SAP ERP solutions can revolutionize the way you run your business. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) allows you to form a streamlined network of operations, finances and human capital management. An SAP ERP software download can help you increase productivity in just about all areas of your operations. You'll waste less money and time on marketing and advertising, which lets you apply additional money and resources for other areas of your business.

The software can also cut costs through better management of vital business resources, but only if your employees know how to use it properly. ERP software from SAP is generally easy to use, but there are training opportunities available through SAP and other resources. SAP ERP software education and training can include:

1. Training courses to learn specific SAP ERP systems.

2. Certification to become a SAP certified consultant.

3. Training tools from third-party resources.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Attend training courses to learn how to use ERP systems SAP software

SAP provides many different training courses for companies that utilize its software programs and suites. Through SAP's training catalog you can access introductory training courses to learn the basics of the software, as well as specific functions. Advanced training topics and options are also available through SAP.

I recommend: SAP Education provides a large number of training topics for SAP ERP software, including introductory training and advanced topics in on-site and e-learning formats. Online Knowledge Products is a continuing education resource from SAP that provides users with self-paced refresher and advanced skills courses. The company also offers industry-specific training to meet the unique requirements of certain industries.

Learn to use a SAP ERP download with third party training

Besides training opportunities from SAP, third parties can also teach you to use SAP ERP software. Opportunities include classroom training, online training and CD-ROM courses. While these services are sometime expensive, it is an easy way to get materials for in-house training sessions on different versions of the program.

I recommend: Netwind Learning Center offers CD-ROM courses for a number of SAP versions. It's materials are multimedia presentations that work with any computer operating system. ERPSelfTraining.com provides many training tools for all types of ERP software titles.

Become a certified consultant to work with SAP enterprise resource planning software vendors

If you already know how to use SAP's software, you can train to become certified consultant and help others implement SAP ERP. You'll learn about installation, implementation, and how to lead software training sessions.

I recommend: The SAP Certification Program provides training for those who want to become a SAP ERP software consultant. If you want to get certified for a specific application or job, the company's Certification Finder can help you find opportunities.

The SAP enterprise resource planning software is an application developed by SAP AG. SAP focuses on assisting midsized and large organizations with software business requirements in all sectors and industries. SAP ERP software is the next generation of SAP R/3.

SAP enterprise resource planning systems can enhance business productivity as well as improve the alignment of your corporate strategies and operations. SAP ERP solutions support four key functional business areas:

1. SAP ERP systems for financial applications helps your company thrive in an environment of intense competition, increasing regulatory oversight, and unpredictable market conditions.

2. Human Capital Management ERP software from SAP gives your company or organization the tools it needs to manage your most valuable assets — your employees.

3. SAP ERP solutions for operations assists your company with increasing the speed of product and service delivery to customers.

4. SAP ERP systems for corporate services aids your company in managing various aspects of your company in the most effective way.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare ERP technology, SAP to other software distributors

SAP enterprise resource planning software aids with management, staff and equipment integration. The focus is on developing one system, which combines all business aspects, to streamline all elements of a manufacturing process. In the lead of ERP software, SAP continues to grow and make great strides in the field of enterprise resource planning.

I recommend: Use the Technology Evaluation Center's Enterprise Resource Planning Evaluation Center to compare vendors and services side by side with SAP. The comparison tool at RFP Evaluation Centers helps you assess eight key areas of ERP software to determine the software that best fits your needs and budget.

Join the ranks of SAP enterprise resource planning software vendors

An SAP independent software vendor (ISV) is a vendor partner with SAP through the SAP Netweaver platform. Partners and ISVs become part of an exchange infrastructure of companies creating growth and prosperity solutions.

I recommend: The SAP Community Network has resources and information for you to look through, including details on the types of SAP community partnerships available to you.

Take SAP for a test drive with an SAP ERP software download

Access SAP ERP software before you purchase it. You can grab an SAP ERP download and install to your own computer to use at your leisure. Explore the software and learn some of the benefits from firsthand experience.

I recommend: Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) has an ERP evaluation center which includes a free ERP software comparison download. Register on the TEC site to compare various enterprise software solutions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The SAP automobile ERP software can help your automotive supply business gain visibility and improve control over every aspect of the business including product development, supply chain management, manufacturing operations, finance and accounting, as well as aftermarket service.

