sap?

[jw1096]

Hi

Got a job interview next week for a big company and I really want the position, I know everything about the job except SAP, and they say its a 'nice to have' in terms of general knowledge. Ive looked on the internet but its all techno stuff that doesn really help. Basically, I need a 'laymans' guide to SAP, what it does, what its capable of, that kind of thing, simply so I dont sit and stare if they ask me if I know what it is! if anyone can help, i'd appreciate it a great deal.

Thanks

Jo xx

[Mrs_Pegasus]

Hi There

What is the job?  Can you elaborate a little.  I seem to remember SAP (standard accounting practices) - I think when I worked in finance.  Could that be it?

[Ralph]

I'm pretty sure that SAP is kind of big company accounting software, the sort of big database kind where the boss can press the "how much money have I made today?" button and it will tell them. It ties all departments together and tracks stock, invoices, wages, timesheets, everything really.

Your first step should be www.sap.com for some general info. If you've never used it before, you'll need training so don't tell them you can use it and expect to bluff your way! The company I work for is implementing it and there's a big training drive on. From the wishy washedness of my answer, you can tell I haven't done it!

[Bangkok]

SAP is a (simplistically) software that will run large parts of business operations.  It is one of a number of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) packages, others include JD Edwards and Oracle.

SAP is split into modules, such as Finance, HR and manufacturing.  At the start, it is a huge job to enter all the necessary details, but the masterplan is that when it is done. the company will save a fortune on running the business (with varying results!)

For instance, the financial module can be used to code all possible reasons a company might spend money.  The codes are set up in the system, and when a bill is paid it is entered against a SAP code.  This allocates the cost to the correct account and is part of the way the company generates it's profit and loss account and balance sheet, plus management reports.

Similarly, SAP can be used to track raw materials in manufacturing, or staff costs, or fixed cost allocations etc etc.

Most SAP users don't need to know that, but they do need to be able to navigate around to input and retrieve data.  It's not difficult when you are used to it, it is like any software, you need training. 

Don't try and bluff the knowledge because you could come seriously unstuck.  However, if they ask you, say you haven't used SAP before, but you are IT literate, a fast learner and you have done some background research on using SAP and you are confident that the previous lack of direct experience will not be a problem.

Good luck

[jw1096]

Hi

Thanks for your replies so far.  The job i'm after is for a rather large mobile telecomms company, and I dont want to ******** something I dont know!  Anyway, your answers have helped, so I can at least tell them that I am aware of what it is (thanks ralph!), and I am confident I can pick it up quickly (thanks bangkok!).

JO