Kenneth Richards’ Post

A niche combination... Does anyone know of any #SAP Solution Architects who have worked in the #finance domain of a #B2C business..? 😬 Please comment, like and share so that I can find my unicorn! 🦄 #followthemethod

💡 SAP R/3 Three-Tier Architecture 💡 What is 𝗥/𝟯 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲? 💡 The 𝗥/𝟯 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, also known as the Tier Server Architecture. It's a fundamental concept in SAP development, and understanding it is crucial for any SAP professional. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝗿 (𝗚𝗨𝗜 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿):- ✴️ Function: Serves as the interface for end-users. ✴️ How it Works: Users interact with the system via the SAP GUI or web browsers. This layer sends user inputs to the application layer and displays the processed results. 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝗿 (𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿):- ✴️ Function: Manages business logic and processes. ✴️ How it Works: When a user submits a request, the presentation layer forwards it to the application layer. Here, the application server processes the request, executing the necessary business logic and interacting with the database as needed. This layer can scale by adding more servers to handle increased workloads. 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝗿 (𝗗𝗕 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿):- ✴️ Function: Stores and manages all enterprise data. ✴️ How it Works: The application layer communicates with the database layer to retrieve or store data. This layer ensures data integrity, security, and optimized access for reporting and analysis. Workflow Example: A user enters data in the presentation layer. The request is sent to the application layer for processing. The application layer retrieves or updates data in the database layer. Results are sent back through the application layer to the presentation layer for user display. This architecture allows for efficient data handling and a seamless user experience, making SAP R/3 a powerful ERP solution. 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗥/𝟯 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: ◆ Scalability: Each tier can be scaled independently, allowing for more efficient resource allocation. ◆ Flexibility: The three-tiered architecture enables easier maintenance, updates, and modifications. ◆ Security: Data is protected by separating the presentation, application, and database layers. Understanding the R/3 architecture is important for anyone working with SAP because it helps make the systems scalable, flexible, and secure. #SAPBASIS  #SAPcommunity

Enterprise Power Couple: Can SAP and Oracle Actually Play Nice? Many businesses rely on both SAP and Oracle for critical functions. But can these industry titans truly coexist peacefully in your IT landscape? This blog dives deep into the possibilities! Part 1 explores: ➡️ The Great Enterprise Debate: SAP vs. Oracle. We break down the strengths and limitations of each platform. ➡️ Integration Strategies: Discover approaches to connect your SAP and Oracle systems for seamless data flow and enhanced functionality. ➡️ The Power of Partnership: Explore how leveraging both platforms can create a robust and unified solution for your business needs. Ready to unlock the potential of a hybrid SAP and Oracle environment? Head over to Part 1 and transform your IT landscape! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dpstD5MX #SAP #Oracle #EnterpriseIntegration #HybridIT #BusinessTechnology #Collaboration #BlogSeries #Innovation

I set a challenging goal and failed it.   In 2014 I was SAP SCM Consultant and decided that I want to become an SAP Solution Architect as the next step in my career.   So, I searched up people on LinkedIn who already had this title and asked them what to do.   They gave me all different kinds of recommendations but one of them resonated the most.   A seasoned Enterprise Architect told me that I need to gain experience with: 1.      Finance and Supply Chain modules 2.      Master Data Management 3.      Security 4.      Business Intelligence 5.      System integration 6.      Project Management   That sounded quite a challenge. At that point I had only half of #1, #2 and #4.   Unexpectedly an interesting opportunity came in – SCM Consultant in Microsoft Dynamics.   Shall I stay in SAP or go to a different product? – I realized that in this case I will not be able to grow to an SAP Solution Architect.   Because in order to become a Solution Architect I would have to specialize in a product – Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics or SAP.   The only way to become a product agnostic Architect is to grow even further to an Enterprise Architect.   Which I decided not to go for.   I accepted an opportunity where I practiced Finance and Security. On my next JD Edwards project, I practiced System Integration.   And to complete the puzzle I gained Project Management as well on my next gigs.   I did not become a Solution Architect, and don’t want to.   But that recommendation from my mentor was directing my career interest for 10 years.   What did it give me? Well rounded profile across multiple ERPs.   And it’s easier to find a contract when I am looking.   To sum up.   It’s OK to be flexible and change goals. #ERP #TheERPguy

