With digital transformation, more and more companies are leveraging enterprise resource planning software, notably SAP (Systems, Applications & Products), which leads the ERP market.
While this solution allows companies to optimize resource utilization, it is far from easy to implement initially. That is, unless you engage an expert. This is where an SAP consultant comes into play. By supporting companies in implementing this software, they assist in digitalizing and better leveraging all their information flows. Discover this rapidly expanding profession, its missions, skills, salary, and training requirements.
What is the role of an SAP consultant?
Before diving into the role of an SAP consultant, it’s worth briefly discussing integrated management software. This ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is designed to help organizations manage and integrate their business processes across all departments: from finance to human resources, logistics, and sales. By centralizing all company data, SAP software provides teams with a single source of information. Beyond data centralization, the ERP incorporates various innovative features to streamline workflows, such as automation, artificial intelligence, data analysis, project planning, and more.
Despite its indispensability today, this solution remains complex. Thus, an SAP consultant steps in to support companies in optimizing their data management and enhancing their operational efficiency. With their expertise in the SAP software suite, they help organizations structure and harmonize internal processes. Their role in translating business needs into technological solutions can be seen as that of a true architect of digital transformation.
What are the missions of an SAP consultant?
The primary mission of an SAP consultant is to support companies in making the best use of enterprise resource planning software. They must accomplish a series of tasks:
- Work closely with teams: The aim is to identify the specific needs of the company to propose tailored solutions capable of maximizing performance.
- Implement the SAP software: After understanding the company’s needs, the consultant integrates the most relevant modules (both standard and specific) and configures the solution to simplify the platform’s use.
- Ensure proper implementation of the software: Their mission does not end with just the initial setup. They also ensure the smooth operation of the ERP software by performing various technical tests both before and after implementation.
- Maintain and monitor: They remain available to resolve technical issues or make necessary adjustments over time.
- Train users: Since the SAP consultant does not aim to remain within the company indefinitely, they must train future users and teach them best practices. Additionally, they may write technical documentation, providing teams with a reference in their absence. This ensures the technology is adopted smoothly, autonomously, and sustainably.
Operating within companies of all sizes and sectors, the SAP consultant’s missions can vary significantly from one client to another.
What skills are needed to become an SAP consultant?
An SAP consultant is foremost an SAP expert, requiring various technical skills related to this enterprise resource planning software. They must master all of its functionalities, modules, and programming language (known as ABAP).
In addition to technical skills, several soft skills are also crucial:
- Project management: Implementing an SAP system involves meeting deadlines and budgets. The consultant must excel in project management to comply with all constraints and deliver quality work.
- Interpersonal skills: Essential for understanding clients’ needs and training users.
- Adaptability: Given that consultants work with a diverse range of companies, they must adapt to each unique environment.
What is the salary of an SAP consultant?
SAP consultants often work within IT services companies (ESN), IT engineering firms (SSII), or management consulting firms and are deployed to client companies to carry out their tasks.
Their remuneration varies based on factors such as the structure, geographical location, and size of the employer, the type of project, and the level of education. Generally, the average salary of an SAP consultant is €4,167 monthly (around €50K annually).
Depending on professional experience, the remuneration ranges from €2,500 for a junior to an average of €5,000 for a senior.
In addition to being employees within an ESN, SSII, or consulting firm, SAP consultants can also work as freelancers.
How to become a consultant?
The role of an SAP consultant is primarily technical; hence, they must have at least a 2-year post-secondary degree in computer science. Suitable qualifications include a BTS SIO (IT services for organizations), a BTS SN (digital systems), or a DUT Informatics.
However, to attain a higher salary, a 3-year to 5-year degree is a significant asset, particularly through an engineering school or a master’s degree in information systems and organization management.
Upon completing their education, recent graduates can immediately start their job search. Some may also refine their specialization to advance their career.
