Role of a SAP Functional Consultant

A functional consultant evaluates the demands in talking with the customer's representatives, transforms the
essence into an abstract and algorithmic business model. Hence, he identifies the use cases and transforms
them into logical and technical views.
Then the main task starts: customizing the respective business area and making sure the system reacts in the
manner according to the constraints of the requested use case.
The consultant documents the settings and prepares proper guidelines that allow other consultants to do further
changes or repairs with due efforts.
The consultant takes care that proper training is given to the users and that the system is usable, performing
appropriately and the business flow is complete and correct.
During go live he assists the technical staff by testing the behaviour of the system.
After go live he guarantees that the procedures remain usable and consistent in real live situation and proposes
enhancements.
The main duty of a consultant is to transfer external know-how to the client. It is not manpower that counts but
intelligence, understanding of processes, a feeling for defects and general a common sense.
Role of a Functional Consultant in an End To End Implementation
When you talk about the role of a Functional consultant in an end to end implementation, I think it won't be
possible for me or anybody to define everything but I will try to summarize it:
1. Functional consultant is expected to generate knowledge about the current business process, design current
business flows, study current business processes and its complication, in all we can say getting through with
current business setup. Flow diagrams and DFD are prepared, most of the time in Vision format, all this forms the
part of AS IS document.
2. Everything configured has to be documented as per their categories in the form of predefined templates, these
have to be then approved by the team leads or who ever the consultant is reporting to.
3. Mapping and GAP analysis is done for each module, I have seen people defining integration after mapping,
gap analysis and configuration is done, but as per my experience in implementation, it is a simultaneous process.
4. Before starting configuring future business processes in SAP, the DFD/ERD are prepared, this documentation
is called TO BE, which can be also siad as the result of mapping and gap analysis.
5. Sometimes Functional consultants are also expected to prepare test scripts for testing the configured
scenarios.
6. End user manual and user training is also expected from F.Consultants.
The project normally starts off with a Kick off meeting in which the team size, team members, reporting system,
responsibilities, duties, methodlogy, dates and schedules, working hours which have been predicided are
formally defined.
ASAP, it won't be possible for me to explain it here, but all I can tell you about it is that it is SAP standard
implementation methodology, which SAP prescribes but is not mandatory for any company to follow, such as IBM
follow some blue Methodlogy, some companies follow typical SDLC steps, ASAP stands for Accerlated SAP, you
can find all the steps on SAP site, through google, reading it from there won't give you a great knowledge about
ASAP but will obviously get you to know the definitions of various term.
What is the meaning of SAP FICO Functional and SAP FICO Technical?
SAP FICO Functional means functional knowledge, by which one can proceed in terms of functional process with
FICO area as well as FICO configuration knowledge.
Whereas SAP FICO Technical consultant may be an ABAPER, who have short of knowledge of FICO
configuration and functional knowledge as well and can proceed for technical jobs e.g. reports development,
client requirement, system modification etc.

Role of SAP Consultant In Testing
1. What is the role of SD Consultant in Testing while implementing the project?
2. What is Unit testing and Integration Testing?
Unit testing is refer to the module which are going to implement. SD, MM, FICO etc. there will be test script based
on that testing will be performed.
Integration testing will be cross the modules. MM-SD-FICO for example. Integration testing is also called SIT (
System integration testing)
Testing mathologies and types: there are 6 types of testings:
1. Unit Testing
2. System Testing
3. System Integration security Testing
4. Performance Testing
5. User Acceptance testing
6. Regression Testing
Unit testing is done in bit and pieces. Like e.g. in SD standard order cycle; we do have 1-create order, then 2-
delivery, then 3-transfer order, then 4-PGI and then 5-Invoice. So we will be testing 1,2,3,4 and 5 seperately
alone one by one using test cases and test data. We will not be looking and checking/testing any integration
between order and delivery; delivery and TO; TO and PGI and then invoice.
Whrereas System testing you will be testing the full cycle with it's integration, and you will be testing using test
cases which give a full cyclic test from order to invoice.
Security testing you will be testing different roles and functionalities and will check and signoff.
Performance testing is refered to as how much time / second will take to perform some actions, like e.g. PGI. If
BPP defination says 5 seconds for PGI then it should be 5 and not 6 second. Usually it is done using software.
Regression testing is reffered to a test which verfies that some new configuration doesnot adversly impact
existing functionality. This will be done on each phase of testing.
User Acceptance Testing: Refers to Customer testing. The UAT will be performed through the execution of
predefined business scenarios, which combine various business processes. The user test model is comprised of
a sub-set of system integration test cases.
We use different software during testing. Most commonly use are
Test Director: which is used to record requirement, preparing test plan and then recording the progress. We will
be incorporating defects that are coming during these testings using different test cases.
Mercury Load Runner: is used for performance testing. This is an automatic tool.
What does the following terms means :
- Technical Unit Testing
- Functional Unit Testing
- IntegrationTesting
- Volume Testing
- Parallel Testing?
Technical Unit Testing= Test of some technical development such as a user exit, custom program, or interface.
the test usually consists of a test data set that is processed according to the new program. A successful test only
proves the developed code works and that it performed the process as as designed.
Functional Unit Testing= Test of configuration, system settings or a custom development (it may follow the
technical unit testing) These usually use actual data or data that is masked but essentially the same as a real
data set. A successful test shows that the development or configuration works as designed and the data is
accurate as a result.
IntegrationTesting= Testing a process, development or configuration within the context of any other functions that
the process, development or functionality will touch or integrate . The test should examine all data involved
across all modules and any data indirectly affected. A successful test indicates that the processes work as
designed and integrate with other functions without causing any problems in any integrated areas.
Volume Testing= testing a full data set that is either actual or masked to insure that the entire volume does cause
system problems such as network transmission problems, system resources issues, or any systemic problem, A
successful test indicates that the processes will not slow or crash the system due to a full data set being utilized.
Parallel Testing= Testing the new system or processes with a complete data set while running the same
processes in the legacy system. A successful test will show identical results when both the legacy system and
new system results are compared.
I would also note that when a new implementation is being done you will want to conduct at least one cut over
test from the old system to the new and you should probably do several.



