Most Asked Questions About SAP: A Complete Guide for Beginners and Professionals
Covered here are SAP fundamentals. Key inquiries related to SAP, its structure, modules, and career options, can be fully addressed in this guide.
What Is SAP?
SAP is a German multinational founded in 1972. It is the leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) software provider. Through one integrated platform, SAP can assist businesses of any size with the management of core operations, from finance to procurement, to sales, to human resources, to the supply chain.
SAP is a software solution that allows interdepartmental data flow in a consolidated manner, without duplication, manual errors, or delays.
What Is the Full Form of SAP?
The full form of SAP is Systeme, Anwendungen und Produkte in der Datenverarbeitung in German. Five IBM engineers founded the company in Mannheim, Germany. The English translation, Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing, is the name by which the ERP system is internationally known.
What Is SAP Used For?
SAP helps to streamline, manage, and automate processing for the following business functions:
- Finance and Accounting
- Materials Management and Procurement
- Sales and Distribution
- Human Resources and Payroll
- Production Planning
- Plant Maintenance
- Supply Chain and Warehouse Management
- Customer Relationship Management
SAP improves real-time visibility, reduces expenses, helps with regulatory compliance, and removes data silos. SAP is a global business process and data platform, and is used by more than 440,000 organizations in 180 countries.
What Is ERP and SAP?
ERP means Enterprise Resource Planning and refers to a class of software that integrates all functions of a business process into a single system. Isolated data by business function is also removed.
SAP, while ERP is a class of software, is a product. It is the predominant ERP software in the market. Competitors include Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, and Infor. No other ERP system comes close to SAP in terms of market share, especially with large and mid-size businesses.
What Is SAP Software Used For?
Reportedly SAP software is used to:
- Automate business transactions and financial reporting
- Manage the procurement process from purchase order to payment
- Manage and track inventory and warehouse operations
- Automate payroll processing and manage employee records
- Manage and schedule production, as well as plan and schedule maintenance of equipment
- Manage order and billing to customers
- Provide real time and operational reporting, as well as perform analysis
SAP removes manual operations, and improves and provides a real time, cohesive operational view to businesses.
What Is SAP Process Called?
SAP is a software suite. However, the abbreviation is also used in reference to ERP processes that are carried out in SAP modules. For example, in SAP, the Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process describes the procedure from the creation of a purchase request to the payment of a supplier. The Order-to-Cash (O2C process) refers to the creation of a sales order and the receipt of cash.
What Is ECC in SAP?
SAP ECC refers to SAP ERP Central Component. For about 20 years, it was the core version of the ERP suite in SAP's offerings, using the ABAP programming language for its development. SAP ECC is being succeeded by SAP S/4HANA, the next generation of SAP ERP. SAP has announced that mainstream support for ECC will end in 2027 (with extended support until 2030). This gives current customers of SAP a stronger incentive to prioritize their migration to S/4HANA.
What Is SAP S/4HANA?
SAP S/4HANA (SAP Business Suite 4 SAP HANA) is the latest generation of the intelligent ERP system from SAP, built on the SAP HANA in-memory database. SAP ECC was built on third-party databases. S/4HANA, being SAP's own database, allows the development of modern user interfaces, such as SAP Fiori, and streamlining of data architecture and real-time data processing and analytics.
Some of the notable features of SAP S/4HANA are:
- Data is processed in real-time.
- Fewer data tables with faster processing.
- AI and machine learning features.
- Multi-cloud deployment options.
S/4HANA has several deployment options, including Public Cloud, Private Cloud, and On-Premise.
What Is SAP BTP?
SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) is SAP's consolidated platform providing integration, application development, data management services and analytics. Its core components include:
- Database and Data Management (SAP HANA Cloud, SAP Datasphere)
- Analytics (SAP Analytics Cloud)
- App Development and Automation (SAP Build, SAP Extension Suite)
- Integration (SAP Integration Suite)
SAP BTP enables organizations to build business focused applications, integrate other applications, and extend existing SAP applications while leaving the core ERP module untapped. It is the backbone of most SAP cloud offerings and the most critical component for organizations looking to establish their digital core.
What Is Fiori in SAP?
SAP Fiori is SAP's UX re-imagination effort built on SAP's HTML5 framework. SAP Fiori is intended to offer an easy to use, intuitive application framework that is role and task focused. Fiori applications can run on any device (desktop, mobile, tablet).