SAP ERP stands for SAP enterprise resource planning software. SAP developed this software to assist companies with all their business software needs. SAP ERP software is designed especially for mid-sized to large companies. When shopping for SAP ERP software, do not get discouraged by industry terms you do not understand. Instead, review the meanings of SAP ERP software key terms, which will allow you to take on software options with confidence.

Action Steps
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CRM

CRM, or customer relationship management, is a term used for software applications that allow you to import and track information about various customers. CRMs are helpful to marketing departments, customer service departments and accounting departments.

I recommend: Discover more information about CRM at TechTarget. CBS Interactive also has information about customer relationship management.

RFP

An RFP, or request for proposal, is a formal document sent out by companies who want to receive proposals for specific jobs. An RFP should be as detailed as possible in order to receive the closest estimates.

I recommend: On-Line Consultant Software provides a complete guide to writing an RFP. Visit the Negotiation Training website to find more about RFPs.

BPO

BPO, Business Process Outsourcing or back office outsourcing is the act of outsourcing a specific job or process of a company to a third party. For example, the outsourcing or payroll, accounting or shipping.

I recommend: Learn more about BPO at wiseGeek. NASSCOM also provides details about business process outsourcing. Find more about BPOs at Marios Alexandrou.

Platform integration

Platform integration refers to software that can operate in different platforms or that allows information from one platform to be transferred to another.

I recommend: Read more information about platform integration at IBM. Discover more about platform integration at TechTarget.

J2EE

J2EE, or Java EE, is a Java platform designed by Sun Microsystems that is more user-friendly than earlier platforms. The J2EE work as middleware between the user and the database or information service.

I recommend: TheFreeDictionary has details about J2EE. TechTarget also supplies information about Java EE.

BPX

A BPX, or Business Process Expert, is a computer program or person who focuses on all aspects and process of a company. A BPX analyzes the data to project reports and plans. With BPX software you can receive immediate results from your data entry.

I recommend: SAP NetWeaver has more information about business process experts. Sandy Kemsley also has information about BPXs.

SAP ERP solutions is an integrated, company-wide computer software system which is used to coordinate and manage all of the information, functions and resources of a business from shared data systems. SAP enterprise resource planning software uses modules that run separately but extract data from a common database.

ERP software from SAP has several modules that support key areas of a business and include most of the critical business processes including: financials, human capital management, operations management and corporate services. SAP ERP software applications and uses for major business processes include:

1. SAP ERP solutions for financials, providing control over the financial closing cycle as well as supply chain management, treasury and corporate governance.

2. SAP ERP software for human capital management offers the automation of the core HR processes including employee administration, payroll and legal reporting.

3. ERP software from SAP for operations will help you administer procurement and logistics, product development and manufacturing as well as sales and service

4. A SAP ERP software download for corporate services will help you manage real estate, enterprise assets, corporate travel as well as environment, health and safety compliance.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Review tips to help you with ERP software from SAP implementation for financials

The financial module in SAP ERP Software can help you with the process and work flow management of the financial closing cycle as well as general ledger, accounts receivable, payable and contract accounting. As you do your research, you would benefit from understanding what to look out for as you implement your package by taking a look at some tips from the experts.

I recommend: Go to SAP for more information on the financial module. Tech Target has 20 tips that can you use with ERP implementation.

Automate your human capital management with SAP ERP software

To increase efficiency of the core HR processes in your business and to ensure compliance with all the local and global regulations, think about using ERP systems SAP software on your desktop, which can help you with talent management all the way from recruitment to retention. Enlist a consultant to assist you with your implementation.

I recommend: Review the various core HR processes which Technical Difference software can handle. AspireHR has specialized expertise in the implementation of SAP enterprise resource planning systems for human capital management.

Find out how SAP ERP solutions for operations stacks up against other SAP vendors

If you are looking for ways to improve procurement and logistics, product development and manufacturing or sales and service, the backbone of your business, you can find it all in one place with SAP enterprise resource planning software vendors.

I recommend: See erpwire.com for a concise article on what to look for as well as links to more in-depth information. ERP.com can tell you who the big players are in ERP software.

Discover how ERP software from SAP measures up

To manage important business processes and programs such as real estate, quality, project portfolios and compliance to name a few, compare SAP ERP software to other providers by studying various resources.

I recommend: ERPsoftware360.com does a good job of comparing competitive SAP ERP software distributors in a software review written by Steven Briggs. CBS Interactive has blogs, web casts, videos and white papers on asset management that you might find helpful if you want to compare SAP ERP systems with other providers.