How Does a SAP System Analyst Spend a Workday?

General Duties

SAP stands for system application and process, which denotes a software application that provides enterprise resource planning (ERP) for companies to integrate all their operations through a single platform. SAP system analysts often are involved in the procurement of the system for the company, overseeing its installation and training the company managers to utilize the programs.

Mornings

The first thing a system analyst does each day is to check the data that may have been entered into the system overnight. Transportation logs may have been sent, third shift manufacturing time sheets applied and overseas transactions completed. The analyst collects the data and sends it through the ERP program to the various department heads. The system must be checked for tweaks and drops that may have occurred.

After analyzing overnight data, the SAP system analyst typically answers troubleshooting calls. In a large company, various users run into difficulty with their operating systems or with trainees who are still learning how to use the programs. Those calls are delegated out to various IT staff members and the analyst prepares for the day's meetings that are scheduled.

Mid-Day

Meetings are scheduled to bring department heads up to date on the various projects the company is engaged in. The systems analyst attends these meetings to offer suggestions for program updates that could help to facilitate new projects or mitigate problems that have occurred in current projects. Analysts meet with various departments to brainstorm over possible new uses of the ERP. Data that has been compiled by the analyst and the IT team must be organized and explained to various managers. It's the responsibility of the analyst to provide reports based on the data collection on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

When not in meetings, an SAP system analyst is poring over the computer and assessing the data collection and creating reports. A system analyst typically spends a good portion of each day in front of a computer terminal and must be cautious of ergonomic factors that could affect his health, such as keyboard placement and good lumbar support in chairs.

End of Day

While many SAP system analysts work a 40-hour week on staff for a large company, a number of analysts are moving into contract work and can provide most of the analysis from a home-based computer. Those who are contractors must spend time each day running their own business in addition to performing the duties of the contract. They log hours, send invoices and spend time marketing their services through networking groups, website development and cold calling.

Independent analysts usually spend time each evening tending to the details of their own company. Whether they are on salary or working for themselves, SAP system analysts also must work in continuing education seminars and training to keep up with the latest IT changes and SAP advancements. They attend conferences and trade shows at least twice a year.

Resources

• SAP