Why Do People Hate SAP? The Real Reasons

“Sap is complicated. SAP is confusing, and SAP is outdated!!”

These are the common comments that you hear from a corporate guy or girl who hates SAP to the core. Many feel SAP is something complex and overwhelming. In the corporate world, SAP is part of the daily routine, but why do many people hate SAP?

Is it because SAP is problematic and frustrating? Or is SAP hard to grasp and learn? Now, you might be wondering why SAP is hated by many. Is there something more to the SAP story? Come, let’s dig it up. 

Before concluding your response, let’s answer some of the basic questions and break it down: What is SAP? Why SAP? What makes SAP different from other software? And the most important question – what is the real reason behind SAP hate?

Introduction

SAP is one of the most powerful and popular enterprise software companies that develops Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). SAP is not developed for single users but for a vast enterprise. SAP integrates and manages data on a large scale. SAP helps companies to manage complex business procedures.

SAP also works with transaction codes that are deep in structure and highly reliable. SAP works based on ERP functions, which are really important for the proper functioning of a company. The various departments can be integrated and work in unison with the aid of SAP.

What SAP actually is (and why it feels different)

The ERP development is the core function of SAP. The ERP helps the organisation’s system to manage the supply chain, finance, sales, manufacturing, marketing, human resources and procurement. SAP helps companies to integrate various departments and agencies to facilitate more rapid and efficient management of the data. 

In short, SAP develops, integrates, manages and controls the database and prevents the companies from falling prey to the massive downfall. 

That’s why SAP feels entirely different. 

SAP isn’t a joke, but it’s grand. SAP is developed and designed to be result-oriented. The view on the SAP allows the users to find the errors in the system and rectify them without damage. SAP has its own structure. It has its own design. SAP is basically compliance-oriented and process-driven.

It is entirely different from modern mobile apps. The users who use it as a modern device are left with frustration and confusion. That’s why SAP feels “too much” for many. 

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The real reasons people hate SAP (truth section)

There are real reasons behind why SAP is hated by many. The hate uncovers the real reason behind the disdain that arises from many employees in the company. 

Complexity

The entire business ecosystem is being considered. It’s not!

The modules, such as MM, SD, and FICO, are included in the SAP ecosystem. The workflow of the company will be strictly controlled, and based on this, the data transfer will be controlled.

The SAP also works with transaction codes that are deep and reliable. The new users will always feel that they are using something which is new and less handy.

Lack of proper training

Many of the companies fail to provide proper training to the employees of SAP. Proper user training is the most critical aspect of SAP. It is not a matter of implementation but a matter of proper instruction.

Many of the companies roughly introduce SAP and rush the employees to work on it. The practice sessions are limited in number, and the users get less confidence while using it. They lack a proper understanding of how to handle SAP.

Implementation complexities

The implementation of SAP is always considered complex. The gravity of the complexities increases with choosing the wrong consultants, excessive customisation and the poor quality of data migration.

The system may lag and will negatively impact you. The employees in a system never think about the implementation complexities, but they blindly blame the system for being problematic.

Interface issues

The outdated interface of the earlier versions of SAP is entirely different from the updated version. Many of the companies are still using the older versions of the system, and this creates a thought in users that the older systems are worse. 

Strictly process-based

SAP encourages users to use the system in a systematic way. You will not get an opportunity to skip the process. The strict procedures, in one way or another, irritate the employees.

It usually follows the order of approval of purchase orders, followed by the recording of the receipt and invoices. This may irritate the employees who prefer smooth transactions.

Slow performance 

The low optimisation of the system results in a slowdown. Many factors, such as the weak database, heavy load of customisation, and poor infrastructure, can contribute to this. But this is also indirectly pointing towards the failure in the SAP system. 

What’s actually SAP’s fault vs what’s not

It’s high time to understand the real problem of SAP and the myths related to SAP.

Based on SAP’s fault, some errors can occur in the system. The SAP system fault includes-

• High licensing cost
• System architecture which is heavily loaded
• Nature of the complexity of UI in older SAP versions
• Learning curves that are more complex and problematic

What is not SAP’s fault?

• Customisation, which is overloaded
• Underpowered servers 
• Less efficient project management 
• Complex system handling
• Inefficient SAP training methodologies 
• Weak implementation strategies 

The SAP system takes blame for even the wrong company decisions. SAP, unfortunately, falls victim in most cases. 

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How companies can reduce SAP frustration (actionable fixes)

The companies can stop the employees from hating SAP.

They can let the employees gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of the SAP mechanism. 

• Familiarity with SAP tools and techniques 
• Provide proper SAP training
• Create a simulation environment for proper training
• Arrange hands-on workshops to familiarise themselves with SAP systems
• Avoid complicated customisation, which makes the system problematic
• Stick to the fundamentals of SAP procedures to ensure safety and efficiency. 
• The user interface should be upgraded for more advanced usability. 
• Explain the benefits of SAP and the advantages of using it systematically before the implementation. 
• Make sure that the database remains optimised
• Servers are in good working condition. 
• Learn SAP step by step without rushing

If you’re a learner: how to learn SAP without getting overwhelmed

As a learner, you can familiarise yourself with SAP without getting overwhelmed by following these simple steps-

• Kick-start your SAP journey by choosing one module at a time. You can choose FICO, MM, SD, and HCM based on your learning potential
• Understand the nature of the business process. Only after understanding the real logic behind the business does the SAP basically work based on the business logic.
• You should have a thorough knowledge of the purchase cycles, accounting entries, supply chain operations, etc., to get clarity on how SAP works.
• Regular practice on SAP using real-life scenarios worked with real-world simulations. 
• SAP is a high-demand career option. Learn the SAP skills to work in the various fields, including IT, banking, logistics, retail, etc. 
• The salary of the SAP consultants is comparatively high. Many of the companies rely heavily on ERP systems. You can tackle the complexities once you understand the real nature and logic behind SAP.

The powerful, systematic and structured nature of SAP creates an unknown hate among the users. It is not because SAP is inefficient. SAP is too efficient to hold a company in its axis, and it is this performance and perfection that creates pressure and fear among people. 

SAP demands accountability from the users. It never allows inefficient management and practices. The SAP offers global work opportunities. 

Conclusion

SAP is not perfect in all its terms. It is complex and sometimes difficult to understand because it demands more of a systematic and structured approach. The poor implementation and lack of a proper structured approach create hate among the users.

SAP remains the most powerful system to handle business operations and the most efficient database system on a wide scale. If used properly, SAP will remain an asset rather than a liability. 

The complexity within SAP is a gateway towards more opportunities and potential career advancement. With the right guidance and proper training, you can opt for SAP as the most suitable choice for your career prospects. Before hating SAP, learn and understand what SAP really is! It will definitely make all the difference!