Tell us about your current role 

I am currently working as SAP Test Lead with a utility company, been in this role for last 2.9 years. This role has allowed me to work in different SAP initiatives/Projects, to name some of them like managing SAP automation work for S/4 HANA transformation, test lead for SAP PI to PO migration which includes planning and managing testing for both SAP and Digital components. 

What inspired you to have a career in SAP? 

SAP was the first company I worked for after my graduation. The opportunity and the level of satisfaction of working with SAP products and its benefit to customers inspired me to continue my career in SAP. 

Tell us about your career journey in tech / SAP to date

After my graduation, I was fortunate enough to start my career with SAP labs. I started my journey with SAP from Nov 2004 as an associate Consultant working with SAP SCM Test Team. Within a year at SAP labs, I was given an opportunity to lead the test team for SCM-SNC module. From then on, I have played  multiple roles. I have led and managed the Test Method group at SAP, spread across multiple locations in close co-ordination with the Test Architect from Germany. Worked at SAP Palo Alto (US) with consultants from various SAP Partners to co-ordinate and support Acceptance Testing. And have travelled to SAP Germany and SAP Budapest to participate in various tests deliverables. I was also part of multiple working groups to work on defining the Test Strategy (Regression, Security, Accessibility) for SAP Products. 

Conducted various trainings at SAP labs and was one of the presenters at SAP Quality day.

I have received Multiple awards at SAP like SAP Top Talent, SAP High Potential, Wall of fame- Commitment, Wall of Fame- Team Work.

In June 2010, made a major shift by moving from leading the test team to working as Techno functional support consultant with SAP Support team (IMS) which gave me an opportunity to work closely with various customers.

I started my SAP career in Australia from June 2013 as SAP Test Lead part of the green field implementation for a mining company being mainly responsible for SAP MM and OPENTEXT VIM and was part of the BAU team after the completion of the project.

In Nov 2015, joined as SAP Test Lead for a green field implementation for one of the Dairy companies mainly responsible for SAP MM, PM, Ariba and SCM-SNC where also played a role of a functional consultant due to need in the project for a SCM-SNC consultant.

From Jan 2017 to till date, working as SAP Test Lead with a utility company mainly responsible as SAP Test Lead in different internal projects like managing the automation work for S/4 HANA transformation project, Upgrades, test lead for SAP PI to PO migrations.

What are the top 3 barriers to SAP S/4 HANA migration?

Some of the barriers would be to come up with a clear business case and to come up with the solid Migration Strategy based on the business case, not having/getting the right skilled resources and to come up with the best way to manage the migration of all the Custom objects .

How can I use the V-Model with SAP Product Lifecycle Management?

I feel that V-Model can be used for SAP projects which are at low risk of changing the requirements once defined.

What are the best strategies for managing demand variability? 

In my opinion, some of the best strategies to manage the demand variations is to have the demand driven approach, example: demand been the driving factor to kickstart any product/build. Timely review of the work and adjust where needed. Capture the experience and lessons learnt and manage effectively when similar situation happens.

What does equality mean to you? 

Equality means giving opportunity based on the skills irrespective of their age, gender and cultural background.

In my journey with SAP, I have been fortunate to have been motivated by many role models around me one such as my first Manager in Melbourne.

I personally feel that Knowledge and having the right attitude will support us fulfil our dreams. Always have a continuous learning mindset and have a never give up attitude.

I would personally encourage to attend training sessions or conferences on SAP products and highlight the opportunities with SAP which will motivate to have a career with SAP. Example:

Participating in SAP TECHED would be one such event where there will be an exposure to new technologies, participating in sessions and connecting with professionals/companies from the SAP ecosystem.