Traditional SAP applications are built around transaction codes which are very difficult to use for the casual business user. SAP Fiori applications are built around application tasks and user roles. SAP Fiori design is responsive and tile based. In SAP S/4HANA, the Fiori interface is the default user interface.
What Is a TCode in SAP?
A TCode (Transaction Code) in SAP, is a code that allows users to quickly perform a specific function or access a specific screen in the SAP system. SAP Transaction Codes include the following:
- ME21N — Create Purchase Order
- VA01 — Create Sales Order
- ME51N — Create Purchase Requisition
- MIGO — Goods Movement
- FB60 — Enter Vendor Invoice
SAP Transaction Codes are handy when using the traditional SAP GUI interface. When using SAP Fiori, users interact with tiles. Despite this, Transaction Codes are kept in the system for power users.
What Is SAP Code?
The term SAP code can mean one of two things:
- ABAP Code — Refers to code written in the programming language used to create custom programs, reports, and system enhancements in SAP (more on SAP ABAP further down).
- Transaction Codes (TCodes) — Refers to the codes used to access certain functions in SAP (discussed previously).
When talking about code in a development setting, SAP code almost always pertains to ABAP.
What Is API in SAP?
SAP APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are interfaces that allow outside systems and applications to access data with or send data to SAP systems. There are several different types of SAP APIs that serve different purposes:
- OData APIs are RESTful APIs used for SAP S/4HANA and SAP Fiori apps that support Open Data Protocol (OData)
- BAPI (Business Application Programming Interface) are standard SAP function modules
- RFC (Remote Function Call) are standard protocols for remote communications
- REST and SOAP APIs are standards incorporated in the SAP BTP Integration Suite
SAP APIs are used in many integration projects, for instance projects that integrate SAP with Salesforce, SuccessFactors, and third-party logistics systems.
What Are SAP Modules?
SAP is divided into functional and technical modules. Each module focuses on a specific domain of business. Here are the major SAP modules.
SAP Functional Modules
| Module | Full Form | Business Area |
|---|---|---|
| SAP MM | Materials Management | Procurement, Inventory |
| SAP SD | Sales and Distribution | Sales, Shipping, Billing |
| SAP FICO | Finance and Controlling | Accounting, Budgeting |
| SAP PP | Production Planning | Manufacturing |
| SAP HCM / HR | Human Capital Management | Payroll, HR |
| SAP EWM | Extended Warehouse Management | Warehousing |
| SAP PM | Plant Maintenance | Equipment Maintenance |
| SAP QM | Quality Management | Quality Control |
| SAP PS | Project Systems | Project Management |
| SAP MDG | Master Data Governance | Data Management |
| SAP IBP | Integrated Business Planning | Supply Chain Planning |
| SAP C4C | Cloud for Customer | CRM / Sales Cloud |
| SAP Ariba | Ariba | Procurement Network |
| SAP Fieldglass | Fieldglass | Vendor Management |
| SAP Concur | Concur | Travel and Expense |
| SAP SuccessFactors | SuccessFactors | Cloud HCM |
SAP Technical Modules
| Module | Full Form | Technical Area |
|---|---|---|
| SAP ABAP | Advanced Business App Programming | Custom Development |
| SAP Basis | Basis Administration | System Administration |
| SAP CPI | Cloud Platform Integration | Integration / Middleware |
| SAP BTP | Business Technology Platform | Cloud Platform |
| SAP BO / BO | Business Objects | Business Intelligence |
| SAP Fiori | Fiori | User Experience |
How Many Modules Are in SAP?
SAP has over 40 functional and technical modules and is in the process of adding many new cloud based solutions. The core modules include MM, SD, FICO, PP, HCM, EWM, QM, PM, PS, and many others. Following the innovation of SAP BTP along with solutions like SuccessFactors, Ariba, Fieldglass, and Concur, the SAP realm is now comprised of over 40 diverse solution areas.
What Is SAP MM?
The SAP MM (Materials Management) module is focused on the management of the procurement and inventory functions in an organization. It includes the following processes:
- Creating Purchase Requisitions (PR)
- Sending Request for Quotations (RFQ)
- Purchase Order (PO) Processing
- Goods Receipt (GR) and Goods Issue (GI)
- Invoice Verification (MIRO)
- Managing Inventory and Stock
- Managing Vendor Master Data
SAP MM is closely integrated with SAP FICO (for postings to Finance), SAP SD (for stock transfer in sales), and SAP PP (in relation to procurement for production).
What Is SAP MM Module?
