As Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) prepare for the complex journey of migrating to SAP’s ERP system, S/4HANA, it’s crucial to understand the skills required to build a capable team. In the ever-evolving landscape of digital transformation, these skills are not only essential for a successful migration but are also increasingly scarce in the market.
There are always skillsets that are hard to get. Depending on the industry, topics such as the General Data Protection Regulation are becoming increasingly acute. For example, expertise in SAP ILM is rarely found on the market and it must be considered that even if you have someone who has mastered a rare skillset, a replacement must be procured as quickly as possible in the event of a prolonged outage.
Here, we present a comprehensive list of the top 10 technical and people skills that are indispensable for a successful SAP consultant in the S/4HANA era.
Technical Skills:
- Comprehensive Knowledge of S/4HANA
Mastering the intricacies of S/4HANA is the foundation of success as an SAP consultant. With a scarcity of experts who possess this knowledge, it’s essential to understand every detail, from Fiori user interfaces to embedded analytics. In a market where these experts are in high demand, this knowledge is your ticket to staying relevant.
- Ability to Leverage SAP HANA’s Capabilities
Harnessing the real-time analytics capabilities of SAP HANA is one of the most sought-after skills. Understanding and effectively utilising these features is becoming increasingly rare. As a SAP consultant, this skill can set you apart in a market where expertise in maximising HANA’s capabilities is highly valued.
- Mapping Business Processes
The ability to map business processes to S/4HANA functions is a rare and valuable skill. The scarcity of experts who can analyse and adapt business processes to fit S/4HANA capabilities makes this a skill that can greatly benefit your team.
- Mastering Project Management
In the dynamic landscape of SAP migration, project management methodologies are crucial. Knowledge of SAP Activate, an agile methodology, is a skill in high demand. As SAP consultants with project management skills become scarcer, mastering Activate can give your team an edge.
- Data Migration and Integration Expertise
Data migration and integration expertise is a skill that is often in short supply. With data migration being a critical part of SAP implementations, a deep understanding of SAP data services and the Migration Cockpit is essential to stand out in the market.
People Skills:
- Problem-solving
Problem-solving is a skill that is always in high demand but often in short supply. As challenges inevitably arise during implementations, the ability to solve them efficiently and creatively is a valuable skill.
- Change Management
Change management is a skill that is often underestimated. As transitions to S/4HANA can be disruptive, the ability to manage these changes effectively is a rare skill. A consultant who excels in this area is a valuable asset in a market where managing transitions smoothly is a growing challenge.
- Effective Communication
Effective communication with a diverse range of stakeholders is essential. In a market where stakeholders expect clear and convincing communication, this skill is increasingly hard to find. The ability to convey benefits and changes clearly and comprehensively is a rare skill.
- Driving and Leading Innovation
As the SAP landscape integrates advancements like AI, RPA, and IoT, the ability to not just adapt but also drive innovation is highly valuable. Being able to propose innovative solutions to your clients makes your team stand out in a market where innovation is a prized commodity.
- Learning and Growth Attitude
In a continuously evolving SAP landscape, a willingness to learn new technologies and updates is a rare quality. Staying updated on the latest advancements like machine learning and RPA in S/4HANA is a skill that sets you apart as a forward-thinking consultant.
Conclusion:
In a market where these skills are becoming increasingly scarce, being a successful SAP consultant in the S/4HANA era demands a blend of hard and soft skills. By assembling a team with these rare qualities, CTOs can guide businesses through their digital transformation journeys, adding immense value and ensuring their place as trusted advisors in this evolving and challenging landscape.
Meet the author: Flamur Ajeti, your SAP Expert.
In the complex world of SAP, experience and expertise are invaluable. Flamur Ajeti is not just a former SAP consultant; he is a seasoned professional with five years of dedicated experience in the SAP Financial Services domain.
Flamur is at the helm of our SAP department here at Venquis, leading with a vision to drive excellence in the field. His deep-rooted knowledge and insights ensure our clients receive nothing short of exceptional service. What sets Flamur apart is his extensive network of SAP experts. His connections in the industry are more than just contacts; they are a gateway to a treasure trove of SAP talent.
Whether your needs are for permanent staff or freelancers, his expertise can seamlessly connect your business with the right professionals. In your quest for top-tier SAP talent, Flamur Ajeti is your go-to partner. Collaborate with Venquis, and empower your business with the SAP experts you need.
