Functional vs.
\nTechnical roles<\/strong><\/h2>\nJust as with ECC6, there are two main categories of S\/4HANA roles: functional and technical. However, these two categories often overlap with one another, and the best specialists have a combination of the two. <\/p>\n
Then, functional roles essentially serve as the link between business and solution development, helping organisations design and implement S\/4HANA environments. These profiles combine a sound technical understanding of SAP\u2019s ERP suite with domain expertise \u2013 having knowledge of, for example, finance or HR. They also possess strong communication and leadership capabilities. Therefore, a functional expert has a strong business background and a very good understanding of business flows and processes. Thus, that leads them to be responsible for customising the ecosystem after the implementation of new flows or after an evolution in the core model. <\/p>\n
<\/div>\nOn the other hand, technical roles, as the name suggests, have more to do with the development (coding), monitoring and running of S\/4HANA applications. Their main strength is in IT, and less so in industry knowledge or interpersonal skills. However, that doesn\u2019t mean technical profiles don\u2019t need to be competent in these areas \u2013 soft skills are becoming more and more crucial<\/strong><\/a> for IT professionals.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n<\/div>\nFunctional roles<\/strong><\/h2>\nSpecialists in functional S\/4HANA roles come from a technical background or are at least well-versed in the technical requirements and capabilities of S\/4HANA. Then, domain or industry expertise is a must, as they must have a good grasp of all those non-IT-related concepts to design efficient solutions. <\/p>\n
Moreover, a great part of the functional specialist\u2019s job is coordinating with business leaders, end-users and all the other roles involved in the SAP project. Consequently, they also must be good communicators and have well-developed project management and organisational skills.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
Also, the specific role within the team mostly depends on the depth of focus and level of seniority. The main functional roles include:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n
Business Analyst<\/span><\/h3>\nFirstly, SAP Business Analysts are responsible for assessing and defining the business case driving S\/4HANA implementation. These professionals understand the ins and outs of SAP\u2019s platform, leveraging great business and industry acumen to identify what ERP solutions can be applied to optimise company operations. They also help train end-users in the use of the platform. <\/p>\n
They
\noften come from a business background or have extensive experience in the
\nspecific industry and practice (e.g. Finance or manufacturing), a skillset they
\ncomplement with S\/4 training and know-how. Others started in IT and have later
\ngarnered valuable business and consultancy expertise.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n
Application \/ Module expert<\/span><\/h3>\nThese are very focused business analysts or more
\ntechnical profiles specialised in a particular S\/4HANA module (e.g. Finance,
\nSales). These subject matter experts can provide advice and implement SAP
\ncomponents or oversee their day-to-day operations — or both. It is a must for
\nmodule experts to be proficient in the area of business to which their module
\nrelates.<\/p>\n
A good example of an SAP application expert is the SAP FI\/CO consultant or analyst<\/strong><\/a>. These professionals are specialists in de Finance and Controlling modules, expertise which they combine with financial wisdom to help companies produce reports and streamline operational costs.\u00a0 <\/p>\nSolution Architect <\/span><\/h3>\nAs their title suggests, solution architects are the ones designing the S\/4HANA environment based on the company’s business needs. They also have a big-picture mentality, which they mix with a deep understanding of SAP tools and other software and hardware tools to devise custom-made ERP systems. <\/p>\n
In addition, architects need to be good at communicating their vision and collaborating across the many teams involved in a project, both in technical roles and in more business-related areas. <\/p>\n
Project Manager<\/span><\/h3>\nSomewhat the least technical role of them all,
\nthe project manager coordinates the full life-cycle implementation and
\nconfiguration of S\/4HANA projects. Think of them as a sports team coach. The
\nproject manager keeps track of project goals and progress while ensuring that
\nevery moving part is on the same page. <\/p>\n
Moreover, these are individuals with strong leadership and communication skills and that have a knack for problem-solving. They possess a good understanding of the S\/4HANA platform and its different modules. In fact, SAP project managers usually have a business background as well as expertise in core modules (e.g. Supply Chain or Finance). Under today\u2019s continuous improvement and delivery (CI\/CD) paradigm, project managers must also be proficient in Agile development methodologies.<\/p>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nTechnical roles<\/strong><\/h2>\nThese are the developers and specialists
\nresponsible for delivering and maintaining the SAP solutions as designed by the
\nfunctional half of the team. Technical specialists are also often involved in
\nthe design phase of a project and can help advice on capabilities or ways of
\napproaching a problem. The best specialists in technical positions tend to have
\ngood business and domain knowledge and are able to put themselves in the shoes
\nof the functional specialist. <\/p>\n
Technical S\/4HANA roles include:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n
