Role of a Functional Consultant in an End To End Implementation
[http://wiki.ittoolbox.com/index.php/Role_of_a_Functional_Consultant]
The functional consultant has to understand the modules they are implementing and the set up and configuration options available, the key skill is being able to map the requirements of the customer to the capabilities of the ERP system. A mistake often made is to try and configure or customize the ERP system to match exactly an existing business process, rather than look to improve the processes.
"A functional consultant is expected to generate knowledge about the current business process, design current business flows, study current business processes and its complication - in all we can say that this is getting through with the current business setup. Flow diagrams and DFDs are prepared, all this forms the part of the AS IS document."
"Everything configured has to be documented according to their categories in the form of predefined templates; these then have to be approved by the team leads or who ever the consultant is reporting to."
"Mapping and GAP analysis is done for each module."
"Before starting configuring future business processes in SAP, the DFDs/ERDs are prepared, this documentation is called TO BE, which can be also said as the result of mapping and gap analysis."
"Sometimes Functional consultants are also expected to prepare test scripts for testing the configured scenarios. Testing may also include Unit testing, System Integration Testing, Performance Testing, User Acceptance Testing, Regression Testing or any client specific software testing."
A configuration document showing all the setting done by the consultant is also comes under the area of role & responsibilities of consultant.
"End user manual and user training is also expected from Functional Consultants."
There will also be interaction with other modules consultants.
A Functional consultant has to be a good communicator he has to communicate with Customer ERP core team, implementing team, Technical consultant and his project leader.Written communication skill is to be demonstrate by a functional consultant to e-mail to different groups, documentation about the erp, reports generation. Verbal communication is to understand the requirement , interact with customer, to explain and convince the customer.
[Edit section] Role of a Support Consultant
Primarily responsible for Handling tickets/tasks and application support to the end-users.
When an issue comes to diagnose, analyze and solve it.
Also responsible for enhancements.
Writing functional specifications and interacting with "ABAPers" to develop any user exits.
Raising CRNs and preparing Test Data & its testing.
Training the end users and preparing end user training material.
There will also be interaction with other modules consultants.
The main duty of a consultant is to transfer know-how to the external client. It is not manpower that counts, but intelligence, the understanding of processes, a feeling for defects and in general common sense.
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