About SAP

SAP stands for Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing. SAP is an Enterprise Resource Planning software (ERP) from the company SAP AG, Germany. SAP (or generally any ERP) is used in large or medium size enterprises to integrate the processes across various functions. Sap is enterprise resource planning system software and world’s leading provider of business software solutions. SAP is the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system that aims to integrate all the different modules in the company. SAP architecture is robust, secure and customize to another level.

The reason why SAP is so popular today is because of its open architecture. Organizations using it, can work on it to create any software to meet their business requirements. As of today, SAP is the leading provider of business software, in the world. SAP ERP is not very user-friendly and requires a great deal of specialized knowledge to take advantage of its full functionality.

What is SAP software used for?

Traditional business models often involve decentralized data management, with each business function storing data about its operations in a separate database. This means that employees from other business functions cannot access the information, and duplication of data across multiple departments increases IT storage costs and the risk of data errors.

SAP is best known for producing enterprise resource planning software (ERP); this allows organisations to manage business operations across procurement, manufacturing, service, sales, finance, and HR.

In addition to the ERP software, SAP also offers several other software solutions such as SAP Anywhere, a combined e-commerce and CRM software package, that is designed to help small businesses manage marketing, sales, customer service, and inventory.

By centralizing data management, SAP software provides a single view of the truth that is used by multiple business functions. This helps companies better manage complex business processes involving different departments by giving employees access to real-time insights across the enterprise. As a result, businesses can accelerate workflows, improve operational efficiency, raise productivity, enhance customer experiences – and ultimately increase profits.

What is CRM software used for?

Customer relationship management is a strategic process that helps you better understand your customers’ needs and how to meet those needs and enhance your bottom line. CRM systems link up information about customers from a variety of sources, including email, websites, physical stores, call centers, mobile sales, and marketing and advertising efforts. CRM data flows between operational systems (like sales and inventory systems) and analytical systems that sort through CRM data for patterns.

If you don’t have an accurate view of who your customers are and what their needs or desires are or will be at any given stage in their lives, or if you are losing customers to a competitor, that's a clear indication that you need a CRM system.

There are many technological components to CRM systems, but thinking about CRM in primarily technological terms is a mistake. Instead, CRM should be viewed as a strategic process to better understand and meet your customers’ needs. A successful CRM strategy depends on bringing together lots of pieces of information about customers and market trends so you can more effectively market and sell your products and services.

History and Growth of SAP

1.SAP, the company was founded in Germany in 1972 by five ex-IBM engineers Wellenreuther, Hopp, Hector, Plattner, and Tschira.

2.Initial Release was called R/2 on a Mainframe.

3.SAP Later released R/3 as Client-Server Software, the R in R/3 stands for Real-time.

4.New Dimension Products based on Netweaver.

5.SAP Latest release is SAP HANA.

SAP Versions

1. SAP R/1: This was the very first time that the SAP system was launched in 1972. The one-tier architecture offered real-time tools and features for data processing.

2. SAP R/2: Introduced in 1979, this second version of SAP was a dialogue-based, database-oriented business solution.

3. SAP R/3: This version of SAP was designed to be compatible with open client/server systems. The new standards laid down by SAP R/3 provides the best solutions concerning business information management. It is more successful because:

What does SAP do?

SAP helps companies and organizations of all sizes and industries run their businesses profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably.

The company develops software solutions that are used by small businesses, midsize companies, and large corporations. With standard applications, industry solutions, platforms, and technologies, every business process can be mapped and designed. The software collects and processes data on one platform, from raw material purchasing to production and customer satisfaction. SAP solutions can be installed “on premise” at a user’s location(s) or used from the cloud, helping companies analyze and efficiently design the entire value chain. SAP solutions can also be used to create forecasts, such as when a machine needs to be repaired or how revenue will develop in the next half year.

In addition, SAP helps customers seamlessly link operational data on business processes with experience data on emotional factors such as purchase experience and customer feedback. This enables companies to better understand and respond to their customers.