ABAP Developer<\/span><\/h3>\nCreates, tests and implements S\/4HANA solutions using SAP’s proprietary ABAP language. These are SAP\u2019s hardcore coders, in charge of the platform\u2019s back end and making the application work. They also are, of course, great coders, and they need to possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. <\/p>\n
The best ABAP developers combine mastery of
\nS\/4HANA modules with great creativity to deliver efficient and lean software
\nsolutions. They are also fluent in DevOps and Agile development methodologies
\nand work well in CI\/CD product cycles.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
SAP Fiori Developer<\/span><\/h3>\nThey are the front-end counterpart of ABAP
\ndevelopers. SAP Fiori is SAP\u2019s advanced user experience (UX) engine. Fiori
\ndevelopers work together with their ABAP piers to develop the visual interface
\nof S\/4HANA applications. <\/p>\n
In addition, these technical professionals are good coders, but they also possess skills in end-user-related areas like psychology <\/p>\n
SAP Basis Administrator<\/span><\/h3>\nThe equivalent of a System Administrator in other platforms, SAP Basis administrators configure and ensure the correct performance and the reliability of the whole S\/4 environment. They also have a mix of technical and interpersonal capabilities and do a lot of landscape management and monitoring. <\/p>\n
Basis administrators have a deep understanding of the S\/4HANA ecosystem and its different modules, but they are also knowledgeable in ABAP, Linux and Java. They also have good collaboration skills, as they need to coordinate with technical colleagues and end-users to keep the system in perfect shape.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
Security Analyst<\/span><\/h3>\nMoreover, administers and monitors security roles and authorization profiles for S\/4 systems. Security analysts can be also considered a more focused version of a basis administrator, combining deep technical knowledge of the SAP environment with a focus on security. <\/p>\n
Security analysts are proficient in SAP’s
\nrole-based security concepts and Profile Generator. They also need to be able
\nto speak to infrastructure-level security concerns to other, less technical
\nroles within the IT team or business managers. <\/p>\n
Data analyst<\/span><\/h3>\nLastly, these professionals leverage business intelligence and data management to produce insights that help inform business decisions. They are also experts in data engineering and databases, able to create high and low-level data product designs based on business and technology requirements. Moreover, data analysts are experts in SAP HANA in-memory database, and they need fluency in Agile methodologies to be able to collaborate effectively with the rest of the technical team. Additionally, the best data analysts possess good business and domain acumen, which lets them reach deeper and more actionable insights and better communicate with their business peers. <\/p>\n
<\/div>\nWant to make the most of S\/4HANA’s career potential? Also Check our comprehensive S\/4HANA Careers Guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFind your next assignment on our freelance and permanent IT recruitment platform, or\u00a0join Mindquest<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0so you don\u2019t miss out on any job opportunity!<\/p>\n
On the other hand, technical roles, as the name suggests, have more to do with the development (coding), monitoring and running of S\/4HANA applications. Their main strength is in IT, and less so in industry knowledge or interpersonal skills. However, that doesn\u2019t mean technical profiles don\u2019t need to be competent in these areas \u2013 soft skills are becoming more and more crucial<\/strong><\/a> for IT professionals.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n Specialists in functional S\/4HANA roles come from a technical background or are at least well-versed in the technical requirements and capabilities of S\/4HANA. Then, domain or industry expertise is a must, as they must have a good grasp of all those non-IT-related concepts to design efficient solutions. <\/p>\n Moreover, a great part of the functional specialist\u2019s job is coordinating with business leaders, end-users and all the other roles involved in the SAP project. Consequently, they also must be good communicators and have well-developed project management and organisational skills.\u00a0 <\/p>\n Also, the specific role within the team mostly depends on the depth of focus and level of seniority. The main functional roles include:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n Firstly, SAP Business Analysts are responsible for assessing and defining the business case driving S\/4HANA implementation. These professionals understand the ins and outs of SAP\u2019s platform, leveraging great business and industry acumen to identify what ERP solutions can be applied to optimise company operations. They also help train end-users in the use of the platform. <\/p>\n They These are very focused business analysts or more A good example of an SAP application expert is the SAP FI\/CO consultant or analyst<\/strong><\/a>. These professionals are specialists in de Finance and Controlling modules, expertise which they combine with financial wisdom to help companies produce reports and streamline operational costs.