The SAP MM module is one of the core modules on SAP ERP and SAP S/4HANA. The module forms a part of the SAP logistics module and helps in streaming the procure to pay (P2P) operations of the enterprise. The sub-parts of the module are:
- Purchasing (ME) — PR, RFQ, PO, Contracts, Scheduling Agreements
- Inventory Management (IM) — Goods movements using MIGO
- Invoice Verification (LIV) — Vendor invoice processing via MIRO
- Material Master
- Vendor Master
SAP MM is very popular among SAP modules among procurement, supply chain and logistics professionals.
What Is the P2P Cycle in SAP?
The Procure-to-Pay (P2P) cycle in SAP encompasses the complete process of procurement, starting from the requirement of materials, and going up to the payment made to the suppliers. The typical P2P process in SAP MM includes the following steps:
- Purchase Requisition (PR) — An internal request for a material or a service (TCode: ME51N)
- Request for Quotation (RFQ) — A request sent to suppliers for quotes (TCode: ME41)
- Purchase Order (PO) — An order sent to the supplier (TCode: ME21N)
- Goods Receipt (GR) — A confirmation of receipt of the material (TCode: MIGO)
- Invoice Receipt (IR) — An entry of the supplier's invoice in the system (TCode: MIRO)
- Payment — The payment to the supplier is done in SAP FICO (TCode: F110)
What Is MIRO and MIGO in SAP?
MIGO (TCode: MIGO) stands for Material Document — Goods Movement. In SAP MM, it is used to post all types of Goods Movements, such as Goods Receipt for Purchase Orders, Goods Issue for Production, Transfer Postings, and Stock Adjustments.
MIRO (TCode: MIRO) stands for Material Invoice Review and Operations (also known as Logistics Invoice Verification). It is used for the entry and verification of supplier invoices against Purchase Orders and Goods Receipt in SAP MM.
MIGO and MIRO, together, cover the majority of functions in the SAP MM module.
What Is Pricing Procedure in SAP MM?
Pricing Procedure in SAP MM helps configure a system to choose the most appropriate methods of pricing the purchase order to a vendor. It helps choose different condition types to include in the computation of the purchase price. Examples of condition types include freight, taxes, surcharges, net price, gross price, and any applicable discounts.
Like pricing procedures in Sales and Distribution, pricing procedures in MM are aligned to vendor schema groups, and pricing procedure schema groups are aligned by purchasing organizations.
What Is SAP SD?
SAP Sales and Distribution (SAP SD) is a SAP module that covers the management of sales order processing from the time a customer makes a request through to the generation of an invoice. Some of the features that SAP SD covers include:
- Management of customer data
- Sales order creation (TCode: VA01)
- Delivery processing
- Shipping and transportation
- Billing and invoice
- Credit management
- Returns and refunds
SAP SD integrates with SAP MM for stock availability, with SAP FICO for revenue recognition and accounting, and with SAP PP for production-related deliveries.
What Is SAP SD Module?
The SAP SD module encompasses the order-to-cash (O2C) business process. The typical steps within the O2C flow include:
- Pre-Sales (Inquiry, Quotation)
- Sales Order (VA01)
- Outbound Delivery (VL01N)
- Goods Issue (MIGO/PGI)
- Invoice (VF01)
- Payment (FI)
SAP SD consultants need to collaborate with the logistics, finance and customer service units. Their services are most in demand in the manufacturing, retail and FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) sectors.
What Is SAP Basis?
SAP Basis is the technical foundation of any SAP application. It refers to a set of middleware programs and services that allow SAP applications to operate on any operating system and database. The responsibilities of an SAP Basis Administrator include:
- Installation, configuration, and upgrading of the SAP system
- User and role management
- Monitoring and tuning performance
- SAP transport management (moving developments from DEV to QA to PROD)
- Backup and disaster recovery
- Applying patches and support packages
- Client administration
SAP Basis professionals work behind the curtain on SAP systems and ensure that SAP systems are stable, secure and performant.
What Is an SAP ABAP Developer?
ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) uses a programming language developed by SAP, and an SAP ABAP Developer programs and modifies SAP applications. Along with custom reports, ABAP Developers handle:
- User exits, BADIs and enhancements
- SAP Scripts/SmartForms
- Data migration (BDC, LSMW)
- Interfaces (IDocs, RFCs, BAPIs)
- OData for Fiori
What Is a CDS View in SAP?
Developed in ABAP or SQL in SAP HANA, a CDS View (Core Data Services View) creates a semantically rich data access layer which is defined by a data model. In SAP S/4HANA and SAP Fiori:
- CDS Views supplement and replace traditional database views and function modules.
