What is required for BW?

Hi Jon Reed,
I am a regular reader of your column and you are doing a great job. I have been working in SAP for the last six years. Initially I started my career in ABAP and after 3 years moved to FI/CO as I had some functional background in FI before I moved to SAP. I have gained some experience in FI/CO for the last 2-3 years, but I'm not an expert and there are quite a few areas I am not familiar with or have not worked in like asset accounting, treasury and PA and PC in controlling. I am currently getting interested in BW as I feel with the knowledge/experience of ABAP and FI/CO that will be good area to move in. What is required for BW? Is it in the mature stage and will the requirement come down after the implementations are over or will consultants be required for maintenance/support and improvement like it happens especially in ABAP? I would like to know your opinion on the above and the career change that I would like to make.

Thanks,
Mags

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One thing to remember about SAP is that you're only as good as your most recent experience. After picking up three years of FI functional skills, I'm not sure why you would want to back away from that instead of simply fleshing those skills out further. Having said that, however, BW just might be a nice way forward for you. It's an area that would draw on both your technical and functional SAP experience. I'm surprised, however, that you didn't mention SEM. SEM is a cutting edge within SAP Financials where you might find less competition and less experienced consultants. And since SEM is closely linked to BW, anything you learn about BW can then be applied to an SEM environment. So, by all means, pursue BW, but I would keep SEM in mind as your ultimate destination.

This was first published in July 2004