SAP Implementation Challenges

Typical Implementation Problems: Enterprise Packages or ERP Solutions have come a long way and progressed over the years. Today it is possible to keep track of most transactions in real-time across an entire enterprise.

SAP is a software package that is highly configurable and was developed building on Best Business Practices. Implementing SAP will most likely alter existing business processes for the better, as long as change is accepted. One of the most difficult issues during an SAP implementation is most often the reluctance to change. People become comfortable with the way things have always been done. To put the necessary changes in place a well laid out plan must be established.

Any ERP implementation has its challenges, which range from financial over functional to technical issues. During any implementation, problems can appear at all levels of the project. These can be business problems, financial problems, ERP systems functionality issues as well as conflicts between project team members. Combined these problems can make the management of the project a true nightmare. There for it is important to deal with all problems in a timely manner. Procrastination may lead to a accumulation of problems, which can make resolution almost impossible without any delays in the overall project time-frame.

Anyone who has participated in multiple systems implementations knows that there is no such thing as a typical implementation. Every implementation is different. Every implementation has its unique risks and challenges.

It is important to have a defined project scope. The project scope is necessary to keep the entire project focused on delivering the implementation with its agreed upon functionality. Usually projects start with a scope definition based on business functionality. Organizations usually put together a document specifying its requirements based on its current business model. This document is used to identify the proper ERP Solution. After selecting the ERP Solution of its choice this document is then used as project scope, meaning the attempt is made to make the ERP Solution to fit the existing business model. Again, here comes the reluctance to change in place.

For any SAP Project, it is recommended and better to define the scope by SAP functionality. SAP has been developed using standard business rules. A SAP implementation may require a change in current business rules in order to adapt easier to SAP and be able to stay as close as possible to the standard. Staying as close as possible to the standard will allow also for easier compatibility with future SAP releases and make any upgrade easier and less costly. Staying with the standard and following SAP project scope will help also to avoid ambiguity within the project team in regards to what SAP functionality is within the scope and what functionality is out of scope.
It may be difficult to manage the scope. During an implementation the implementation team will discover and learn more about the SAP functionality and the business itself, which may make it necessary to change the project scope periodically.

Potential Resource and Management Problems during an SAP Implementation
The following categories are all part of the overall project resources:

• Infrastructure, which entails: Hardware and software components required to run SAP
• Project Teams: The resource "Project Teams", which may consist of internal and external team members who are participating in the SAP implementation project.
• Support Personnel: the employees needed to support SAP during the implementation and after the going-live phase.

Internal resources are usually the so-called key-users that participate in the SAP implementation. A key-user is a employee that is intimately familiar with all business processes and requirements as it pertains to their job function and/or department. Problems may arise if such key-user is selected on seniority or workload within a department rather than on their individual knowledge and familiarity of the various business processes. Since these key-users know the internal business processes as it relates to the current infrastructure but have no or only very little SAP experience, it is imperative that these key-user learn the SAP functionality before start of the project.

Keep in mind that these resources are responsible of how a company transacts business in the future. These key-users must learn the functionality and configuration possibilities in enough detail in order to make intelligent implementation decisions. Key-users usually also train employees and act as first level support within their area of expertise.

There for it is important that the project team is staffed with the right employees.
Many companies today feel that they do not have the internal full-time resources available to participate in the system implementation. Companies that are already operating on a bare minimum staffing, due to downsizing or rightsizing, think that there are just not enough people left within a department to support the day-to-day business and support a SAP roll-out. Here companies have to become creative. It could mean retrain some of the staff that is not actively participating in the roll-out project to take over some of the functions a key-user would not be able to fulfill during the roll-out project participation.

Sometimes it seems those internal resources, that seem to be able to balance the act between their day-to-day work and the SAP roll-out project responsibilities will eventually burn themselves out.
This could be also be a point where careful budget planning can come in handy. Options could include retraining existing staff to take on the responsibilities of the key-users and additional temporary staff could be hired to do some low level work. Using interns to replace key-users could be another option.

External resources are usually skilled consultants that participated already in multiple SAP implementation projects and have the technical knowledge on how to customize the SAP System to the specific requirements. Skilled SAP consultants today come at a premium price. There for the proper management of SAP resources is even more critical in order to receive the most "bang for your buck".

External Resource items to consider should be:

• How many consultants are needed?
• What is their implementation experience?
• What is their industry experience?
• At what time during the various phases of the project, are which resources needed?

Another important factor to consider would be not trying to do all at once, but rather in Phases. Many projects have failed or were bogged down by trying to do too much at once. Often, organizations are so used to, with what they have currently in place that they oversee the fact that some of the current functionality has grown over time and is not a drop-dead requirement to operate the business.
It is imperative to have a fact-finding session, to determine: "What would be the minimum functionality that is needed to operate the business and what could be done in a second or third phase?"

Change Management experts have also determined that organizations change more effectively through multiple cycles of learning (1).

The biggest problem I have so far encountered during any SAP implementation was the lack of management support. It is imperative that a project of this multitude has a sponsor that some sort of influence within the organization. This should usually be an executive team member that has an interest in the success of the project.

Another important governance of any major SAP implementation is the Executive Steering Board. The steering board will have the final saying if significant changes or existing business processes are required or if business impacting process additions have to be implemented.
The steering board or project management board usually consists of high-level executives, representatives of the systems integrator, a quality assurance representative and a change management representative. (2)

For the SAP Implementation to be a success management must understand, support, and eventually direct the new business processes under SAP.