- Fiori UI generation is supported and simplified through annotations (OData).
- Virtual data models are made possible.
- Embedded analytics and reporting in S/4HANA are enhanced.
As an SAP ABAP Developer, having knowledge of CDS Views is vital.
What Is SAP CPI?
SAP CPI (Cloud Platform Integration) was previously one of the components available on the SAP Cloud Platform and is now part of the SAP Integration Suite. It is SAP's cloud-based middleware, which allows the integration of SAP, as well as non-SAP, systems. SAP CPI allows companies to:
- Create iFlows to connect the required systems
- Utilize integration packages available on the SAP API Business Hub
- Introduce the integration of B2B, A2A, and cloud-to-on-premise systems
- Facilitate EDI, SFTP, REST, SOAP, OData, and IDoc integrations
SAP CPI/Integration Suite is a powerful, new, competitive offering by SAP, which is replacing SAP Process Orchestration (PO/PI). As organizations transition to the cloud and adopt new SAP offerings, the demand for SAP CPI/Integration Suite is growing rapidly.
What Is CPI in SAP?
In SAP, CPI is the Cloud Platform Integration product, which is now officially the SAP Integration Suite. This is the integration middleware layer for all scenarios in SAP BTP. A CPI professional will design, develop, and monitor the integration of SAP S/4HANA, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Ariba, and a variety of third-party and legacy systems.
What Is SAP MDG?
SAP MDG (Master Data Governance) is the SAP offering for the governance of master data. It features workflows and the validation of data and rules for approval of master data, such as the Material Master, Vendor Master, Customer Master, and Financial Master data.
SAP MDG supports domains such as:
- MDG-M (Material Master)
- MDG-S (Supplier/Vendor Master)
- MDG-C (Customer Master)
- MDG-F (Finance Master Data) (GL Accounts, Cost Centers)
What Is SAP EWM?
SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management) offers detailed management over warehouse activities including:
- Inbound/Outbound deliveries
- Transfer orders and put away
- Picking, packing, and shipping
- Slotting and warehouse rearrangement
- Warehouse labor management
- Warehouse management automation and robotics integration (via MFS — Material Flow System)
SAP EWM is part of SAP S/4HANA and is also available as a standalone product.
What Is SAP Ariba?
SAP Ariba is a cloud-based procurement and supply chain collaboration solution. SAP Ariba helps buyers and suppliers do business over the Ariba Network, the largest B2B commerce and trade network, and provides a simple approach to the following:
- Strategic Sourcing (RFQ, auctions, contracts)
- Procure-to-Pay
- Supplier and Spend management and analytics
- Procurement Contracts management and lifecycle
SAP Ariba helps companies transform their procurement practices and realize cost savings from improved sourcing and supplier collaboration.
What Is SAP Fieldglass?
SAP Fieldglass is SAP's cloud-based Vendor Management System (VMS). It provides a mechanism to manage contingent workers, freelancers, and service procurement across the enterprise. It provides organizations with the tools to manage:
- Sourcing and onboarding of contingent workers
- Work orders and service purchase orders
- Contractor time and expenses
- Compliance of contractual terms
- Transparency of total workforce spend
SAP Fieldglass provides a solutions ecosystem when coupled with SAP S/4HANA, SAP Ariba, and SAP SuccessFactors.
What Is SAP HCM?
SAP HCM (Human Capital Management) is SAP's primary Human Resource management system offered as part of SAP ERP/ECC on premise. The system is used for:
- Management of Organizational Structures
- Personnel Administration
- Time Management
- Payroll
- Benefits
- Talent Management and Succession Planning
SAP HCM is a predecessor of SAP SuccessFactors. SAP SuccessFactors provides a cloud-based offering for HR management. With the migration to S/4HANA, several organizations are moving from SAP HCM to SAP SuccessFactors.
What Is SAP HR?
SAP HR refers to SAP HCM (Human Capital Management). These two terms refer to the same SAP ERP module. Various HR processes, including hiring, payroll, management of work hours, and management of talent, are all handled by the same module.
What Is SAP SuccessFactors?
SuccessFactors is SAP's HXM cloud suite. It includes:
- Employee Central (core HR)
- Recruiting and Onboarding
- Learning Management
- Performance and Goals
- Compensation Management
- Workforce Analytics
SuccessFactors is a strategic replacement of the on-premise SAP HCM cloud solution with continuous updates.
What Is SAP Concur?
