Require good suggestion to choose SAP Module - From ABAP to SAP BI/BO or SAP APO?

[Former Member]

Hi All,

First of all I would like to introduce myself to you. I am Varun Siddharth. I have 3.3 years of working experience in SAP. I worked for a manufacturing industry which implemented SAP for their business. 3 years back I had no idea about SAP and it was in the Implementation phase when I joined the organization. I had been trained by the senior SAP consultants in SAP MM, SAP PP, SAP QM, SAP PS etc. I mean not at the configuration end but what the End user has to do. With this training and experience, I learned what exactly happens in SAP ERP among various functional modules. As I started gaining experience, I was very much comfortable with SAP and started getting a chance to work on the configuration front of the above mentioned modules as per the rise of various requirements.

Later on, as days passed by With the suggestion of a senior consultant, I learned SAP ABAP and Webdynpro ABAP. But hardly got a opportunity to work on all the key areas of ABAP as the requirements were very only pertaining to few key areas. So, I dint get much exposure to the core technical aspects of ABAP. Now I got an opportunity in an IT company as an SAP Developer-ABAP. To be frank, I am more comfortable functionally rather than technical. As I had manufacturing domain experience. I gained knowledge on the core business scenarios. There is a saying like " I am jack of few modules but not king of one". With my own interest, I am planning to learn SAP BI with BO.

Based on my experience and exposure to SAP I have. Please guide me as to which SAP module I need to choose.to build up a good career in SAP. I am basically interested in modules like SAP BI/BO where my ABAP skills can be used or how would SAP APO drive my SAP career. Is it best for me?

If I choose SAP BI with BO to learn at this stage i.e; in 2012. Will I end up without much growth for a long run as I hear a lot of SAP HANA over SAP BI.

Please give a nice suggestion. So, that I can be clear on my SAP career. Right now, I am totally confused. Your very much appreciated if you can suggest me some other modules other than what I have mentioned.

Thanks in advance for your valuable inputs.

Best Regards,

Varun Siddharth

[Former Member]

The future is strong in all of the modules you have mentioned, so your questions boils down to "Which is better, chocolate or vanilla?". The answer depends on your personal preference and experience. HANA will not replace BI/BO. SAP is hoping it will replace the Oracle database that currently sits underneath BI/BO, but there will be plenty of customers for decades to come that implement BI/BO without HANA. APO is a bit more of a niche product as compared to BI/BO but the companies that implement APO tend to be much larger. BI/BO projects tend to be shorter than APO projects which might affect your choice if you're planning to be a consultant, but once implemented both tend to be supported for the long haul, so if you're planning to work directly for a company as SAP support, then there is little difference.

In the long run, the product in which you are most interested, most passionate, is the correct choice as that passion will sustain you and you will always be willing to learn more and do more due to your inherent interest. If the market wanes, it is the most experienced and passionate consultants who continue to work at high billing rates. The folks who followed a path because they thought it would bring the most money get burned out and find something else to do.

Hope this helps!

Best regards,

--Tom

[Former Member]

Tom,

Thanks a lot for spending your valuable time and giving a very good informational message. The perfect answer for which I was expecting for. I am very much clear on which module to choose now to build up my SAP career with passion.

Best Regards,

Varun Siddharth

[Former Member]

i was highly curious to know .. what did u choose ??

plz reply even though its an old story .....