(1) SAP R/3 Implementation Guide: A Managers Guide to Understanding SAP
(2) Keane Whitepapers: Getting it right the first time: 9 Best-Practice Guidelines for a Successful SAP Implementation

Seeking for SAP Business One Cloud, check out Alenu Group.

Overview of Cloud Computing

Although many conversations center around cloud computing, few of the participants can accurately describe basic questions, such as what is cloud computing and what are the benefits? Most people agree that cloud computing will become a vital part of how people do business. But the question is, how? In this three-part series, we will attempt to clear up common misconceptions about what cloud computing is, what it can do, and what it may eventually encompass.

Part One: What Is It?
In its simplest terms, cloud computing can be described as a way to house data and applications in remote central servers that can be accessed and updated by multiple users simultaneously.

Essentially, a standard desktop or laptop computer becomes a portal where users tap into programs or information through the internet. However, the way that users access the information or applications is not quite as simple as logging into a website. The platforms that manage or enable access, as well as the actual application themselves, and the infrastructure required to coordinate all of these elements, form the basic elements of cloud computing.

Google's App Engine is an example of a platform, where users may access the apps through the platform. The apps themselves provide functions or services that are based on data collected from a variety of different sources. Some applications are more specific to industry, such as a sales software suite that tracks the individual calls and progress of a team of roaming representatives who can input their information from a mobile device into a centralized application that displays all information in real time. The fee systems for these services constitute the infrastructure.

Because it is still relatively new, some development companies specialize in one area, while other companies have attempted to build a more cohesive model that offers all three principal components. Most of the money currently made by cloud computing is generated by who pays for the storage/operation fees. Several applications require users to pay for a server which runs all of their software and applications, while others charge users a licensing or subscription fee to use their applications. These licensing fees cover the cost of running the server. Companies benefit from this arrangement principally because off-site dedicated servers are cheaper to maintain and house than in-house versions. Additionally, the hazard of software crashes and subsequent data loss is eliminated by virtue of the enormous operating power of the remote central servers.

With this broad overview in mind, in tomorrow's article we will explore the most common implementations of cloud computing.

Changing to Cloud Computing Singapore, do visit the link. A Search Engine Guru marketing article by Dougles Chan.

Project Management System: Keeping Project Control

A good project management system will have features that are useful. Examples of useful systems include ones that have the capability to bookmark sites. Users who go through a work day using your system will want to bookmark sites, share them with other members of the team, and store passwords directly inside of their work area. This makes it easier to work as opposed to trying to use an external browser to save individual websites. It's quite likely that throughout the day an individual user will want to keep track of sites they go to, since one site could relate to another and so on. Having a bookmark feature just makes it far easier within any individual system to correlate the work spanning from one website to another.

It's also useful for a project management system to have the capability to save other types of data like login information using cache and not log you out during the day. Logging into a system at the beginning of the day is one of those extra annoyances that can both slow people down, and frustrate them. It's possible to become slowed down or frustrated in a severe fashion if a particular user has managed to lose their user login details as well. This is one of those time saving features that can make any system run smoother and give users less of a headache.

Another useful feature for a project management system is privacy controls. Generally when working a project that is synced with all other members of a particular team, every member of the team is able to see all projects. But in cases where more discretion is needed, having privacy controls is useful. Generally privacy controls will allow a user to make a particular project item so that only they are capable of viewing it. In the same vein, a feature that allows for multiple assignments to be assigned to multiple people simultaneously is also useful. This allows for increased organization, and a decreased amount of time spent worrying about it.

A good project management system will also have a feature related to speeding up group work. This feature usually allows for the creation of groups within a general project. That way individual teams can be set to focus on particular parts of an overall goal, which will generally be the overall project. These features involving teams within teams make overseeing the entire project much easier. This is because of the easy methods of organization, and the fact that you can do it yourself rather than delegating the team assignment task to someone else.

Cloud Computing - The Technology Trend

Cloud computing - we have seen it, heard it, and done it. But, do we know what it is? We have been using cloud computing unknowingly through Gmail and Google docs, yet we never thought that these were cloud computing services. The cloud is one such place where all your devices are synched and connected always. In this virtual world, there is no running around to organize your personal or official data. Access anything, any time through cloud computing. Sharing photos, personal data, contact, games, movies, and many more has become simple with one quick click. This and many more is possible with your personal cloud.

Gone are the days when business used to rely on using software models for functioning. The rise in the internet market has urged businesses to opt for better solutions. Businesses are slowly making their way towards cloud computing. Many conglomerates still think that cloud computing is fad and would become history one day. But, they are mistaken, It is the new internet. It took nearly 10 years for internet to capture the entire market, whereas cloud has captured the market within no time. It provides better collaborating solutions to the businesses, and you don't need to be hooked to your computer for this, you can use your mobile device to access your cloud.

Even today, many businesses rely on people to run their complicated and expensive business applications. The amount of work required keeping the hardware or software up and running is a challenging task. There is immense amount of configuration, installation, security, and functioning of apps required. All these efforts and still businesses don't get the same quality in apps that they had thought of. It's high time, think for a while, and you will realize that cloud computing will be the apt solution for this. You don't need expensive staff working on regularly maintaining the hardware or software. Cloud computing lets you relax and with just a click, upgrade your system, pay for what you require, and upgrade or modify with utmost ease.

The business apps in cloud are cheap and keep running for weeks. With your own business cloud, all you need to do is, log in, make changes in your app, and you can start using it whenever you want. Cloud has become a huge phenomenon in the market today. Today, industry giants are running their apps on cloud such as finance, human resource, and business development. The secure and reliable atmosphere of the cloud has made it more feasible for usage. Now, you don't social networking sites for real time updates. Cloud is making all its business apps more mobile and this has made real time updates even easier. No need to juggle your personal and professional life anymore, thanks to cloud computing.