SAP Concur is a solution for SAP's Travel and Expense (T&E) Management in the cloud. It fully automates the process of travel bookings, expense captures, and reimbursements. It includes:
- Travel bookings with automated policy compliance
- Receipt scanning with automated approval
- Auditing trails with corporate card integration
- Real time visibility of expense for finance
What Is SAP PP?
SAP PP (Production Planning) is a module that manages the manufacturing processes of:
- Planning of Material Requirements (MRP)
- Capacity Planning
- Process and Production Orders
- Management of Bill of Materials (BOM) and Routing
- Shop Floor Control
It also integrates with SAP MM for procurement of raw materials and SAP QM for quality inspection. SAP PP serves manufacturing companies in automotive, pharma, FMCG, and discrete manufacturing industries.
What Is SAP IBP?
SAP IBP stands for SAP Integrated Business Planning and is SAP's cloud supply chain planning solution. Built on the SAP BTP, SAP IBP combines demand and supply planning, inventory optimization, and S&OP. As the successor to SAP's APO, SAP IBP is the planning solution for customers of SAP S/4HANA.
What Is SAP Plant Maintenance?
SAP PM stands for SAP Plant Maintenance, and this module helps manage the maintenance of technical objects (e.g., equipment, machines, and functional locations). The core features of this module include:
- The ability to plan preventive maintenance
- The ability to perform corrective maintenance
- Management of work orders
- Creation of maintenance notifications
SAP PM integrates with SAP MM for the purchase of spare parts and SAP FICO for the posting of costs.
What Is SAP C4C?
SAP C4C stands for SAP Cloud for Customers and is SAP's cloud-based, CRM solution for the management of sales, service, and marketing. The components of this solution include:
- Sales Cloud for management of sales pipelines and leads
- Service Cloud for support and ticketing
- Marketing Cloud for management of marketing campaigns
- Integration with SAP ERP/S/4HANA for a complete view of the customer
SAP C4C exists within the SAP CX Suite and is SAP's competitor for Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
What Is SAP Business Objects?
SAP Business Objects (BO or BOBJ) is a SAP product line for business intelligence and reporting. It consists of tools for discovery, reporting, dashboards, and analytics.
- Crystal Reports — formatted reporting
- Web Intelligence (Webi) — reporting and analysis
- SAP Lumira — reporting and visualization
- SAP Design Studio — dashboards
SAP BO can connect to a multitude of data sources including ERP and HANA, along with other non-SAP data sources.
What Is SAP Business One?
SAP Business One is a SAP product line for medium and small business' ERP application. Business One is unique compared to the other SAP ERP application lines (SAP S/4HANA or ECC) in that it provides an integrated application to manage all finance, sales, purchasing, inventory, production, and CRM (customer relationship management). It is offered as either on-premise or on HANA.
What Is SAP Cloud?
SAP Cloud is a collection of on-demand (cloud) SAP products. Some of these products include:
- SAP S/4HANA Cloud — Cloud ERP
- SAP BTP — Business Technology Platform
- SAP SuccessFactors — Cloud HCM
- SAP Ariba — Cloud Procurement
- SAP Concur — Cloud T&E
- SAP Fieldglass — Cloud VMS
- SAP Analytics Cloud — Cloud BI and Planning
SAP's Cloud strategy is the RISE with SAP program, which facilitates customer migration from on-premise ERP solutions to S/4HANA Cloud.
What Is SAP Cloud Computing?
SAP Cloud Computing means SAP services and solutions hosted on the cloud. SAP delivers services by combining a Public Cloud (multi-tenant SaaS), Private Cloud (single-tenant managed cloud), and Hybrid Cloud (offering a mix of cloud and on-premise) models. The Private Cloud solutions are built on the infrastructure of the hyperscalers that SAP partners with (Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud).
What Is SAP Tool?
SAP tools refer to the numerous applications, utilities, and environments in SAP that help users carry out business and technical functions. Some commonly used tools include the following:
- SAP GUI — The main means through which users access SAP ERP on desktops and process transactions via TCodes
- SAP Fiori Launchpad — The SAP S/4HANA modern web user interface
- SAP HANA Studio — Development and design tool for the SAP HANA database
- SAP Business Application Studio — Cloud IDE for developing applications on SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP)
- SAP Solution Manager — Application lifecycle management
- Transport Management System (TMS) — Manages transport requests and their associated changes across the SAP landscape
What Is a SAP Consultant?
