01_05-01-25_SAP Workshop - A Comprehensive Overview Of SAP

Topic covered -

  1. SAP S/4 Hana Basics Workshop
  2. Understanding SAP S/4 HANA Modules
  3. SAP S/4 Hana Modules and Products
  4. End-to-End Customer Requirement Process
  5. End-to-End Process From Customer to Fulfillment
  6. 10-Minute Break During Long Session
  7. Implementing Business Processes in SAP
  8. SAP Project Roles and Responsibilities
  9. SAP Project Types and Internships
  10. Managing Systems in Project Landscape
  11. SAP Products and Cloud Solutions
  12. Transitioning to Consultant Role Discussed


SAP S/4 Hana Basics Workshop


Parminder led a workshop on the basics of SAP S/4 Hana, part of a series of two workshops aimed at preparing participants for SAP modules. The first workshop covered the basics of SAP, including what ERP is, why it's required, and the different ERP software solutions available in the market. The second workshop, scheduled for the following week, would focus on SAP navigation and how to extract data from tables. The workshop was interactive, with participants encouraged to ask questions via chat. The content was designed to be both-sided, with Parminder asking questions to engage participants and keep them focused.


Understanding SAP S/4 HANA Modules


Parminder discussed the evolution of SAP, a German company that started as a software name and became a company name. He emphasized that SAP is not just one solution, but has multiple solutions, including SAP S/4 HANA, which is their latest core product. He also highlighted that SAP S/4 HANA is an in-memory database that allows for faster calculations, making it a game-changer for SAP. Parminder stressed the importance of understanding SAP's core product, SAP S/4 HANA, and its various modules, such as MM, FICO, SD, and PP, which cater to different departments in a company. He also mentioned the importance of understanding the business processes of a company, such as buying, planning, production, storing, and selling, and how SAP can support these processes. Finally, he mentioned the various departments in a company, such as HR, logistics, finance, quality, and customer service, and how SAP can integrate with these departments.


SAP S/4 Hana Modules and Products


Parminder discussed the various modules and products of SAP S/4 Hana, explaining that these modules provide core functionalities for different business functions. He highlighted that while some modules are part of the SAP S/4 Hana product, others are separate products that can be integrated with it. Parminder also clarified the difference between modules and products, stating that modules are part of the SAP S/4 Hana product, while products are separate entities that can be integrated with it. He mentioned that SAP has various products for different functionalities, such as Arriba for sourcing and procurement, Ibp for advanced planning, and Ewm for warehouse management. Parminder also touched on the technical aspects of SAP, mentioning the role of Abap and Basis consultants. He concluded by mentioning that SAP S/4 Hana is a cloud-based product and hinted at discussing its cloud-based nature further.


End-to-End Customer Requirement Process


Parminder discussed the end-to-end process for customer requirements, emphasizing the importance of customer involvement. He outlined the process starting from customer inquiry, which is documented in the system as an inquiry (VA 11). After the inquiry, a quotation (VA 21) is created and sent to the customer, either via email or through output management. If the customer is interested, they provide a purchase order (PO), which is then created in the system as a sales order. Parminder also mentioned that the pre-sales part of the process includes inquiry and quotation, but these may not be necessary for existing customers who frequently purchase from the company. He promised to provide more detailed information on the process in future sessions.


End-to-End Process From Customer to Fulfillment


Parminder discussed the end-to-end process from customer requirement to fulfillment, highlighting the roles of various teams and modules. The process starts with a customer requirement, which leads to a sales order. If there's no stock, the system checks availability and creates a planned order for production. If raw materials are needed, a purchase requisition is created. If the vendor is unknown, a sourcing cycle begins. Once the raw materials are received, they are stored and the production order is created. Manufacturing execution involves confirmation, goods receipt, and goods issue. The finished goods are then shipped to the customer, and an invoice is created. The process also includes procurement to pay and plan to produce, with finance integration at various stages. Parminder also addressed questions about the role of forecasting, the impact of quality checks, and the handling of long lead times and progress payments.


