SAP Developers Hiring Guide

Transforming Businesses Through Digital Solutions

Audi AG, Burger King, Coca Cola, eBay, 3M, and 7-Eleven are just a handful of the many businesses around the world that use SAP. In fact, the leader in software solutions boasts more than 230 million cloud users and counts 94% of the world’s biggest companies as customers.

Launched in 1972, SAP began as a humble operation that quickly grew into the giant it is today. With hundreds of products on the market, SAP’s solutions are used by businesses of all types and sizes, often managing to transform operations and making them more successful.

Today, many businesses employ dedicated SAP developers to devise and customize new and existing solutions. On the market for a professional to join your team? Here’s what to look for.

Hiring Guide
Interview Questions
Job Description

What is SAP?

SAP is a leading provider of software for business and data management and processing. It’s also the force behind Advanced Business Application Programming (ABAP), the language used to write programs in SAP. Solutions cover these areas:

Business Technology Platform
CRM and Customer Experience
Digital Supply Chain
Digital Transformation
ERP and Finance
Experience Management
HR and People Engagement
Industry Solutions
Network and Spend Management
Small and Midsize Enterprises

One major purpose of SAP is to centralize core business functions for a business, as well as generate and store data.

What does an SAP developer do?

An SAP developer governs SAP technology and systems by building new solutions, customizing existing ones, and generally overseeing practices related to the software. They use ABAP to work with SAP systems, sometimes focusing on particular products or types of products. Additionally, they work in collaboration with a team to conceptualize new solutions and gather and research requirements.

The goal of the SAP developer is to help businesses improve the efficiency and practices within the organization and create viable solutions, expanding the organization’s market reach.

How common are SAP developers?

SAP developers are in high demand. Businesses in a wide range of sectors use the technology, so it’s no surprise that so many are seeking experienced professionals who specialize in working with the software.

Zippia reports that there are approximately 5,702 SAP/ABAP developers currently employed in the United States.

1. What is ABAP?

ABAP is an acronym for Advanced Business Application Programming. It’s the programming language used within the SAP R3 program. Using this simple language, developers can customize and improve the software and workflows across a variety of SAP platforms.

ABAP is easy to learn, as long as you already have programming skills and knowledge.

2. What are data classes in SAP?

A data class determines the space that is designated for a database table to be stored on a database server. The classes are defined according to the following parameters:

Master data: A type of data that changes very rarely
Organization data: Customized data that rarely changes and is input into the system when the system is configured
Transaction data: Data that is changed very frequently
System data: Data that is used by the R/3 system

3. What are objects in the data dictionary?

The SAP ABAP data dictionary is a centralized data source that defines the structure of objects. Objects within the data dictionary include:

Data element
Domain
Look objects
Search helps or match code objects
Structure
Tables
Table types
Type groups
Views

4. What is a foreign key relationship?

Foreign keys are used to ensure that the data is consistent in tables. They establish a relationship between 2 tables in the ABAP dictionary. This relationship must be clearly stated and defined at the field level. Essentially, the foreign key links tables. Each entry must be carefully reviewed to make sure the data input into the tables doesn’t contradict other data.

5. Describe the 3-tier architecture of SAP.

SAP R/3 is divided into 3 tiers of layers. They include:

The presentation layer: This layer, also known as the client layer, has an input device and involves user interaction. It controls the main system and displays via a browser or mobile interface. It can provide a graphical user interface (GUI).
The database layer: This layer contains the data within SAP systems and is stored on a separate server. It communicates with the application server.
The application layer: The application layer’s purpose is to facilitate communication between the other layers.

Leveraging SAP ABAP, the SAP developer will build programs for SAP software. The candidate should also be able to use additional languages and tools to build and maintain programs, as well as work closely with stakeholders and team members to define requirements, measure progress, and complete high-quality projects.

Responsibilities

Build SAP programs
Maintain and improve existing SAP software
Integrate SAP programs with other applications and software
Ensure programs meet SAP standards
Create business guidelines and standards
Create documentation
Test code
Gather and research requirements
Ensure software quality
Monitor projects closely
Create and deliver analytics and technical reports
Stay up to date with current SAP trends and best practices
Work closely with team members and stakeholders
Train junior team members

Skills And Qualifications

5 years of experience working as an SAP developer
7 years of experience in software development
Strong knowledge of ABAP
Knowledge of additional programming languages, such as JavaScript and Java, and development tools
Experience with SMART forms
Strong critical-thinking, written and verbal communication, research, analytical, problem-solving, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field
SAP certification recommended but not required