P_SAPEA_2023 - SAP Enterprise Architect Embarking on the journey to become a SAP Enterprise Architect? Let's delve into the essential aspects of this role: Introduction to SAP Enterprise Architecture: ↳ Explore the pivotal role of a SAP Enterprise Architect in designing and implementing SAP solutions aligned with organizational objectives. Key Responsibilities and Duties: ↳ Understand the core responsibilities of a SAP Enterprise Architect, including solution design, stakeholder management, and architectural governance. Architectural Frameworks and Methodologies: ↳ Delve into architectural frameworks and methodologies utilized by SAP Enterprise Architects, such as TOGAF and SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework. SAP Solution Design and Implementation: ↳ Explore the process of designing and implementing SAP solutions, encompassing modules like SAP S/4HANA, SAP ECC, SAP BW/4HANA, and SAP Fiori. Integration and Interoperability: ↳ Understand the importance of integration and interoperability in SAP solutions, ensuring seamless data exchange between disparate systems. Performance Optimization Strategies: ↳ Dive into strategies for optimizing the performance of SAP solutions, including database tuning, system monitoring, and load balancing. Security and Compliance Considerations: ↳ Explore security measures and compliance requirements in SAP architecture, ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Change Management and Continuous Improvement: ↳ Navigate change management practices and methodologies employed by SAP Enterprise Architects to facilitate smooth transitions and continuous improvement. Cloud Migration and Hybrid Deployments: ↳ Understand the nuances of migrating SAP solutions to the cloud and managing hybrid deployments, leveraging platforms like SAP Cloud Platform and AWS. Case Studies and Best Practices: ↳ Gain insights from real-world case studies and best practices, illustrating successful SAP architecture implementations and their impact on business outcomes. Ready to architect scalable and resilient SAP solutions as a SAP Enterprise Architect? #SAP #SAPEnterpriseArchitect #SAPTech

#Immediate hiring on # Oracle Fusion Production Data Hub (PDH) Functional Consultant Location: Blair NE Responsibilities: 7 +Years of experience in Experience in implementation/integration of PDH Modules Multiple full cycle implementation of Oracle Product Development Cloud(PD) / Product Data Hub(PDH) Experience in implementation/integration of PDH Modules Hands on configuration experience on PD/PDH, including setting up of custom attributes, custom security model, Out of the box reports, workflow automation etc. Experience in Data Migration to Oracle PD/PDH of Item/BOM/AML/Attachments and Changes Experience in Oracle PLM Cloud Web Services - Experience in setting up product / item rules in Oracle PLM cloud Lead the functional design and configuration of Oracle cloud ERP, with a focus on purchasing, procurement, and contract management modules Gather and analyze business requirements, conduct workshops and interviews with stakeholders, and translate requirements into functional specifications and solution designs Configure cloud ERP modules, workflows and processes to support purchasing, procurement and contract management activities Collaborate with technical teams to define integration requirements and design solutions for integrating Oracle cloud ERP with third party applications and systems Lead system testing activities, including test planning, test case development, and execution to ensure the quality and reliability of the configured solution Act as a subject matter expert (SME) and trusted advisor to clients, providing recommendations, insights and guidance on optimizing the cloud ERP solution and processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness Capturing business requirement and conducting solution design in Oracle Supply Chain the following areas; Oracle Fusion Procurement Cloud (Supplier Portal, Self Service Procurement and Purchasing) Demonstration of standard business processes / flows to Client User Group(s) Ability to comprehend existing business processes / practices, identify / capture additional business / reporting requirements. Solution Design Prototypes, Fit Gap analysis and walk thru with User Groups for finalization. Identify and document Test Cases / Plans for Acceptance in line with the finalized process / transaction flows. Identify and document data migration methodologies for Master / Transactional elements including extraction, validation, transformation, migration, verification / validation. Configuration of CRP / Test / Production Environments