10-Minute Break During Long Session


Parminder announced a 10-minute break during a long session, which had already lasted 90 minutes. He encouraged participants to use the chat for any additional information they needed during the break, assuring that his team would respond promptly. After the break, Parminder planned to continue the discussion.


Implementing Business Processes in SAP


Parminder discussed the process of implementing a business process into SAP, emphasizing the need to understand the process deeply to train end users. He highlighted the importance of setting up master data, such as creating customers, vendors, and products, and configuring enterprise structures. Parminder also mentioned the need for developments, categorized as RICEFW, to fulfill specific business requirements that cannot be achieved through configurations or master data settings. He stressed the importance of understanding these concepts and how to write functional specifications for development. He also mentioned the need for interface connections with other systems and the potential for enhancements or modifications to existing processes. Finally, he mentioned the importance of understanding the lifespan of a development requirement and the role of functional consultants in this process.


SAP Project Roles and Responsibilities


Parminder discussed the roles and responsibilities of different consultants in SAP projects. He explained that end users are those who use the SAP system on a daily basis, while super users or key users are involved in the implementation project and provide first-line support. Consultants are responsible for implementation, support, testing, data, and training. Solution architects define solutions and ensure they are integrated with other modules. Project managers, coordinators, and product owners are also involved. Parminder also discussed the different types of SAP projects, including greenfield implementation, which can last from 9 to 15 months. He shared examples of projects that have taken 4 to 5 years to fully implement. He also mentioned that AI tools are being developed to bridge the gap between business requirements and functional specifications.


SAP Project Types and Internships


Parminder discussed various types of SAP projects, including Greenfield Implementation, Rollout, Conversion, Support, Discovery, Proof of Concept, Testing, and Master Data projects. He explained that a Greenfield Implementation project is the first time SAP is implemented, while a Rollout project involves expanding SAP to new countries. Conversion projects involve transitioning from ECC to S/4 Hana. Support projects involve resolving issues for businesses already using SAP. Discovery projects involve analyzing whether a business wants to implement SAP. Proof of Concept projects involve testing SAP with a sample plant and products. Testing projects involve testing new changes, while Master Data projects involve ensuring correct master data is created in the system. Parminder also mentioned that the next internship batch would start in April. He encouraged participants to explore the bundles and courses offered, including the SAP Job and Mastery course.


Managing Systems in Project Landscape


Parminder discussed the various systems involved in their project landscape, including sandbox, development, quality, and production systems. He emphasized the importance of handling these systems carefully, as they are used by multiple consultants and are subject to certain restrictions. Parminder also explained the process of moving configurations from the development system to the quality and production systems, and the importance of testing in the quality system before moving to production. He mentioned that the course materials, including a 70-hour self-paced course, provide detailed explanations of these processes. Parminder also clarified that sandbox configurations are not transferred to the quality system and that once created, transport request codes cannot be deleted. He encouraged the team to use the sandbox system for testing configurations they are unsure about, but to avoid doing so in the development system.


SAP Products and Cloud Solutions


Parminder discussed the SAP products, particularly SAP S/4HANA, which is primarily used on-premise but also available as a cloud solution. He mentioned that the 2024 version of SAP S/4HANA will be updated in June. Parminder also explained the difference between public and private cloud solutions, stating that the public cloud is a subscription-based solution managed by SAP, while the private cloud is similar to on-premise solutions. He further clarified that the content for the SAP S/4HANA courses is comprehensive, with around 200 hours of training offered. He also addressed questions about the internship program, the Google program, and the suitability of SAP S/4HANA for different career paths.


Transitioning to Consultant Role Discussed


Parminder discussed the roadmap for transitioning from an end user to a consultant, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience through the implementation and support project course. He highlighted the need for a significant effort and commitment, with a potential timeline of 6 months for mastery and 3 months for excellence. Parminder also stressed the importance of internships for gaining practical experience. He addressed various queries, including the pathway for a fresher, the role of internships, and the transition from a PP PP associate consultant to a full Greenfield implementation. He encouraged participants to join the SAP PP PP mastery program and to attend the upcoming workshop on SAP navigation.

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