An SAP Consultant is a professional who implements, configures, and provides support on SAP solutions. SAP Consultants are:
- Functional Consultants — Consultants who specialize in one or more of the SAP modules (MM, SD, FICO, HCM, etc.) and configure SAP to solve business needs
- Technical Consultants — Custom ABAP programmers, Basis consultants, or BTP/CPI developers
- Solution Architects — Senior level consultants who design integrated SAP solution landscapes
SAP Consultants are employed by SAP implementation partners and consulting companies (Accenture, Deloitte, TCS, Infosys) and even by their own client companies.
What Does an SAP Consultant Do?
Some of the major SAP consultant responsibilities are:
- Collecting and analyzing business requirements
- Configuring SAP modules accordingly
- Creating both functional and technical specifications
- Performing unit, integration and user acceptance testing
- Performing training for end users and developing user guides
- Conducting go-live activities and providing post-implementation support
- Diagnosing and fixing issues in production
How Does SAP Work?
SAP is designed as a centralized and integrated database. If a user does an action in any SAP module (e.g., a purchase order in MM), the following occurs:
- Input is validated against master data (material or vendor master)
- Configuration (pricing, tax and account determination) is verified
- The transaction is recorded in the SAP database
- Updates are automatically made to related modules (e.g., changes to inventory and finance)
- A document number is created for an audit trail
Consistent and accurate data is available to all users, removing the need for duplicate data entries.
What Is a SAP Course?
A SAP course is a formal, structured method of teaching different SAP modules, products and/or particular SAP related technical areas. There are several SAP courses covering:
- Functional SAP modules (SAP MM, SD, FICO, HCM, PP, EWM, etc.)
- Technical (ABAP, Basis, CPI, BTP, Fiori)
- Cloud based solutions (SuccessFactors, Ariba, Fieldglass, Concur)
- SAP certification courses (SAP Certified Application Associate, SAP Certified Technology Associate)
We at Best Online Career provide instructor-led, SAP training across all of the core modules, with real-world project work, placement support and certification guidance.
Which Is the Best Course in SAP?
What the best SAP course is really depends on your individual situation, such as your education, experience, interests, and what your goals are. The below table explains what the best SAP course is, based on some common characteristics and examples:
| Profile | Recommended SAP Course |
|---|---|
| Finance / Accounting | SAP FICO |
| Procurement / Sourcing / Supply Chain | SAP MM or SAP Ariba |
| Sales / Customer Service | SAP SD |
| HR / Payroll | SAP HCM or SAP SuccessFactors |
| IT / Programming | SAP ABAP or SAP Basis |
| Integration / Middleware | SAP CPI / Integration Suite |
| Warehouse / Logistics | SAP EWM |
| Manufacturing | SAP PP |
| Data Management | SAP MDG |
| Cloud / Digital Transformation | SAP BTP |
Which SAP Course Is Best?
Some of the best SAP courses listed below are in hot demand based on varying industries and are ranked among the best options globally.
- SAP MM
- SAP FICO
- SAP SD
- SAP ABAP
- SAP SuccessFactors
For emerging professions based on the cloud, SAP CPI (Integration Suite), SAP BTP, and SAP Ariba are the areas of greatest potential growth in 2024-2025.
What Is SAP MM Course?
A SAP MM course is a training program for the SAP Materials Management module. A detailed SAP MM course contains information regarding:
- The MM Organizational Structure
- Creation of Material Masters and Vendor Masters
- Processing of Purchase Requisitions (PRs) and Purchase Orders (POs)
- Goods Receipts and Goods Issues (MIGO)
- Invoice Verification (MIRO)
- Special Procurement Types (Subcontracting, Consignment, and Stock Transfer)
- Pricing Procedures and Pricing Condition Types
- Inventory Management and Physical Inventory
- Integration of SD, FICO, and PP
Our SAP MM course contains preparation for certification, end-to-end training for the P2P cycle, and real-time project scenarios. To learn more, please contact us at info@bestonlinecareer.com and +91 9922848898.
What Is SAP FICO Course?
There are two sub-modules in an SAP FICO Course
- FI (Financial Accounting) — General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Asset Accounting, Bank Accounting, and Financial Statements
- CO (Controlling) — Cost Centre Accounting, Internal Orders, Profit Centre Accounting, Product Costing, and Profitability Analysis (COPA)
SAP FICO is the most broadly used SAP module, placing it among the most beneficial SAP certifications for finance experts.
Is SAP a Good Career?
A career in SAP is a good decision for the reasons below:
- SAP professionals are needed in all sectors.