Details on Cloud Computing Singapore, welcome to visit the website. A Search Engine Guru marketing article by Dougles Chan.

SAP B1 - Business One ERP Software System

SAP B1 or SAP Business One software system differs from other SAP products, as it is especially designed for the small and medium sized business organizations (SMB's). The main advantage of this software lies in its low cost and the least time taken for the installation. SAP B1 comprises of the basic modules, and the implementation can be easily achieved, if the business process of an organization matches with the SAP B1 architecture. It may require more time for implementation, due to lots of alterations in the organization.

The Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module is in built in the SAP B1 and does not exist as a separate module as in other ERP products. This software requires Microsoft Outlook to provide the automated marketing feature. Reports are generated with the help of Vision, third party software.

The Financial Management module of SAP B1 is designed to suit other project based companies. It enables unlimited allocation of budgets and generates flexible reports.

This software may cause some problem in the manufacturing module because the features deal only with the MRP. In order to access more benefits from SAP B1, various other manufacturing organizations integrate this software with N'ware. SAP B1 offers more comprehensive distribution module than the manufacturing module featuring group pricing, flexible pricing, warehouse management and multiple price list. But, this software lacks in providing the time period view of the stocks.

The purchasing module of SAP B1 manages the business operations regarding purchase order, managing the contracts to vendors, keeping track of the stocks, returned products and payments of customers. This module also helps users in calculating the price of the imported materials.

For designing reports, SAP B1 uses third party service from Vision software and the Crystal Reports. They help in generating reports related to every business operations including sales and book keeping. The user interface of SAP B1 makes it user friendly, which includes tools with drag and drop features. This software system allows customization, with provision for adding extra fields and tables.

SAP B1 ERP can be easily integrated with other SAP applications, and provides easy up gradation of the software as and when required. This ERP can be run on Microsoft Operating Systems and supports the databases of Microsoft SQL Server and IBM DB2. The price of the software is affordable, especially for the small and medium business organizations. Though the initial cost of installation appears to be low, it may prove to be expensive in the future.

Learn and know about the advantages of Sap Business One Singapore.By Scotts DIGITAL - One of the top marketing firms that specialised in branding your business using SEO marketing.

A Discussion on How to Learn SAP Modules Using Computer-Based Training

How to learn SAP modules is becoming a hot trend in today's down economy. SAP stands for systems, applications, and products, and it is a software which is business-based and that runs on a platform entitled NetWeaver. It functions with data systems and business applications utilized by a profusion of companies on a global scale, and it employs thousands of system analysts.

Becoming a SAP consultant typically requires formal education in computer science or information systems as well as experience in a technical field. Recently, however, computer-based training in the area of SAP has been developed in the quest to fast-track a person's knowledge in the field.

Computer-based SAP software is typically developed by individuals who have worked in the field of SAP itself. These professionals offer their tips for success on CD Roms that can be viewed from the comfort of a person's home.

Computer-based software packages that enhance a technical professional's knowledge of SAP serve a number of purposes. These include but are not limited to providing training modules that delineate specific areas of SAP in detail; providing information on how to become certified in SAP; sharing case studies from the actual field of SAP that students can learn from; making available numerous exams and self-study guides that people can use to test their knowledge of SAP; and much more.

Software packages that instruct on SAP tend to be much less expensive on average than the cost of a SAP training course, which can run into thousands of dollars. Another core benefit of computer-based SAP training is the time factor. Those who market online and CD Rom SAP classes are offering years worth of training on a couple of computer disks. People who have a will to learn SAP can thus save money and time by taking a computer version of the software as opposed to, for example, going for an associate's degree in the field or attending an expensive conference on it.

In conclusion, more and more people are becoming certified in becoming SAP consultants, which can be quite rewarding technically-oriented careers in today's down economy. Many computer-based courses now being offering in SAP cut down on the resources of time and money that people need to invest into a SAP career. 

Please visit here for information related to SAP Singapore.A SEO Branding project by Scotts DIGITAL - One of the top marketing companies that specialised in branding your business using SEO.

What is SAP and What Does SAP Stand For?

SAP is one of the top Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software in the world. SAP is the brainchild of five IBM engineers who broke off from IBM and founded SAP AG in 1992. It drives efficiency and value to the bottom line of large, mid-size and now smaller organizations by redefining how business should be done. SAP solutions deliver real-time visibility across the entire enterprise and are not limited to top management, control engineers or the IT team. It can be used by every individual in the organization. That said, however SAP training courses are a large and important component of the change.

SAP the acronym stands for Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing but SAP the ERP system stands for increased efficiency, streamlining the supply-chain network and overhauling the entire business process of the organization. Companies that adopt SAP can look forward to a total makeover before they are done. The transparency that follows, enables faster information processing and making decisions with ease and no fear of risk. SAP, having evolved for over 3 decades is agile enough to adapt to most industries. SAP is not offered in modules any more but available as various solutions tailored to each industry.

Enterprises must acknowledge that humans are as much a part of the chain and focus their efforts on making their personnel proud stakeholders in their new venture. To leverage SAP functionality SAP training courses are invaluable. SAP courses can help executives, finance managers, accountants, engineers and IT mavens. SAP functionality is truly enterprise wide. If one wants to replace an outdated and inefficient IT architecture, if one wants to implement business process change, if one wants to maintain a competitive advantage in the field, SAP is the answer.

