SAP S/4HANA Production Planning and Manufacturing Certification Guide

Application Associate Exam

Siva Kumar Mutnuru

• Publisher: SAP PRESS
• Year: 2021
• ISBN:
  9781493220847
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Computer Science
• Subtopic: Computer Science General
• Index: Computer Science

1 Introduction to Supply Chain Planning

Techniques You’ll Master

• Explain the SAP strategy for digital transformation
• Describe the relevant options for SAP S/4HANA
• Review SAP Fiori design
• Understand SAP Activate framework
• Review the history and evolution of production planning in SAP S/4HANA
• Understand the basics of supply chain planning

In this chapter, we’ll explore the SAP HANA architecture and database, various deployment options and scope of SAP S/4HANA, basic functions of the SAP Fiori user experience (UX), the SAP Activate methodology, and aspects of SAP supply chain planning.

Real-World Scenario

As a consultant, you should understand that SAP S/4HANA is the new architectural direction and is a separate product line from SAP ERP. SAP S/4HANA is the core of SAP’s strategy, and you should feel comfortable in explaining the benefits this new technology platform will bring. SAP HANA is a database where the system response and transaction processing is fast. Fast doesn’t always means good, but how SAP fundamentally changed and simplified business processes, embedded analytics and on-the-fly reporting, and revamped the user experience (UX) with SAP Fiori are some of the features you can proudly share with customers.

The fundamental shift in SAP HANA architecture and fast database, as well as many other features, enabled the most system resource-intensive processes performed in a tenth of the time. Because of these capabilities many of the supply chain planning capabilities have now been moved to the SAP S/4HANA core.

SAP is enabling digital transformation, and more and more customers are adopting to SAP S/4HANA and intelligent enterprise solutions for better return on investment and future proofing.

1.1 Objectives of This Portion of the Test

The purpose of this portion of the certification exam is to test your knowledge in SAP HANA, SAP S/4HANA, SAP Fiori apps, the SAP Activate methodology, and the latest trends in SAP supply chain planning. The certification exam expects you to have a good understanding of the following topics:

• Overview of SAP HANA architecture
• Deployment options for SAP S/4HANA
• SAP Fiori design principles, features, and app types
• SAP Activate framework
• SAP supply chain planning trends and available solutions

[»] Note

SAP S/4HANA essentials and introduction to SAP supply chain planning covers more than 8% of questions in the certification exam.

1.2 Digital Transformation and the Intelligent Enterprise

The internet, accessible data, mobile technology advancements, computing power in the hands of consumers, fast-emerging technologies, and rapid innovations have changed the way users are handling their devices. Users expect for simplicity, flexibility, and superior UXs from technology providers. These advancements in the technology space are fueling the advent of new ways of doing business and connecting with customers. Now it’s imperative for businesses to adapt to the fast-emerging digital technologies, such as mobile, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and so on, and transform the way they do businesses to be relevant in the market space. Digital is no longer just a support function; digital transformation is the key driver and partner in business transformation.

Across the globe, almost all businesses are at some level of digital transaction. If not started, then it’s high on their agenda. This trend in adoption of new technologies and increased complexity in the business space is also putting pressu...