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗘𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗔𝗣’𝘀 𝗘𝗖𝗖 𝘁𝗼 𝗦/𝟰𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗔.  𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘆, 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗠𝗦 𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺. "Most organisations who run SAP ECC currently (well maybe some at the moment 😉), are planning and preparing for their S4 journey ahead of the proposed upcoming deadline(s). They will be looking at their data and how to cleanse, truncate and confirm what exactly they will need in the new world (Tip – assign a Data Owner). They will be looking at their current code and how they can possibly move towards a clean core. They will be looking at the process improvements from their planned new solution and hopefully where they can maximise ROI. They will be looking at which cloud option suits them best. The list goes on ….. In summary, they are prepping ahead of this transformation project ….. (if we are still using transformation these days 😊) …. But are they prepping for the journey or just the project? Just a reminder, to not underestimate the importance of what you will need in place for the 10+ years plus, after these 12-24 months of the evolution of your solution. If you are prepping all of the above, think of the knock-on affect of your day-to-day processes, in-house knowledge, required roles, ability to adapt (agility), third-party integration, training (and its continual evolution), on-going data ownership, complementary technology impact and ultimately how you maintain and grow your business going forward. And who can forget User Adoption in this journey to success. Your future CoE (Centre of Excellence) will be like nothing you have known before. Your team will contain different roles and responsibilities, you will have multiple partners for both industry and technology needs, it will need to be agile, disruptive and it will be very tough at times. But even tougher if you don’t include it in your current S4 preparation. Add it to your list NOW! Fail to prepare, prepare to fail …. #CoE #SAP #AMS #Partnership"

Way back in 2007 I was dealing with #Test #Data #Management challenges where we needed to find ways to refresh data in test environments faster and without sensitive data. Fast forward to 2024 and the challenges still persist. Our #SAP Gold Client solution tackles this common problem by providing our #SAP customers with the ability to slice and dice their production data, privatize the data and make it a repeatable process. This reduces the testing cycle, removes errors and speeds up time to value for new application releases.

This new analysis from our own editorial team can give you a quick overview of the Oracle vs. SAP software without having to do the research yourself. Easy to skim, easy to compare, and full of trusted media, analyst, and tech names as sources (with referenced materials being within the last 6 weeks), you can't go wrong with a click here this morning. It could save you hours of search time in a run up to an RFP or in follow up discussions.  https://lnkd.in/eziRPJ6z

🚀 Data Migration in ERP Implementations: Lessons from the Field 🚀 One of the most time-consuming phases in any ERP implementation is data migration. Despite careful planning, this area often causes delays, so it's essential to cover all aspects thoroughly. Here are some key pointers I've learned from my experience in Oracle HCM data migration from legacy systems to Oracle Cloud: 🔑 1. Understanding Data Migration Scope & Criteria: Ensure the migration scope is clear and aligned with customer expectations early on. Defining criteria for each business object upfront reduces changes and helps avoid delays later in the programme. 🔄 2. Legacy & Oracle Cloud Architecture Mapping: Mapping the legacy system’s structure to Oracle Cloud’s architecture is vital. Knowing how both systems handle business processes, such as multi-assignment structures, ensures smooth data migration. 🧹 3. Data Cleansing Process: Start cleansing key business objects early. This not only saves time in future cycles but also helps reduce customer involvement during busy periods. 📋 4. Manual Data Templates: Prepare manual data templates well in advance and give customers enough time to gather the necessary information before the migration cycle. To learn more about how #CloudMIGRATOR can simplify your migration process, get in touch with Fusion Practices #OracleCloud #DataMigration #OracleHCM #ERPImplementation