SAP is available today in country specific and industry specific versions in 28 languages at last count. However to get the most out of their SAP investment enterprises must equip their employees with the requisite skill sets. SAP courses can equip them to meet all the challenges of the marketplace: to bring products to market faster, get more out of procurement and eliminate duplication of effort. SAP training courses will ensure that key executives are well prepared to lead change. It will enable employees to have the right skills supported by tools and processes that set them up to succeed. All employees will feel confident of their skills and proud of their contribution to the company. It will help build ownership and boost morale. SAP courses will make sure that employees are prepared to succeed on the first day of the launch.

Taking SAP training courses is an ipso facto guarantee of a well-paid job in the worst economic crunch. SAP courses can jumpstart any career whether as a consultant or an employee. These skills are in great demand. Especially a proven knowledge of SAP applications via SAP training courses and certification can fuel ones career and become a passport to a whole slew of opportunities. In today's competitive market if one can demonstrate mastery in essential business and technological skills, the sky is the limit. The SAP trained can enjoy a definite advantage over their peers.

Learn and Know about the advantages of SAP Singapore.A SEO Branding project by Scotts DIGITAL - One of the top marketing companies that specialised in branding your business using SEO.

Information That'll Help You to Get an SAP Job

SAP System Application and Products in Data Processing (SAP), which was extensively implemented by large-scale industries, can now be seen readily used by small and medium business firms as well. Going by the present market scenario, SAP professionals are high in demand. Before we list down useful tips related to SAP jobs, let us understand SAP.

What is SAP?

SAP is an ERP system. ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. SAP is an integrated system that encompasses various modules, covering all aspects related to business management. SAP rules the market of enterprise applications with over 140,000 installations across the world; it has become a vital part of business community. SAP is used in industries like engineering, automotive, information technology, healthcare and so on.

SAP, being a top ERP software, the career outlook for SAP aspirants is high-flying. SAP jobs are readily available in various sectors. Companies have realized the tremendous potential of SAP programs and have started to invest in the SAP software and professionals. The hike in demand of people with SAP skills is triggered by the company's bounteous products, from customer relationship management tools to administration, liability and compliance solutions.

Some of the SAP modules are listed below -

• SAP FI (Financial Accounting)
• SAP CO (Controlling)
• SAP CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
• SAP EC (Enterprise Controlling)
• SAP HR (Human Resources)
• SAP IM (Investment Management)
• SAP SCM (Supply Chain Management)
• SAP SD (Sales and Distribution)
• SAP EHS (Environment, Health and Safety)
• SAP PLM (Product Lifecycle Management)

Essentials of getting SAP jobs

If you have the necessary skill-set and expertise, there are a large number of SAP jobs waiting for you in the market. There are perpetual changes in every industry and so in order to elevate your chances of success in getting an SAP job, it is really important that you keep your knowledge and skill set updated which will definitely make you most suited candidate.

If you are looking for SAP jobs, below mentioned points can be useful to you-

Evaluate your options

SAP software is available in a wide variety of business areas like sales, finance, information technology, finance, manufacturing, human resources, supply chain, sustainability, asset management, etc. This accounts for a large number of SAP modules for you to select from. Thus, it is important that you analyse your options well and pick one which interests you the most. In this way, you will be able to concentrate on a particular module and further plan how to proceed with it.

SAP Training gives you an edge over your competitors

Now, you have decided upon a module, you can get yourself enrolled in any of the training institutes or even you can join any online programme to gain domain knowledge and hands on training on live projects. These institutes often help you in your placements by preparing you for the interviews or making you apply for various available positions in the market.

Prepare well for the interviews

If you are a fresher, interviews can be real grilling and challenging. However, keep in mind that for entry-level positions, employers do not expect you to be an expert in your work. Get your basics clear and brush up your interview skills before facing the interview. If you are looking for a career progression, then recruiters would expect you to be well versed with the SAP implementation and maintenance.

On a conclusive note, there is no dearth of SAP jobs in the market, given you posses the right attitude and approach to uncover all possible options.

A marketing Project by Scotts DIGITAL - One of the top marketing firms that specialised inbranding your business.

Why Should I Learn SAP B1 HANA?

The commercial software company SAP has developed a faster data processing software called High-Performance Analytic Appliance (HANA). It is a type of software which combines a vast amount of valuable data and develops relevant results for the business at a quick pace. When the volume of data an organization needs to manage increases beyond the scope of traditional data analysis, the HANA software becomes an attractive option to upgrade the company's data processing capabilities. With the emergence of good amount of SAP B1 HANA training providers, it had become pretty easy to implement it. Organizations can quickly implement the system since SAP B1 HANA training can be provided fast and completed in a day or two through various kinds of training packages.

SAP B1 HANA is a powerful replacement for the traditional and time consuming method of data analysis as the combination of powerful memory software and hardware from SAP partners helps to analyze more than one type of data sources swiftly even from larger volumes of data.

With SAP B1 HANA in action, it becomes very easy to manage and analyze large volumes of data quickly and in a cost effective manner. It also decreases the complexity of data management and data manipulation. SAP B1 HANA can increase the profit of an organization which has implemented the system as it makes it so easy to identify the profitable sales opportunities across all their sales related data accurately.

Following are the few notable advantages of SAP B1 HANA:

• With the real time insights in action it makes smaller decisions in no time.

• With its own ability of rapid analysis and reporting it accelerates the key business process.

• It makes fresh business processes and business models by leveraging groundbreaking solutions.

• SAP B1 HANA decreases the total cost of ownership (TCO) as it requires less testing, hardware, and maintenance.

