SDN Blogs: updates and responses

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Weblog: Is There Really an SAP Skills Shortage?

Subject: updates and responses

Date: 2008-05-14 23:43:48

From: Jon ReedBusiness Card

Hey folks -

Just wanted to update briefly and respond: I added the link to SAP's own May 13 press release on how it is responding to the skills gap into the body of the article now that it has been issued.

To Stephen: I agree with your thoughts on training and how it is difficult to develop training that accomplishes the same type of learning as you get on project sites. I think that is one reason that SAP hiring manager, when forced to choose, will take a consultant with project experience and no certification over a certified consultant with no project experience. SAP is trying to address some of these issues with its new three tier certification program. The third tier, the SAP Certified Master, looks like it will include some kind of hands-on project evaluation/component. However, this certification has not been finalized yet, so at this point, that's something to look ahead to.

As for your point about why SAP can't roll out training right in line with new releases like CRM 2007, it seems like a valid point and it's not one I can answer, but perhaps someone from SAP education will chime in on this.

David: Thanks for your comment about the midmarket and skills needs in the midmarket. I think your points there are valid, though you and I differ a bit on how extreme the skills shortage is, because as I mentioned in this article, I see companies being able to buy their way out of the most extreme problems by hiring subject matter experts at premium rates. I guess we'll see how it play out, hopefully this is a solvable problem we can help to define and address.

If all goes well, I should be recording a podcast with David Foote on SAP skills demand next week where we will get into these issues further. I'll keep readers posted when it's issued.

Finally, the one point I did not bring up in the initial post is that economic factors are huge here. So far, the economic slowdown has not had a major impact on SAP skills demand, though I do believe it has affected it somewhat, especially in certain industries more impacted by the slowdown. However, a sluggish economy creates a drag on projects and thus impacts demand. That's one reason why I struggle a bit with "SAP skills shortage" as a long term prediction. Economics have a huge impact on the level of demand for various SAP skills. Ironically, a slower economy could actually help SAP keep up with its skills demands and avoid the "implementation horror stories" David Foote warned of in his comment.

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Weblog:		Is There Really an SAP Skills Shortage?
Subject:		updates and responses
Date:		2008-05-14 23:43:48
From:		Jon ReedBusiness Card


Hey folks - Just wanted to update briefly and respond: I added the link to SAP's own May 13 press release on how it is responding to the skills gap into the body of the article now that it has been issued. To Stephen: I agree with your thoughts on training and how it is difficult to develop training that accomplishes the same type of learning as you get on project sites. I think that is one reason that SAP hiring manager, when forced to choose, will take a consultant with project experience and no certification over a certified consultant with no project experience. SAP is trying to address some of these issues with its new three tier certification program. The third tier, the SAP Certified Master, looks like it will include some kind of hands-on project evaluation/component. However, this certification has not been finalized yet, so at this point, that's something to look ahead to. As for your point about why SAP can't roll out training right in line with new releases like CRM 2007, it seems like a valid point and it's not one I can answer, but perhaps someone from SAP education will chime in on this. David: Thanks for your comment about the midmarket and skills needs in the midmarket. I think your points there are valid, though you and I differ a bit on how extreme the skills shortage is, because as I mentioned in this article, I see companies being able to buy their way out of the most extreme problems by hiring subject matter experts at premium rates. I guess we'll see how it play out, hopefully this is a solvable problem we can help to define and address. If all goes well, I should be recording a podcast with David Foote on SAP skills demand next week where we will get into these issues further. I'll keep readers posted when it's issued. Finally, the one point I did not bring up in the initial post is that economic factors are huge here. So far, the economic slowdown has not had a major impact on SAP skills demand, though I do believe it has affected it somewhat, especially in certain industries more impacted by the slowdown. However, a sluggish economy creates a drag on projects and thus impacts demand. That's one reason why I struggle a bit with "SAP skills shortage" as a long term prediction. Economics have a huge impact on the level of demand for various SAP skills. Ironically, a slower economy could actually help SAP keep up with its skills demands and avoid the "implementation horror stories" David Foote warned of in his comment.