Product Description

The Book

The book is entitled "SAP - A map of the minefield" and this is a very appropriate title, especially as it is so easy to make really basic errors without realising it until it is too late. It explains the "do's and don'ts" but more importantly it explains the logic behind the suggestions rather than just making statements and laying down rules.

It is not a technical book and can be read from cover to cover or you can read individual sections that are relevant to your current involvement.

There are sections that explain the many reasons why there are so many horror stories about failed or poor implementations with ways to avoid this happening.

There are sections that describe basically what SAP is and why it is so different, particularly to those who are working indirectly in the SAP world or are possibly about to be.

The latter sections of the book deals with specific areas of SAP that are frequently misunderstood and cause most of the problems. By explaining the intended use of certain specialist functions in SAP it helps you to understand if they are going to be appropriate and if so how to get the most out of the functionality.

There are sections that cover the problems of training end users during an implementation, show them too little and they will feel totally lost in the power and complexity that is involved in an SAP system, show them too much and they will feel swamped and confused. There is a way to find the ideal level and this is explained in detail.

If you are involved in recruiting staff, either as a recruitment agency or as part of the HR department of a company that use SAP, then there is a section that should help you understand more about SAP in relation to filling positions with the right people.

The author has been implementing integrated business systems for over 25 years and SAP systems for 15 years

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #203418 in Books
• Published on: 2005-08-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 252 pages

About the Author
Stephen Birchall is 52 years old and has been involved in the design and implementation of integrated business system solutions for over 25 years. He has assisted many major organisations in their use of computer systems to give them that all important "edge" over their competitors. Initially this was designing systems from scratch and then using SAP systems for the last 15 years.

He has also taught several hundred consultants how to implement SAP at SAP’s premises in the UK and throughout Europe. Stephen was also asked to write some of the consultant certification exam questions for SAP AG and identify and correct any existing questions that were in error.

Stephen has implemented systems in many industries including chemical, utilities, home electronics, car manufacturers, pharmaceutical, FMCG, heavy building materials, food producers, computer manufacturers, confectionery producers, kitchen and bedroom furniture producers, personal hygiene products, Fork lift truck manufacturers, Aerospace, etc. etc.

Stephen is known for his common-sense approach mixed with the ability to use radical methods that result in simple solutions. He is also know for his sense of humour and many of his colleagues will remember just how bad the jokes were. He is also remembered for his love of unusual vehicles including his 8.2 litre V8 London Taxi that was often seen outside the SAP UK training centre while he was teaching there.

In all Stephen is highly respected by the clients he has served and his fellow colleagues and many of his engagements are as a result of him being known by someone at the client.

He is a member of Mensa with an IQ of 158.

Customer Reviews

Good eye-opener for SAP implementations
Stephen Birchall has written a very readable overview of the challenges that SAP presents to all businesses. He provides a good perspective on SAP implementation projects from a contractor's point of view.

As a Project Manager who has recently implemented a Plant Maintenance roll-out, I have to agree with most of the points he raises. Its an excellent starting point for any Project team member.

A few cribs:

- He focuses particularly on MM (Materials Management) and Services functionality for examples. Understandable, as it is impossible to be expert on all aspects.

- No commentary on Netweaver or BI.

- Little commentary on IT Project Management issues; Data conversion or technical issues surrounding testing etc.

- Chapter structure is strange; there are excellent issues addressed in pages 172 to 241, but are embedded in this massive chapter.

Worth reading
As other people have identified, the book contains a number of major spelling, syntax and grammatical errors. However, once you get past those issues, it is still worth reading.

The book does not set out to teach you how to use the software; however, based upon the authors experience as a consultant and trainer, he offers some insight into the implementation process and highlights key areas to be aware of. It is clear that he is a big fan of SAP, the product and the company. He also indicates the root causes of many of the failed implementation projects.

I would suggest that if this book were re-written to remove the glaring errors, it would make a good preparation tool to be given to the senior management team of any company that is contemplating going down this route. It could also of benefit to those that will be working on the project.

Good message if you can ignore the typos
I found the book to be very informative and the author is obviously very experienced in this field. Well worth a read if you are about to embark on an SAP implementation and especially so if you are moving away from customised, legacy systems.

The book does not require you to have any prior SAP knowledge so it is not a challenge in that respect. However you may struggle with the book if you find 'typos' and 'random Use of Capital Letters when Not Required' distracting. If SAP has a spellcheck transaction somewhere within its vast functionality, this book was not passed through it.