Using SAP B1 HANA, the operational data is captured into the memory while the business functions as usual. This system offers a flexible view which exposes the analytic data at a very high speed. It is possible to add external data to the analytic models to expand the analysis throughout the entire organization.

It is possible for the organizations to instantly research and also examine all of their data (both transactional and analytical) from virtually any data source in real time.
SAP allows for various options for accessing its information. Getting trained to implement SAP to suit the circumstances and requirements on where it is going to be implemented is vitally important for using the system effectively.

SAP B1 HANA training is provided by institutions in a couple of ways. One is the traditional method that is classroom training and certification. The other way to learn these skills is online training which is the most popular way. The traditional classroom training involves live instruction, Virtual live classroom, and then certification. Training through online typically involves E-learning through an online academy paid by a subscription or tuition. The training in SAP B1 HANA benefits people by teaching them to use the system and increasing their employable skills and value to their employers.

SAP Basis Training

The matters of SAP Basis training is congregated under several classifications. In the very first part of the training the learner gets familiarized with the core concepts involved in the BASIS module of SAP. The exposure to SAP R/3 Client, SAP R/3 Architecture and Server Expertise is given. It also includes the subject of different services like database, staging and application services, Moreover the learners are being briefed about the basic errands and tasks of a professional in SAP BASIS.

The online and classroom training for SAP Basis is generally stretched to total of ten days, including certain number of weekend holidays (most often 6 offs). If the entire training course is measured in days, it comes to be a 50+ hour's duration. All this could slightly vary with certain factors, like country of training, institute and kind of training etc.

The other group of topics underlines the core conceptions of OS. For instance, the coaches make plain the SAP R/3 hardware subjects in relation with central processing unit and storage of data. Besides this, diverse schmoozing issues are dealt with in accordance to SAP R/3. While students also come to know about any obtainable SAP R/3 podiums

As the SAP Basis training progresses, the student is taught about the elementary structure of SAP R/3 Application server. The other topics deal with the dialog server and up gradation server. Moreover the outline of organization and work procedure in association with SAP R/3 is also involved here categorically.

The SAP Basis training also place special emphasis on SAP R/3 Administration errands in relation with Client. To be more precise, there student learn how to form a Client, how to drib a Client and create a Client Duplicate for all indigenous, distant and transfer-in and transfer-out purposes.

One of the foremost priorities of SAP Basis training is the learners' complete familiarization with regard to TMS (transport management system). Accordingly, the learner is told about the TMS Domain in general and TMS Domain Controller in particular. Moreover it includes the likes of transport directory, cover, and course. It also has the involvement of computer-generated systems, and also SAP R/3 Warehouse.

Some of the profile and operation methods that are contained in the training are data archiving, winding, startup summary and instance profile, and also the all important admittance method. Also in the course are included multifarious functions in accordance with the memory management and others. The SAP R/3 virtual memory is being precisely hosted here, besides the introduction of buffers, MMS (Memory Management System) and RFC (Remote Function Cell) all in accordance with the SAP R/3. Moreover Dump Analysis and System Record are also included.

The SAP Basis training, as a matter of fact, comes pretty hard at manifold Administrative tasks. In association with it, certain background job are taught as well, with the likes of job description, various phases, supervision, obliterating etc. all in accord of 'Job'

The contents of training could be actually further than this, and shall be provided beforehand at the onset of the SAP Basis training & SAP System.

How to Learn SAP

SAP stands for Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing. It is the world's largest ERM software. SAP was founded in 1972 in Walldorf, Germany. Over the years, it has evolved to become the world's leading provider of client/server business solutions. SAP System is the largest real time business data processing and software application advance system in the world. SAP software provides the ability to handle three major business operations: logistical, financial and human resources. It reduces the amount of time and money that are spent on developing and testing the entire program. It reports for the leading market share and the majority of customers compared to its competitors Microsoft, Oracle and other Enterprise Resource Planning solutions provider. Most organizations utilize the available tools that are provided by SAP.

It is extremely difficult for common users to acquire a detailed understanding of SAP facilities and to learn it quickly. Becoming a SAP expert is one of the best choices in the field of business and information technology. Training for SAP certification involves application, development, and technology knowledge and test completion. There are three levels of SAP certification. These are associate, professional and master certifications. The associate certification covers the basic information about SAP consulting requirement. It includes the complete analysis of skills, information and solutions. In the professional certification, project experience is essential. 

It consists of knowledge in business progression and a deep understanding of SAP solutions. The master level is the most complex certification to complete. Achieving master certification requires proficiency on a specific feature of SAP. It acquires a broad knowledge of SAP and experience in SAP projects. The SAP certification program provides a competitive advantage. SAP certification is the ideal way to evaluate and verify the SAP software skills. It is important in today's competitive marketplace. The person, who obtains SAP certification, proves that he is qualified and efficient in optimizing SAP software to improve the performance of a business organization.

There are many online training programs on internet to learn SAP. Many companies also offer online training of SAP. Anyone who wants to learn about SAP can do it at home any time. There are many online websites that offer SAP courses through e-books and videos that can be easily downloaded. A person has no need to pay for utilities of classroom and teacher's salaries while using such websites. Many organizations are having a hard look at their investments and income they generate. They focus on competition and proven qualification of the people they select to implement and control their SAP applications.

Becoming a SAP specialist is one of the best options anyone can take in his business profession. Most organizations use SAP as their ERP system, because it provides a high level of integration between its individual applications which assure the reliability of data throughout the system and the organization. Internet is one of the most powerful tools to get information about online learning of SAP according to a person's budget and interest.

Reporting And Business Intelligence Solution For Microsoft Dynamics AX Without A Data Warehouse?