- In India, the average salary of an SAP consultant ranges from ₹6 LPA (fresher) to ₹30+ LPA (senior consultant/architect).
- In the US, SAP consultants earn between $90,000 and $160,000.
- SAP is in the process of moving to the cloud and is a major player in new technologies (such as S/4HANA, BTP, SaaS products) and thus, new roles and skills.
- SAP offers a pathway to credibility and a good salary.
The positive projection for SAP professionals is tied to a forecast of increased company spending to migrate to S/4HANA and the cloud. The need for SAP FICO certified professionals will be high as cloud adoption increases during the 2025-2030 period.
How to Become a SAP Consultant?
SAP consultants are in high demand and will likely remain so for years to come. To pursue a career as a SAP consultant, follow these steps:
- Identify your area of interest. Choose a SAP module that best fits your background and/or work experience.
- Take a SAP training course. Choose a training organization like Best Online Career and complete the training with the exposure to real-time projects.
- Understand the P2P, O2C, R2R, or other relevant business cycles.
- Gain access to the SAP system. Practice on the live SAP system or in S/4HANA IDES.
- Take the SAP certification. Attend the SAP Certified Application Associate exam of your chosen module.
- Build a project-based resume. Get involved in the complete SAP implementation or support projects during your training.
- Submit job applications. Apply to SAP partner companies, ERP consulting companies, and end-user companies.
- Enhance your profile by gaining experience in consulting projects.
How to Get SAP Certification?
To become SAP certified, you need to:
- Sign up for the certification on the SAP Learning site.
- Select the appropriate exam (e.g., C_MM_2415 for SAP S/4HANA MM, C_TS4FI_2023 for SAP FICO).
- Buy vouchers for the exam (costs vary by region, and usually cost $500–$600 per attempt).
- Use SAP official courseware and practice tests, and gain experience working with the real system to prepare for the exam.
- Book and take the exam through SAP's platform for remote proctoring.
- Pass with a minimum score of 65–70% for the exam (may vary by module).
SAP certification is available at the Associate, Professional, and Specialist levels. Best Online Career includes the preparatory certification course as part of the SAP training programs.
How to Create Purchase Requisition in SAP?
To create a Purchase Requisition in SAP, you must use Transaction Code ME51N. The steps are as follows:
- Enter Transaction Code ME51N in the SAP command field.
- Choose the relevant Document Type (e.g., NB for standard PR).
- Enter the relevant Plant and Purchasing Group.
- In the item overview, enter the Material Number, Quantity, Unit, and Delivery Date.
- Enter the Account Assignment Category if the PR is for a cost centre (category K) or is for a project (category P).
- Click the Save icon. The system generates a Purchase Requisition number.
How to Delete PR in SAP?
To delete a Purchase Requisition in SAP, the steps are as follows:
- Use Transaction Code ME52N (Change Purchase Requisition).
- Enter the Purchase Requisition number.
- Select the Purchase Requisition item(s) to be deleted.
- Click the Delete icon (a red flag/mark for deletion).
- Save the document.
A Purchase Requisition may only be deleted if it is not fully ordered (no Purchase Order (PO) has been created for the Purchase Requisition) and no Goods Receipts have been posted against the Purchase Requisition.
How to Create Purchase Order in SAP?
Using TCode ME21N, follow the instructions below to make a Purchase Order in SAP.
- Input TCode ME21N.
- Choose the Vendor and Purchasing Organization.
- Choose Document Type (for standard PO choose NB).
- Input Plant, Storage Location, and Purchasing Group.
- On the item overview, input Material, Quantity, Delivery Date, and Net Price.
- On the Conditions tab, verify pricing.
- Select Save (a PO number will be generated in the system).
How to Release PO in SAP?
The release of Purchase Order (PO) in SAP indicates the approval of a PO by an authorized user, and is applicable to POs that have a value that is above a specified threshold. To release a PO, do the following:
- Input TCode ME28 (Release Purchase Orders – Collective Release) or ME29N (Release Purchase Orders – Individual Release).
- Input the PO number or set the filter criteria.
- Select the PO(s) to be released.
- Select Release and confirm.
The PO is approved and is to be sent to the vendor.
How to Check PO in SAP?
Use any of the following options to view or check a Purchase Order in SAP:
- ME23N (Display Purchase Order – input PO number)
- ME2M (Display Purchase Orders by Material)
- ME2L (Display Purchase Orders by Vendor)
- ME2N (Display Purchase Orders by Purchase Order Number Range)
- ME80FN (Purchasing Document Inquiry)
How to Delete PO in SAP?
