7 Habits of Successful SAP Consultants

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Here are 7 Habits of Successful SAP Consultants taken from several successful consultants

Communication is the Key -

Communication is one attribute that can help you or destroy you. Say if you don't want to do it, communicate first. Saying no does not mean accepting defeat, but preparing better things for the next challenge. The client prefers if you deny at the beginning rather than you doing things in half and refusing at the last minute.

Seldom estimate on the spot -

When you are asked to evaluate the effort needed for a particular task, try not to make an estimate immediately. You can always say that you will get it back and GET BACK. This only gives you more leeway to provide a better solution and helps you plan all possibilities such as downtime, support for pack issues, etc. So even if you have done something similar before, but in other environments, try not to jump the gun but use your experience for the best estimate by not stretching too far.

Where's the email; Keep the Proof -

Developers tend not to like Functional Requirements because they always change. It is important to discuss this with the Business Analysts to document these changes. Don't ask through YM. Even if you combine the update, always use the email to the relevant party to let them know that you have made a change. The point is to document every change in terms of requirements or at least an email. So when the client asks for something, you say 'where is the email?'

Step Back before you Step forward -

Before starting to develop something, always take a step back to think if you can give the same task in a better way - in terms of technology, UI, performance, etc. HTMLB can be replaced by Web Dynpro, Web Dynpro can be replaced by Flash, Is this application easy to maintain, Can you make it scalable. Here are some questions that you need to consider before implementing development.

Try to be aware of all your technological landscape and not just the SAP one. You can try to combine existing technology in your landscape to get the best from each of you. For example, integrating a portal with WebTrends Analytics tool can help get portal usage statistics.

Keep yourself updated -

What sets you apart from others is how much you read. As a consultant, you must be sensitive to SAP developments & maintenance cycles, enhancements, etc. You can do this through forums, blogs and wikis. SAP SDN / SCN is a large community that I think every SAP consultant must be part of that community. Always look at the development of articles to be aware of what might be available in the SAP Portal, although you might not know each part in detail.

You are answerable to your team too -

Not only clients that you have to satisfy, you are also responsible to your team too. Satisfied clients and dissatisfied or vice versa teams are not a good combination. If you, as a leader, want to look good, you need support from a good team too. So, before doing anything, try to see from the perspective of your team on the topic. Don't put too much pressure on them.