Business Intelligence and Reporting Solutions for ERP systems like Dynamics AX or any other ERP system in the market should be powered by a true data warehouse and ETL tool which enables you to build OLAP cubes without technical expertise.

I know, ERP vendors and also BIA(Business Intelligence Analytics) vendors tell you otherwise and proclaim they would give you self-service Business Intelligence without a data warehouse.

This could end in a costly and time-consuming exercise for you, as you need highly experienced technical consultants as soon you want to apply any changes or additions to these so-called "out of the box" solutions, which are directly linked to the ERP application. In many cases, it will cost you more to integrate an additional data source into your BI solution than the initial cost of the set-up of the out of box solution. It will end in a lot of frustration of your business end-users, because what they get "out of the box" is not what they really need.

There is a new trend in the Business Intelligence market, particularly for Microsoft based ERP and CRM applications: start with a front-end agnostic data warehouse and cube building tool and use Microsoft tools like Excel, Reporting Services and SharePoint to begin with your Business Intelligence Solution.

I hear you saying now, but it does cost a lot of money and takes a lot of time to build a data warehouse and OLAP cubes. That's not true anymore. Data Warehouse solution providers, particularly some who work with Microsoft SQL-Server, are beginning to offer drag and drop user interfaces to build a data warehouse without writing any SQL code. Just make sure, that the product you choose also offers the option to programmatically build the OLAP cubes as well with no technical expertise necessary.

There is little question that a functional business intelligence system can help your organization understand performance, identify trends and make strategic decisions to drive the organization forward. However, critical information is often isolated in a variety data sources, e.g. disparate spreadsheets, ERP system(s), POS, Planning and Forecast systems, HR systems and many more. The larger and more dispersed an organization and its information, the more analytics support it generally needs. But also smaller and mid size companies are facing similar challenges. Therefore, a data warehouse which combines data from various sources is the vital element for a successful business intelligence and reporting solution.

Take a closer look at one of the leading tools to build a data warehouse and OLAP cubes for Microsoft Dynamics AX and any other ERP system in the market, timeXtender with its HQ in Denmark and selling globally through channel partners. It allows you to build a data warehouse and OLAP cubes in a matter of hours, no coding necessary, just use the drag and drop user-interface. It is based on SQL-Server and is an open tool which satisfies the non-technical users and highly experienced SQL Server programmers alike.

Getting to Know Business Intelligence

In this information age, there are a lot of terms that have come out of late that many people are still struggling to understand. Some of these terms are thrown around a lot and are sometimes misused. Of course, we can't blame others for misusing some terms, as some of them can be technical jargons that only a small percentage of people on the planet know about.

One of the IT-related terms that has surfaced (or perhaps even re-surfaced) is the term Business Intelligence. But what exactly is it?

Defining Business Intelligence

To some people, mentioning the word 'intelligence' can easily bring to mind secret information about a person or an organization. Business Intelligence actually refers to a set of theories, methodologies and technologies that transform raw data into information that can be meaningful and useful to a business in terms of its strategic planning. It represents tools and systems that make it possible for a company to gather, store, and analyse data to help them in their decision-making.

What It Covers

Business Intelligence and data warehousing encompass quite a broad spectrum, from profiling customers to making excellent use of gathered data to provide better customer service, among many others.

Many companies collect data through various ways throughout their operations. Certainly, the data collected is not just there to fill out a database. It is carefully analyzed so it can yield useful information that can help a business in deciding what step or steps to take so they can better serve their clients and/or market their products or services more effectively.

Gathering and Keeping Track of Information

The information a company gathers has to be collected in the quickest and most efficient fashion. This is why a business would need a wide range of software programs not only in collecting and keeping track of information but making sense of it. After all, tons of information won't amount to anything if they're not utilized, and utilized properly.

Point Person/s

To collect, keep track and make sense of data, a person or a team is assigned for these important tasks. In the IT field, these people have come to be known as Business Intelligence Analysts. They require technical, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills for them to be effective and efficient in what they do. It is has been forecasted that the demand for these IT professionals will increase in the coming years.

If you think you have the qualifications of a Business Intelligence Analyst, go ahead and go for this job and be one of the key players in the scheme of things in the organization you'll be joining.

A SEO Branding project by Scotts DIGITAL - One of the top marketing companies that specialised in branding your business using SEO.

Business Intelligence - Wide Array of Applications and Technologies

Business intelligence and Analytics refers to a widespread category of technologies and applications for the purpose of accruing, stocking up, evaluating, and accessing vital data for improved business processes. The applications of Business Intelligence encompass diverse activities such as decision support systems, reporting and query, online analytical processing, data mining, statistical analysis, forecasting, benchmarking, and text mining.

The types of applications are an integral part of operations for an organization in order to make them mission oriented. They are basically user oriented and are initiated centrally. This innovative technology provides insight and understanding into current, historical, and futuristic aspects of one or many business operations.

These system are sometimes also referred to as 'decision support system' because of its ability to facilitate deft decision-making. Highlighting the basic difference between Business Intelligence and competitive intelligence, although they both sustain decision making, it can be said that Business Intelligence is about using technologies, applications & processes while competitive intelligence pertains to assembling, analyzing and dissemination of information.

Here are mentioned some of the common tools of Business Intelligence that are relevant for their implementation -

Excel - This is a common and the most widely used tool.

It is very cost friendly and can be used even by a novice in a simple and hassle free manner. Another reason of its popularity is its user friendliness. It is best utilized for financial business processes and for keeping track of goals and targets.

OLAP Tool - This tool is primarily used at advanced level. This tool enables users to make comparative analysis between various dimensions of data and database.

