.

Analytical Skills for Understanding Business Processes

An SAP system is not a magic wand that solves all of a business’s performance problems. The entire company has to be analyzed, from the way operations are run to the tools that employees use to accomplish their tasks. A good SAP consultant will be able to help companies spot weak links and suggest compatible products that can improve these specific operations. For that, consultants need analytical skills that have great attention to detail while not losing sight of the company’s operations as a whole.

Competence in Both Technical and Functional Consultancy

SAP consultants tend to fall into two categories: technical and functional. Technical consultants specialize in the administrative and programming side of software solutions. Meanwhile, functional consultants focus more on understanding what a business requires and developing a business process in SAP that helps meet the client’s requirements.

However, skilled SAP consultants do not limit themselves to the confines of one category. Proficient SAP consultants work hard to develop both skills, with one ultimately becoming the primary side of the consultant and the other a secondary skill. Doing so helps SAP consultants perform their tasks more effectively because they can see and analyze from different points of view.

Stays on Top of Documentation

Proper documentation is an important part of implementing ERP software. It helps ensure that all administrative procedures are being followed and allows the ERP team to properly assess their performance and goals. The SAP consultant is responsible for accomplishing several of these documents, including the business blueprint, test scripts, and master data template. Any information noted down on these papers must be clear, precise, and updated because these documents serve as reference points for decision-making. As such, an SAP consultant must be skilled in documentation so that every piece of information–technical and functional–is accounted for properly.

Well-Developed Soft Skills

SAP implementation cannot be accomplished with only one person. It requires a team of dedicated individuals who interact, exchange ideas, and course next actions together. The SAP consultant will be working with every person on the team, so it is a must for them to have well-developed soft skills. Some of these skills include communicating effectively with others, breaking down complex ideas into easy-to-digest points, and encouraging team unity. If a consultant does not mesh well with the company’s ERP team, it may cause conflict over time and affect the project’s progress.

Based on these points, it becomes apparent that finding the right SAP consultant for the job could be harder than expected. With the guidance of a reputable solutions provider like ANSI, however, the task becomes significantly easier. ANSI has over three decades of experience in the ERP industry and has connected with various consultants and experts over the years, creating a vast network in which we can tap into. Our dedication to providing the best service also extends to the people we recommend, so businesses can locate the right person for the job more quickly.

For more information on ANSI, their products, and their services, contact us today.