Business process re- engineering
o Identification of new business process and
o Re-implementation of the process
Analyzed current business functions
o Worked with the business and management team for Business process analysis
o Prepared detailed project implementation plans and worked with client teams for projects study and
implementation by understanding the business model and map business processes to SAP and
determine project scope.
o Developed the strategic architecture roadmap for SAP, presented it to senior management, and
worked with business team to design each phase of the roadmap.
o Business Blueprints designed on As-Is, To-Be Business Processes defined. Perform a gap analysis
for the SAP implementation from legacy system and map business processes into functional design
documents.
o Translating business functional requirements into SAP configuration requirements
Analyzing the Functional Inputs.
Development of Technical specification documents for the developments assigned.
Object development and review of the development requests assigned.
Interacting with functional team to resolve the issues in the given objects.
Coding and creation of unit test plans for the objects developed.
Ensuring a high quality solution for all the delivered objects to the client within the schedule.
Mapping of the enterprise structure and complete sales cycle of various business processes.
Mapping of the pricing requirements complete with condition types, condition tables, access
sequence and pricing procedures for all the above cited business processes.
Configured output determination for sales document, delivery challan.
Conducted core team training followed by co-ordination of user training.
Conducted unit testing and integration testing successfully with sign-off.
Provide functional inputs to configure customized reports.

Role and Responsibility:
Business consulting for end-user requirement.
Configured various elements of Enterprises Structure.
Configuration of sales Documents, Item Categories & Schedule line Categories.
Configure Partners Determination, Customer Material Information Record.
Configuration of Listing and Exclusion, Free goods, shipping point and Material determinations.
Configured Basic Functions like Pricing Procedures, Account Assignment and Credit
Management.
Worked on Configuring Special Business Scenarios such as Credit Management, Third Party
Sales and Consignment Processing.
Involved in Unit testing, Integration Testing and UAT.
Involved Post Implementation Support.
Control Activities like SLA's, Day-to-day support in troubleshooting the Issues.
SAP SD Module implementation AS-IS, TO-BE study and documentation, GAP Analysis of business
process involved with respect to standard SAP.
Involved in full-cycle development
In Realization worked on Base line Configuration and Final Configuration.
Involved in Unit Testing, Integration Testing and Final UAT using real time data in Pre-Production.
Configured Organization structure, including sales organization, Distribution channel, Divisions,
Sales offices and shipping point
Configured intercompany sales
Configured item proposal
Configured customer material information and material determination
Configuration of pricing procedure and maintaining condition records as per client's business
requirement.
Customizing and creation of various sales document types, delivery documents, billing and invoice.
Configured Third Party Process and Credit Management.
Associated with the Tech leads for the solutions to user generated errors on various subjects like,
Pricing, Sales documents, Item category, Material determination, free goods determination.
Providing Production Support and solving end-user problems in SD/MM transactions.
Also worked in P2&P3 team and handled low and medium priority tickets.
Attending weekly meeting and analyzing pending issues
Configured in US and Canada Rollouts
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
SAP SD Module implementation AS-IS, TO-BE study and documentation, GAP Analysis of business
process involved with respect to standard SAP.
Provided and analyzed question answers database to Client for Blue Print preparation for GAP
Analysis.
In TO-BE process responsible for Primary documentation and Final documentation.
In Realization worked on Base line Configuration and Final Configuration.
In the Final Preparation involved in Unit Testing, Integration Testing and Final UAT using real time
data in Pre-Production.
Configured Organization structure, including sales organization, Distribution channel, Divisions,
Sales offices and shipping point
Configuration of pricing procedure and maintaining condition records as per client's business
requirement.
Configuration of free goods determination
Configured customer material information and material determination
Configured intercompany sales
Configured Bill of Material and item proposal
Configured consignment Process like consignment fill-up, Issue, Return, and Picking.
Customizing and creation of various sales document types, delivery documents, billing and invoice.
Configured Third Party Process and Credit Management.
Attending weekly meeting and analyzing pending issues
Providing suggestions to the team in reducing backlogs.
Resolved issues regarding sales, deliveries, shipment, billing, pricing, credit management& output
determination.
Provide the End users training..
Configured in UK and US Rollout

