SAP BW, also known as SAP Netweaver Business Warehouse, is the reporting, analytical and business intelligence branch of SAP. It is used by a number of organizations for reporting and data generation purposes. Although BW is a relatively newer solution introduced by SAP, it has gained acceptance amongst many organizations and a number of professionals such as developers and consultants are involved in SAP BW work. As many companies have begun relying on SAP for their business operations solutions, they prefer using SAP as a one-stop solution for the various software applications required in different departments.
Description
While a SAP BW developer's chief job functions are to create and implement programs using SAP Netweaver BW, a consultant coordinates with clients and other departments while seeking information on what the actual needs and requirements are.
The key responsibilities of a SAP BW developer are to carry out the development and support functions with the help of SAP Business Warehouse application. They have to design data sources by installing, enhancing and creating custom ones. Creation of BW reports as per the functional requirements is another job function of a SAP BW developer. Conducting testing functions, document test plans and unit tests of the final product is executed by them. Those working in a team-based environment need to constantly interact with other team members in order to analyze issues with data design, integrity and other technical issues.
A SAP BW consultant has to gather data as per the requirements of the clients and then convert these functional specifications in technical features using their knowledge of SAP BW systems. In organizations that do not have a specific SAP BW developer, they may also carry out development, testing and debugging tasks. Creation of info packages, conducting data loading work and monitoring load jobs is carried out by BW consultants. They also carry out modification of existing master data plans, info cubes, info packages and data sources.
Skills
As the job responsibilities of both developers and consultants involved in SAP BW work is team-based, they must possess the ability to function well in a team as well as coordinate with other professionals for gathering and exchanging information. As consultants, they must possess excellent analytical, communication and interpersonal skills in order to understand the requirements of the client and translate them in the form of BW applications. BW developers must have the ability to cope well under pressure of deadlines as this is a goal oriented work. Possessing strong problem solving, organizational and multi-tasking skills are considered strong traits in a SAP BW work professional.
Requirements
A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering or any related field is mandatory for those looking to secure a job in this line of work. A certificate course in SAP development with core BW functionalities is required for the position of a SAP BW developer or consultant. Prior experience in the field is generally considered to have more value than educational qualifications. 2-3 years of experience in SAP BW coding, development, and testing is the ideal qualification in any candidate for the job.
Career Advancement
SAP BW developers and consultants may advance to senior supervisory or managerial positions on the basis of exceptional performance, skill and overall experience in the company. Additional educational qualifications may also play a part in these promotions. Others may move on to development roles in other aspects of SAP work such as HR or ABAP.
Work Conditions
Most SAP BW work professionals work in a comfortable office-based environment with good ventilation and lighting. They may have to face tremendous psychological pressure while meeting deadlines set by the clients. Their work hours are around 40 hours in a week, except in certain cases where they may have to work overtime as per the company's requirements.
Salary and Benefits
The average salary figures for SAP BW developers across various companies is around $110,000 while SAP BW consultants can earn anywhere between $80,000 and $95,000 depending upon factors such as specific organization, experience and skill level of the employee. These salary figures are indicative of the high profile nature of these jobs.
Thus, SAP BW work is a field which has few job opportunities as it is a niche line of work with lucrative salary packages.