Data-mining tool - This tool finds its application where some correlation needs to be found and established between multiple factors.

Benefits of Business Intelligence Tools 

• Leveraging of an organization's operational data to have a competitive edge over competitors.
• Increase in sales with the help of factual Business Intelligence tools.
• Accruing lucrative profits by means of aiming towards profitable processes.
• Building a better customer relation and retaining them life long
.
• Better accuracy of sales' prediction and timely deliverance of products and services.
• Achieving the desired budget level.
• Reduction of low yielding business activities pertaining to sales and production.
• Deploying better promotional and advertising campaigns.
• Predicting prospective behavior of clients and customers.

These are some of the primary benefits of Business Intelligence that provide considerable leverage business and its various processes. They can be certainly applied to carve a deeper niche for your business in the market, amongst other contemporaries.

If you would like to learn more about Business Intelligence And Analytics, please click here.

7 Cloud Computing Stocks You Should Own

You have seen those commercials on television, in which families are graphically improving family photos and using cloud computing to extract saved photos and photo software to do the task. You have been wondering what cloud computing is. It is as simple as electricity flowing through the lines to your home, and in fact can be viewed as a utility in a sense. Large internet companies are increasing their cyber capacities to allow individuals and businesses to tap into their resources for computer tasks that would ordinarily take up the limited space on computer hard drives and memory banks. Essentially, when you "go to the cloud" you are invisibly accessing these cyberspace storage, software and files to use for your daily computing tasks. These cloud resources are not housed in your own computer, but are out there, "in the clouds". You are charged only for the use you make of this cloud, just as you are charged for the electricity you use. It is a cost effective way to have access to software and programs that if purchased and installed on your computer would be a very high cost.

The seven major companies that are now expanding their cloud computing include F5 Network, SalesForce.com, VMware, Google, Amazon, Oracle and Microsoft. These seven companies are targeting growth in the cloud computing arena now. They are making deals with one another, and with smaller companies, that will boost cloud capacity and availability to all levels of society. Such a drive for growth means that the share prices of these companies will grow tremendously. In short, these companies are assuming the nature of utility companies, selling cloud computing resources.

F5 Networks has released its ARX Cloud Extender, along with the ARX Virtual Edition and Open Storage Management which is called API iControl. These features will make it possible for cloud users to have extended and accelerated automatic file storage with anytime access to program resources. F5 Networks is but one of many cloud computing stocks to invest in for rapidly rising gains.

A second company in the cloud computing stocks world is Salesforce. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff had a light bulb moment some time ago when he realized that buying pricey software to install on family and business computers was not the best way to provide for computing needs. Instead, he envisioned giving access to the software resources of large internet companies so that the costs of software would no longer be necessary. Instead, the programs would be available in the "cloud", or cyberspace of the large companies such as Salesforce, and could be tapped into with no interruptions and invisible connectivity that would be on a pay for use basis. Salesforce got the jump on Microsoft and Google in this cloud concept and is now realizing share price gains that are greater than that seen even by Google. In the world of cloud computing stocks, Salesforce is indeed a powerful force.

Yet another contender for gains in the realm of cloud computing stocks is VMware. VMware presented its Virtual Data Center Operating System, "VDC-OS" in early 2009, via increased computer banks linked in a network that lets computer users hook into their software and storage resources instead of paying for hard drive installed programs. Tod Nielsen, VMware's CEO, has created what he calls an ecosystem of storage and software functionality for users to access. The company's 2009 performance outshone the broader market.

Google, Amazon, Oracle, and Microsoft are not about to let F5 Network, Salesforce, and VMware keep an edge in the cloud computing world. As share prices of these upstarts have soared, Google and Microsoft just finalized cloud computing deals with the General Services Administration and the Department of Agriculture, respectively. These two agreements will allow all the employees of these two governmental agencies to use the clouds created by Google and Microsoft. With such new contracts, investors can expect to see the shares of these companies climb in the coming years. Amazon and Oracle are cloud players not to be left behind: Amazon has launched its Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Oracle has teamed with Amazon to infuse its software resources into Amazon's cloud. With continued associations like this, these seven companies filling the sky with clouds will rain down profits for investors in cloud computing stocks.

Please click here for Cloud Computing Singapore.

Cloud Computing Trends

The Sky is the Limit

The sky is indeed the limit. Most technology firms, expert analysts and even the highly successful enterprises of today will probably agree that the future is in the clouds. Thanks to cloud computing, flying in Cloud 9 isn't that hard to achieve nowadays. Although the definition of cloud computing is constantly evolving, probably due to its growing demand and usage over the past years, the subject still arouses the interest of many businesses - a huge factor in catapulting the technology into a global trend that it is today. Cloud computing Singapore isn't really something new. In fact, cloud computing has been around for years, being used by companies such as IBM, Microsoft and Oracle privately within their own business model. But now that the technology has grown larger than life, it's turning out to be the primary direction that almost everyone is taking on.

The Future has Arrived

In spite of Larry Ellison's criticism in 2010 that cloud computing is just a fad and that the technology, according to the Oracle CEO, will soon share the same fate of SOAs and EDIs, IDC Research Director Dan Yachi counteracted by saying, "Cloud computing is more than just buzz. It is here to stay and is expected to take increasing shares of total IT spending worldwide. From a VC perspective, the even better news is that cloud computing is still far from maturity. There are many technology gaps that are not yet filled, especially in the areas of cloud enablement, management, monitoring, and security. In particular, VCs can find investment opportunities in start-up companies that develop solutions for hybrid cloud, which is expected to experience increased demand over the coming years." Indeed, the future is here!