\u00a0 <\/p>\n As their title suggests, solution architects are the ones designing the S\/4HANA environment based on the company’s business needs. They also have a big-picture mentality, which they mix with a deep understanding of SAP tools and other software and hardware tools to devise custom-made ERP systems. <\/p>\n In addition, architects need to be good at communicating their vision and collaborating across the many teams involved in a project, both in technical roles and in more business-related areas. <\/p>\n Somewhat the least technical role of them all, Moreover, these are individuals with strong leadership and communication skills and that have a knack for problem-solving. They possess a good understanding of the S\/4HANA platform and its different modules. In fact, SAP project managers usually have a business background as well as expertise in core modules (e.g. Supply Chain or Finance). Under today\u2019s continuous improvement and delivery (CI\/CD) paradigm, project managers must also be proficient in Agile development methodologies.<\/p>\n These are the developers and specialists Technical S\/4HANA roles include:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n Creates, tests and implements S\/4HANA solutions using SAP’s proprietary ABAP language. These are SAP\u2019s hardcore coders, in charge of the platform\u2019s back end and making the application work. They also are, of course, great coders, and they need to possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. <\/p>\n The best ABAP developers combine mastery of They are the front-end counterpart of ABAP In addition, these technical professionals are good coders, but they also possess skills in end-user-related areas like psychology <\/p>\n The equivalent of a System Administrator in other platforms, SAP Basis administrators configure and ensure the correct performance and the reliability of the whole S\/4 environment. They also have a mix of technical and interpersonal capabilities and do a lot of landscape management and monitoring. <\/p>\n Basis administrators have a deep understanding of the S\/4HANA ecosystem and its different modules, but they are also knowledgeable in ABAP, Linux and Java. They also have good collaboration skills, as they need to coordinate with technical colleagues and end-users to keep the system in perfect shape.\u00a0 <\/p>\n Moreover, administers and monitors security roles and authorization profiles for S\/4 systems. Security analysts can be also considered a more focused version of a basis administrator, combining deep technical knowledge of the SAP environment with a focus on security. <\/p>\n Security analysts are proficient in SAP’s Lastly, these professionals leverage business intelligence and data management to produce insights that help inform business decisions. They are also experts in data engineering and databases, able to create high and low-level data product designs based on business and technology requirements. Moreover, data analysts are experts in SAP HANA in-memory database, and they need fluency in Agile methodologies to be able to collaborate effectively with the rest of the technical team. Additionally, the best data analysts possess good business and domain acumen, which lets them reach deeper and more actionable insights and better communicate with their business peers. <\/p>\n Want to make the most of S\/4HANA’s career potential? Also Check our comprehensive S\/4HANA Careers Guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Find your next assignment on our freelance and permanent IT recruitment platform, or\u00a0join Mindquest<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0so you don\u2019t miss out on any job opportunity!<\/p>\nFunctional roles<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Business Analyst<\/span><\/h3>\n
\noften come from a business background or have extensive experience in the
\nspecific industry and practice (e.g. Finance or manufacturing), a skillset they
\ncomplement with S\/4 training and know-how. Others started in IT and have later
\ngarnered valuable business and consultancy expertise.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\nApplication \/ Module expert<\/span><\/h3>\n
\ntechnical profiles specialised in a particular S\/4HANA module (e.g. Finance,
\nSales). These subject matter experts can provide advice and implement SAP
\ncomponents or oversee their day-to-day operations — or both. It is a must for
\nmodule experts to be proficient in the area of business to which their module
\nrelates.<\/p>\nSolution Architect <\/span><\/h3>\n
Project Manager<\/span><\/h3>\n
\nthe project manager coordinates the full life-cycle implementation and
\nconfiguration of S\/4HANA projects. Think of them as a sports team coach. The
\nproject manager keeps track of project goals and progress while ensuring that
\nevery moving part is on the same page. <\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nTechnical roles<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nresponsible for delivering and maintaining the SAP solutions as designed by the
\nfunctional half of the team. Technical specialists are also often involved in
\nthe design phase of a project and can help advice on capabilities or ways of
\napproaching a problem. The best specialists in technical positions tend to have
\ngood business and domain knowledge and are able to put themselves in the shoes
\nof the functional specialist. <\/p>\nABAP Developer<\/span><\/h3>\n
\nS\/4HANA modules with great creativity to deliver efficient and lean software
\nsolutions. They are also fluent in DevOps and Agile development methodologies
\nand work well in CI\/CD product cycles.\u00a0 <\/p>\nSAP Fiori Developer<\/span><\/h3>\n
\ndevelopers. SAP Fiori is SAP\u2019s advanced user experience (UX) engine. Fiori
\ndevelopers work together with their ABAP piers to develop the visual interface
\nof S\/4HANA applications. <\/p>\nSAP Basis Administrator<\/span><\/h3>\n
Security Analyst<\/span><\/h3>\n
\nrole-based security concepts and Profile Generator. They also need to be able
\nto speak to infrastructure-level security concerns to other, less technical
\nroles within the IT team or business managers. <\/p>\nData analyst<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n