CAREER PROFILE – BJÖRN HArZAR
Job Title: Senior SAP Consultant
Qualifications:
Master in Mathematics, Minor in Information Technology
Career History
I graduated from the University of Stuttgart, Germany in 1997. In 2005 I joined Absoft, from T-Systems in Germany, where I worked initially as a graduate junior in the IT department and then as an SAP Consultant.
A T-Systems’ customer recognised the integration between SAP development and the understanding of businesses processes. This allowed me to get involved with SAP development and therefore develop my business consultancy skills. Projects I was involved in there included analysing migration strategies from which to transfer legacy systems to SAP, blueprinting business solutions in production and logistics and implementing SAP within the automotive and manufacturing divisions of several European operations.
About three years ago I decided to move from Germany to Scotland and I approached Absoft if they would be interested in my skills. I am currently a Senior SAP Consultant in the integration team.
What does your job involve?
During my first year-and-a-half with Absoft, I worked on the implementation project for an oil and gas client, who operates as a logistics provider and drilling contractor. Here I was responsible for the materials management and logistics execution processes; after go live I supported their operations and assisted in the in-country rollouts in Scotland, Germany, Azerbaijan and Dubai.
Subsequent assignments have included improving the logistics and procurement solution for a drilling and engineering contractor’s North Sea operations and leading a team in introducing SAP for procurement of the materials and services provided by a Scottish awards body, (which I continue to oversee). I have also provided support during the testing and go-live stages for an English brewer; where I am also currently supporting the ongoing business process improvements both in their actual brewery and in the distribution centre.
Currently, my role as a Senior SAP Consultant involves advising and supporting colleagues in Absoft’s SAP support service, supporting the associated sales activities around Absoft’s services, as well as working on implementation projects. Evidently, my role is diverse; as my day-to-say tasks are dependant on the customer’s requirement. When a request comes in I will analyse the business requirement, translate it into a specification, configure the specification in SAP or support a colleague in doing so, then I will begin to develop the required programs.
Best bits
Everyday is a new challenge as different customers value different aspects of their business, in different ways. To that end, a customer’s letter or e-mail of appreciation will always top the day!
Travelling to different client sites is an interesting part of my job; seeing different parts of the world lets you appreciate the diversity of other cultures.
Worst bits
Travelling can however be inconvenient at times, especially when you are trying to coordinate business and personal commitments, which are both competing for your time.
Advice to others
As an SAP Consultant, the best way forward is to try and learn something new everyday and remember that as part of a team, success is brought to you by everyone’s effort.
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