Cloud Computing Defined

Taking it to the cloud has a lot of advantages. It's all simple. Cloud computing minimizes cost by transferring the resources of each client into an infrastructure capable of storing insurmountable amounts of data via WAN or the WWW. Truth be told, for an enterprise to compete with the rest nowadays, it is no longer a question whether or not to use a certain type of cloud service, for that would mean utter extinction. The question right now is - what kind of cloud service will a particular business use? Currently, cloud computing technology has the following different types of deployment models: public cloud, community cloud, hybrid cloud, combined cloud and private cloud. New models may emerge in the following years, but every single type usually has the following layers:

• Provider - Company proving cloud service. Example: Rackspace, Salesforce, etc.
• Client - Devices or software that will interact with the cloud service. Example: PC, mobile devices, etc.
• Application - Eliminates installation in physical devices. Example: SaaS (Software as a Service)
• Platform - Delivers a set of software subsystems platform. Example: PaaS (Platform as a Service)
• Infrastructure - Infrastructure services that renders a virtual environment as a service rather than buying servers and software. Example: IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
• Server - Composed of hardware and software products that include processors, operating systems and other offers.

Cloud Computing Trends

Now that the era of cloud computing has arrived, various milestones are happening everywhere and giant companies are more than willing to take advantage of being high in the clouds. Come to think of it, the survey shows that more than 50 percent of organizations and businesses have taken advantage of cloud computing and according to Gartner research firm, the growth will increase by 17 percent per annum. So Larry Ellison was wrong after all. On the contrary, Apple CEO Steve Jobs seems to have smelled the right opportunity when he led his company in releasing the iCloud storage service for iOS devices, in spite of some patent issues surrounding the name. To summarize our observations, we bring to you the following cloud computing trends:

1. It's the new business model - There's no doubt that cloud computing is the new business model for today's enterprise. CIOs and IT execs are now hustling in spotting the perfect cloud service for their company. The U.S. Department of Agriculture for example, jumped for the cloud when it chose Microsoft as its cloud services provider. When U.S. President Barack Obama instituted the "cloud-first" policy that required the federal agencies to submit some of their vital services to the cloud, it is as if the fate of cloud computing has been sealed.


2. It's more improved and even getting better - Cloud computing might have some security issues in the past but it doesn't mean that it will remain poor forever. It has been reported last year that nearly 51% percent of companies are fearful and hesitant in moving over to the cloud due to security concerns. But this year is totally different. Newer systems have emerged including complex layers and architecture in the various models thus providing greater reliability and security for its clients. But what most people don't realize is that the main advantage of cloud computing lies in its fast recovery rate with a minimal costing when disaster strikes compared to the standard hardware-dependent disaster solutions that most IT departments have.


3. Its timing is perfect - Considering today's fierce competition, it's really hard to stand out. What we need is a new solution to a complex problem. Cloud computing seems to be the perfect conduit to face the challenges ahead. With newer trends emerging particularly in the mobile realm, cloud computing has arrived just in time to meet the demands. CSPs including Verizon and Orange have joined the game, as well as Comcast and Charter with their various partnerships with Sharepoint and Exchange. Smaller businesses without IT departments are also seeing greener pastures with pay-as-you-go Cloud services. It's really faster and more cost efficient for them. Joshua Beil, Director of Market Strategy and Research for Parallels, has an even more interesting description about the cloud computing trend. Citing his predictions on the technology, Joshua said that the trend has shifted into an eat-all-you-can model just like the standard unlimited long distance service offers. But as to the question when will the trend stop, it's really hard to answer because the cloud is just starting.

All About Logistics and Supply Chain Management Training

One does not need an introduction to understand the importance of logistics and allied sectors. The completion of sales contact through various logistics services is more than enough to make its value recognized. For a buyer more than the promises made to him what matters is that the goods are transported at the right place on right time. The timely deliver and uninterrupted procedure is enough to describe the potential and worth of the seller.

For delivering such quality service it is very essential to know the industry norms and requirements by undergoing a professional logistics course. Though there are a lot many options available online in this particular field however, to do the right kind of course from a reputed college is obligatory. Among all, MBA in logistic management offers you the knowledge and skills required to understand the role and requirement of this company.

If you are keen to pursue a Career in Supply Chain Management or logistics for that matter then you can try your hands either in post graduate course in this field in specific area or can even do a general course for logistics. You may even try and join a transportation company and then look for executive courses for specific areas that interest you the most. Joining a Supply Chain Management Training is not that difficult but, what and where you join matters a lot.

If we take an in depth look at the career prospects in this very field, the number of opportunities is immense. In fact, one can write their own destiny being in this field. Starting from the basis of customer satisfaction to operating and managing the entire process, this field has a wide range of career prospects.

Given below are few basic roles that you may pursue after having your Supply Chain Management training:

• Manufacturing
• Retailing
• Logistics service suppliers
• Operational management

An effective logistics and supply chain service can bring in a company as well as to the concerned executives to great level of success. If you still want to know why logistics stands so high in the market then go through the following pointers.

• It increases the transportation cost.
• Raises the production competence.
• Growth of retailing sector along with the main stream services
• Product line reproduced
• Reducing economic parameters

An eligible course for Supply Chain Management Training or logistics makes it all the more easy and convenient for the concerned person to perform their responsibility proficiently. Thus, it is really essential to pursue a suitable courses may a post graduate or MBA in logistic management can do wonders to your career in this industry.

Know more about What is Supply Chain Management. A marketing Project by Scotts DIGITAL - One of the top marketing firms that specialised in branding your business.