Prepared Business Blue print, PPT documents and Functional Specifications as per business
requirements.
Customizing Account Groups to control field selection and accommodate the business
requirements.
Worked on Partner determination for various objects.
Configured pricing procedures for different customers with condition technique to get the best price
and discount.
Customized Sales Document Types, Item Categories, Scheduling Categories, Delivery Type, Billing
Type documents according to the Client requirement.
Configuration of Rebate Process by defining Rebate Agreement Types, Condition Type Groups, and
Condition Technique for Rebates.
Special Business processes such as third party order processing and consignment process.
Configuration of Revenue Account Determination and Credit Management by defining Credit groups,
and maintaining Credit Limit Checks at various levels i.e. Sales order, Delivery and PGI.
Completed unit testing as per the schedule & necessary changes were done in Configuration.
Involved in data Conversion from Legacy to SAP R/3 - customer Master and Material Master.
Documentation done for business process preparation (BPP's) for end user training & given end-
user training in all locations and HO.

Role and Responsibilities (Implementation):

Configuring & building up organizational structures which include Sales organization, distribution
channel, division Sales office and Sales group and shipping point.
Define and assigning number ranges for Customer Account group and Partner function
determination.
Involved in configuration of Sales documents like Inquiries, Quotations. Sales order and Return
order.
Defined pricing procedure by using condition techniques.
Worked on Credit Management by Using Automatic credit check.
Worked on Consignment business process.
Worked on Output determination using condition techniques for Invoice.
Worked on STO (Plant to Plant) Business Process
Creation of test scenarios for unit testing and integration testing for all SD business process and
getting the sing- off after successful completion of testing.
Providing Training for end users on SAP functionalities and navigation through screens.
Responsibilities:
Mapping of enterprise structure to IMG customization.
Created test scenarios for unit testing and integration testing for all SD business processes and
obtained sign-off after successful completion of testing.
Configuration of SD with the following functionality: Inquires, Quotations, Contracts, Sales orders,
Returns.
Managed SD integration issues with MM and FI.
Configuration of Item Categories for different Sales document types and Item category
determination
Involved Configuration of Pricing procedure using Condition technique
Created new pricing conditions based on the business requirements.
Involved in Configuration of Consignment sales process (Consignment Fill-up, Issue, Return,
Pickup)
Configuration of Free Goods Determination as per Business Scenarios.
Configured Credit Management and setting up Credit Limits of Customer.
Performed Unit testing to ensure Business requirements are aligned with development.
Developed user training material for the business process procedures
Trained key users on different Business Scenarios.
Involved in custom report development, correcting bugs in the report for correct logic.
Configuration of special business process such as Consignment process, Third party order
processing, Inter Company sales order processing.
Responsibilities:
Participated in the full Cycle implementation of SAP R/3 including configuration.
Gathered the business requirements for implementation process.
Implementation is performed as per ASAP methodology, involved in BBP, Realization, Final
preparation and Go-live Phase
Conducting work shop minutes and validation of requirements.
Configured OTC process by customized inquiry, quotation, sales order, cash order, rush order,
deliveries, transfer orders, post goods issue, billing and release to accounting.
Using the LSMW tools, responsible for loading key cut-over data into system including customer
master and credit master.
Involved in integration workshop with MM, PP and FICO people to handle the integration part.
Realization based on detail design document.
Involved in various testing's like Unit, integration, UAT and business simulation.
Performing cutover activities
Configured availability check and Transfer of Requirements and output determination
Configured third party process, consignment process, and Stock transport order process
Creation of end user training manuals.
Configured CIN Factory sales, Depot sales, Exports & Deemed Exports in condition Based
Worked on user Exits based on the Client requirement
Responsibilities
* Preparation of Business Blueprints on the basis of AS-IS of the Client.
* ASAP Methodology, 5 Phases of Implementation Project (Project Preparation, Business Blueprint,
Realization, Final Preparation & Testing, Go-Live)
* Scenarios to Cover: - Domestic Sales, Third Party Sales, Consignment Sales, STO, Contracts,
Scheduling Agreements, Returns, Depot Sales, Credit Management, Free Goods, Rebate
Processing, Automatic Batch Determination, CIN India.
* Enterprise Structure: Sales Organisation, Distribution Channel, Division, Sales Offices, Sales Group,
Distribution Chain, Business Area, Credit Management.
* Sales: Sales Order Types, Item categories, Schedule Line Categories.
* Shipping: Delivery Types, Delivery Item Categories, Picking & Goods Issue.
* Billing: Billing Document Types, Rebate Processing.
* Other: Automatic Credit Management.
* Pricing
* Integration: With MM, FI & PP.