SAP ERP: Training, Courses and Certification

Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding SAP ERP, its functionalities, benefits, and learning resources, making it a valuable resource for businesses and individuals interested in implementing or studying this powerful enterprise resource planning solution.

Also, find information on various learning pathways for SAP ERP, including SAP's Learning Hub, free courses and podcasts on openSAP.com, online learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and edX, and a list of top SAP ERP courses from the best online providers.

What is SAP ERP? 

SAP ERP is a centralised modular system that securely manages and optimises key operations of an organisation. It acts as the central hub for integrating various departments such as finance, customer service, sales, etc. This kind of integration provides real-time visibility of activities to all departments, allowing transparent communication and reliability. 

Medium- to large-size businesses use SAP ERP across several industries. Think of automotive, industrial, chemical, healthcare, etc. 

Brief History of SAP ERP 

SAP ERP or SAP enterprise resource planning is part of the larger business suite of SAP - the world’s top software publishing company, after IBM and Microsoft. SAP, founded in 1972, created SAP ERP in 2004 under the name SAP ERP Central Component (SAP ECC). It was the first move from the company to move its on-premises ERP solution to a complete web-based application server. This ERP was then called SAP ECC 5.0 and was developed into SAP ECC 6.0 in 2005. 

For mid-size businesses, SAP ERP offers the convenience of using its modules as per their specific requirements, rather than having to invest in the entire suite. This flexibility allows them to tailor their ERP system to their unique needs, whether using it on-premises, in the cloud, or a hybrid mode. 

SAP ERP is now considered a legacy business suite as the company has shifted its focus to the advanced suite SAP S4/HANA, established in 2015. This suite has advanced in-memory capabilities and IoT and AI integrations. The legacy SAP ERP product will be discontinued in 2027 through 2030. 

SAP ERP Core Modules, Functionalities, and Benefits

SAP ERP has two types of modules - technical and functional. 

The functional SAP ERP modules contain the different functions of an organisation. 

1. Financial Accounting and Controlling (SAP FICO)
2. Sales and Distribution (SAP SD)
3. Project System (SAP PS)
4. Material Management (SAP MM)

Likewise, the technical modules include.

1. SAP PI (Process Integration)
2. SAP Solution Manager
3. Advanced Business Application Programming (SAP ABAP)
4. SAP Application Server

SAP ERP, at its foundation, handles financial accounting and controlling aspects such as general ledger, accounts receivable/payable, asset accounting, and profitability analysis. This is in the SAP FICO module. 

The SAP materials management (MM) module oversees procurement, inventory optimisation, vendor management, material requirements planning, and warehouse operations. The sales and distribution functionality manages customer relationships, pricing, order processing, billing, and logistics. 

SAP also offers solutions for human capital management through the HCM module. These include payroll, time management, recruitment, and employee self-service. 

The plant maintenance module, SAP PM, supports preventive/corrective maintenance schedules, equipment management, and service operations. 

Benefits of SAP ERP

Organisations benefit quite a lot from SAP ERP. 

1. Streamlined processes, automation, and improved collaboration lead to significant gains in efficiency and productivity.
2. Automation minimises manual errors, optimizes resource allocation, and potentially reduces operational costs. 
3. Real-time data and insights enable better informed decision-making across all levels of the organisation.
4. A 360-degree view of customers allows for more personalised and responsive customer service experiences.
5. Streamlined processes and automated tasks can help ensure compliance to industry regulations and reporting requirements.
6. By optimising operations and gaining better control over business processes, SAP ERP can give businesses a competitive edge in their respective industries.
7. SAP ERP systems are designed to be scalable, allowing businesses to adapt and grow as their needs evolve.

Example of Implementing SAP ERP Successfully

Nike faced a major supply chain crisis due to a software glitch from a company called i2. This caused big losses and negative publicity for Nike. To recover from this disaster, Nike decided to move away from i2's software and instead use SAP's ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system for managing their supply chain and demand planning.

By switching to SAP ERP, Nike was able to:

1. Simplify how their software systems integrate with each other and with their suppliers.
2. Improve collaboration and coordination with suppliers.
3. Increase operational efficiency in their supply chain processes.

Nike customized SAP's demand planning tools to fit their large product range and different market cycles for products. This combined art (understanding Nike's unique business) with technology.

Additionally, Nike used a "single instance" strategy with SAP ERP across all regions. This allowed better data management and aligned processes worldwide.

While it was challenging and required major investment, Nike's decision to transform their supply chain using SAP ERP paid off. It enabled Nike to position itself for long-term success and maintain a competitive edge in the highly competitive sneaker market after recovering from the i2 software disaster.

How to Learn SAP ERP

You can learn SAP ERP through multiple pathways. 

Check out SAP Learning Hub

SAP itself offers a comprehensive online learning platform called SAP Learning Hub. It provides various learning resources, including self-paced courses, instructor-led training, and learning journeys that combine different formats. 

Also, check out the free courses and podcasts for SAP ERP at openSAP.com. This website has many learning resources. 

Online Learning Platforms 

Popular online learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and edX offer various SAP ERP courses at various price points and difficulty levels. 

At Shiksha Online, you can find all these MOOCs that provide the best SAP ERP courses. These are helpful when you are preparing for certifications such as SAP FICO or similar. 

Check out the best SAP certification courses. 

Top SAP ERP Courses 

Course	Course Provider
SAP for Beginners course | SAP ERP with practice	Udemy
SAP HCM Payroll with ERP 6.0 EHP7	SAP
SAP - SAP ERP Planning and Manufacturing Overview	Koenig Solutions
ERP SAP Course	DUCAT
ERP SAP FICO Course	APTRON

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Following are the most popular SAP ERP courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in SAP ERP.

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Following are the top exams for SAP ERP. Students interested in pursuing a career on SAP ERP, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.