Managing all business processes, ERP software is an indispensable tool for any organization, regardless of its industry or size. Among the market leaders is the company SAP. Discover its software.
What is SAP?
Leader in ERP
SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products) is the market leader in business process management software (ERP) providers. Based in Walldorf, Germany, SAP helps organizations efficiently manage their data and information flows.
Thanks to its integrated management software, SAP covers all key areas within a company. Purchases, production, sales, marketing, finance, and human resources are all handled within a connected and intelligent platform.
SAP in Numbers
From its inception in the 1970s to today, SAP has experienced tremendous growth. The proof is in the numbers:
- Over 105,000 employees
- More than 24,000 partners worldwide
- €29.52 billion in revenues in 2022
- 280 million subscribers
- More than 100 development sites worldwide
- Ranked number 1 on the Dow Jones sustainability index for software providers for 16 years
A Bit of History
Founded in 1972 by Dietmar Hopp, Klaus Tschira, Hans-Werner Hector, Hasso Plattner, and Claus Wellenreuther, SAP was originally a German startup aiming to create a digitally connected company. At the beginning, the company wasn’t even called SAP but Systemanalyse Programmentwicklung (or system analysis program development in English). It quickly became SAP to facilitate global adoption.
This strategy worked, as the company grew from 5 employees to over 105,000 spread across 157 countries. SAP experienced constant growth to become one of the leaders in enterprise software.
This growth is attributed to the quality of its products. Its first software, SAP R/2 and SAP R/3, marked a turning point in the ERP sector. The company then adapted by leveraging new technologies, particularly In-Memory computing. With the new SAP S/4HANA version, the software can handle large volumes of data (Big Data), support artificial intelligence, and Machine Learning.
What is SAP's Objective?
SAP primarily targets SMEs/ETIs, but the platform is also widely used in large organizations. It revolutionizes traditional data processing models where each department stores its information in separate silos.
Thanks to its software, SAP maps all business processes within companies. All data, regardless of its origin or department, is centralized on a single platform. Whether it’s operational data or user experience data, they can be interconnected. Thus, ERP users can design and optimize the entire value chain.
With the development of SAP S/4HANA, which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning, SMEs/ETIs can even perform predictive analyses.
These technologies allow companies to better manage complex business processes, access all types of information in real-time, improve operational efficiency, increase productivity, enhance customer experience, and more.
One of SAP’s strengths is its close collaboration with its clients. Often, employees work directly within the client’s offices to better understand their needs and business processes. This in-depth understanding has enabled SAP to launch new products that meet the expectations of their target audience.
What Are the Modules of SAP ERP?
To meet its clients’ needs, SAP provides hundreds of modules for all organization departments. We can group them into five categories:
- Finance: From accounting to management control to taxation, all aspects of finance are covered.
- Customer Relations: SAP analyzes customer data to better understand their pain points and provide maximum satisfaction.
- Expense Management: From suppliers to expense reports, SAP helps organizations better manage their expenses.
- Supply Chain: The entire supply chain can be optimized, particularly with planning, production, and product lifecycle management.
- Human Resources: Once again, SAP takes care of everything for optimal talent management.
How to Train in SAP Software?
Thanks to the completeness of its offerings, SAP becomes a leading solution for any company. Those with perfect mastery of this software are increasingly sought after, hence the interest in training.
You can start by using the free resources available on the website or the various training options.
But to have even more weight in the job market, you should not limit yourself to focusing on ONE tool but learn a global data analysis methodology. That’s exactly what we offer at DataScientest.