Follow the instructions below to delete a Purchase Order in SAP:
- Input TCode ME22N (Change Purchase Orders).
- Input the PO number.
- Select the PO item to be deleted.
- Select the deletion indicator (flag icon) at the item level.
- Select Save.
A PO item can be deleted from the Purchase Order only if no Goods Receipt or Invoice has been posted against it.
How to Create Sales Order in SAP?
To create a Sales Order in SAP, follow these steps:
- Access Transaction Code VA01.
- Select Sales Order Type (standard order = OR).
- Fill in Sales Organization, Distribution Channel, Division.
- Fill in customer number for Sold-to Party.
- In the Sales Order item, fill in Material and Order Quantity.
- Check the pricing and availability and check the delivery date.
- Click on the Save button. The Sales Order will be created in the system.
How to Create Variant in SAP?
A Variant in SAP is a saved configuration of a selection screen. This allows users to execute a report/transaction with a pre-defined set of filter values quickly. Users can also define their own set of filters to be used. Configuration of a Variant is performed as follows:
- Access a report/transaction (e.g. MB52 to view Stock Overview).
- Enter the required Parameters on the selection screen.
- Click on Save as Variant (or Goto → Variants → Save as Variant).
- Enter the name and description of the Variant.
- Set the attributes of the Variant (e.g. protect the Variant, allow processing of the Variant in the background).
- Click on Save to Create the Variant.
Variants are used in SAP modules MM, SD, FI, etc. They are used in reporting transactions to save time and to use the same reporting criteria.
How to Check Authorization Object in SAP?
To check authorization objects, you can use the following transactions in SAP:
- SU53 — This transaction displays the last failed authorization check for the logged-in user. This will show which object and which field caused the failed authorization check.
- SU21 — This is for Maintaining Authorization objects (this can be accessed by Basis admins).
- SUIM — This is the User Information System. This can be used to check who has access to which objects.
- ST01 — This is the System trace. This will capture an authorization check for a specific action performed in the system.
Authorization objects define what a user is allowed to do in SAP. This is an important area in SAP Basis and Security Administration.
How to Create Package in SAP ABAP?
In SAP ABAP, a package is an object that includes multiple related programs, function groups, tables, and other objects that can be transported. To create a package, follow the steps below:
- Use Transaction Code SE80 (Object Navigator) or SE21 (Package Builder).
- Select an existing package, and select Create Package from the context menu or use SE21 directly.
- Specify the Package Name (for example, ZTEST_PKG) – as a convention, customer packages begin with Z or Y.
- Specify the Short Description.
- Specify the Software Component (for example, package HOME for local packages, or a transport layer for transportable packages).
- Save and activate the package.
Frequently Asked Questions About SAP
Q1. Is SAP difficult to learn?
SAP is a bit difficult to learn, but a targeted training course which is instructor-led and project based, allows professionals to be productive within 2 to 3 months.
Q2. Can a fresher learn SAP?
The answer is Yes. Many SAP modules, especially SAP FICO, SAP MM, and SAP SD can be learned by freshers with a finance, supply chain, or IT educational background.
Q3. How much does an SAP consultant earn in India?
The salary for an entry-level SAP consultant is between ₹4–8 LPA. Those in the mid-level, i.e. 3–5 year experienced, earn about ₹12–20 LPA. Senior SAP consultants and architects earn above ₹25–40 LPA.
Q4. Do SAP consultants need to know coding?
No coding is required for the functional domains of SAP which are SAP MM, SD, FICO, and HCM. Coding is required for technical domains of SAP, for example, ABAP, CPI, and BTP, etc. Coding in Java, JavaScript, ABAP, or Python is also necessary.
Q5. How long does SAP training take?
The duration of most SAP modules training is between 45 to 90 days and is usually accompanied by 60 to 120 hours of direct training work. Training on the full S/4HANA implementation may take between 3 and 6 months.
Q6. What is the difference between SAP ECC and SAP S/4HANA?
SAP ECC is the traditional on-premise ERP system that uses a traditional database. SAP S/4HANA is the latest offering in the ERP space that is on the HANA database which is in-memory, with a simplified data model and real-time data with Fiori UX. SAP ECC will be supported until 2027.
Q7. Is it a good idea to get SAP certified?
Definitely. Getting certified in SAP earns a premium salary of about 10 to 20 percent over those who are not certified in SAP, and certification improves an individual's chances of being hired.
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