Both technical and functional jobs are created when a company plans to SAP implementation or when a company maintains already implemented system.

Following roles come into play in a new SAP implementation and in an environment where SAP is already implemented:

• Super Users
• Functional and Technical Analysts
• System Administrator
• Programmers
• Project Managers

In any SAP environment, a gap has to be bridged between business requirements and business processes. When a company undergo SAP implementation, it needs personnel who can champion business solution for their team. These are called super users. Super users have little bit of IT knowledge as well. They have the ability to bring along those as well who are challenged by new technology. Super users are the first one to get training on SAP software. They work closely with SAP functional consultants. This makes easy for super users to gain SAP knowledge.

Analysts could be divided into two types: functional and technical. Analysts are also referred to as consultants. Functional analysts are also called configuration leads, business analysts; business process owners. Technical analysts are also called functional developers or configuration experts.

Both functional and technical analysts role are aligned with a particular SAP module or group of modules. Analysts work with client's business-side counterparts or super users, to implement SAP.

More modules a company will implement, more analysts will be required. Job of a functional analyst is to gain business requirements, by working closely with super users. The functional analyst would then work with technical analyst of that module, to have SAP configured according to the business requirements captured. Analyst’s roles are vital for an SAP implementation. These roles require a person to have excellent coordination expertise.

System Administrator is an expert on Basis module of SAP. This person often takes team lead role or architect role. The person is expected to design overall technical strategy.SAP security also comes under Basis. Person responsible for implementing security works closely with functional team to make sure security is implemented as per business requirements.

SAP programmers are specialized in programming language called ABAP. ABAP stands for: Advanced Business Application Programming. Most of the SAP software is written in ABAP language. ABAP is a C like language. Programmers are also called developers and ABAPers (pronounced as ah-bop-ers).

Besides ABAP, programmers are also expected to know Java, .NET, SAP Business Intelligence, SAP Process Integration, and SAP Enterprise Portal etc.

Programmers mainly come into the picture when customization is needed.

Customization simply means modifying the code such that the functionality of the application fits the business requirement. Software code is only modified if team is unable to achieve the desired results using functional configuration. Programmers are also required when interfaces need to be written. Interfaces connect SAP with external software.

For example if a company is using SAP Financials and Oracle Manufacturing then programmers will write interface so that both business software could communicate with each other.

Project Manager is responsible for managing SAP implementation project or an upgrade project. There is a high demand for project managers specialized in SAP. Demand for project managers is increasing as number of SAP implementations and upgrades are increasing. Upgrades are something that will keep on happening, as new product releases will keep on occurring. Companies have to keep pace with the new releases in order to keep their SAP support valid. SAP AG would not support software if it is too old. Many consulting companies have established Project Management Offices (PMOs) in order to coordinate groups of project managers. You can consider breaking into SAP arena as a project manager. PMP (Project Management Professional) certification from PMI (Project Management Institute) would come handy if you wish to go this route.

You can visit PMI home page at: http://www.pmi.org