Hire Sap developers from the top 7% dev shops.

The consequences of employing subpar SAP talent are manifold. Inefficient system implementations, errors in data management, and system downtime can result in significant financial losses and reputational damage. Moreover, a poorly performing SAP system can hinder business growth and innovation by restricting operational agility and decision-making capabilities.

Adopting a strategic hiring approach is vital to securing the best SAP developer. You need to define the role and its requirements clearly and conduct thorough assessments to evaluate candidates' technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

In this guide, we have covered how to approach all these, from what skills to look out for, to how to vet each of these skills. We also suggested the best places where you can find a proficient developer as soon as possible.

Specific Skills to Look for While Hiring an SAP Developer

Every developer who appears proficient in SAP must be able to demonstrate prowess in the skills below convincingly:

SAP Modules Knowledge

Hiring an SAP developer with comprehensive knowledge of crucial SAP modules such as FI/CO (Finance and Controlling), SD (Sales and Distribution), MM (Materials Management), PP (Production Planning), and HR (Human Resources) is crucial. Each module handles specific business functions, and having a developer who understands these modules ensures they can tailor solutions that meet business requirements. 

During the hiring process, vet candidates by discussing real-world scenarios where they have implemented or optimized these modules. Ask about a time they improved financial reporting accuracy through FI/CO or streamlined supply chain processes using MM and PP.

ABAP Programming

Advanced Business Application Programming (ABAP) is the core programming language for SAP. A proficient SAP developer should have a strong command over ABAP for customizing and developing applications within the SAP environment. This skill is necessary for creating bespoke solutions that enhance existing functionalities or integrate with other systems. To vet this skill, request candidates to demonstrate their coding abilities through technical assessments or by reviewing their previous ABAP code. 

SAP HANA

Experience with SAP HANA is increasingly vital as businesses move towards real-time data processing and analytics. SAP HANA's in-memory computing capabilities enable faster data retrieval and analysis, which is essential for timely decision-making. 

When interviewing candidates, inquire about their experience with SAP HANA implementations, focusing on how they used its capabilities to improve performance and data management. 

SAP Fiori/UI5

User experience is a critical aspect of SAP solutions, and proficiency in SAP Fiori and UI5 ensures that developers can create intuitive and responsive user interfaces. These tools are essential for enhancing user interaction and productivity by providing a more modern and accessible front-end experience. 

Evaluate candidates by examining their portfolio of Fiori/UI5 applications and discussing their approach to designing user-friendly interfaces. Give them a current user interface issue and ask the candidate how they would redesign it using Fiori/UI5.

SAP Basis

SAP Basis administrators manage the SAP environment, including system administration, configuration, and maintenance. An SAP developer with Basic knowledge needs to ensure that the technical infrastructure supports application development and deployment effectively. 

Vet candidates by discussing their experience with system installations, upgrades, and performance tuning. You can ask how they handled a system downtime issue and what measures they took to prevent future occurrences.

Integration Skills

SAP systems often interact with other software solutions, and proficiency in integration tools like SAP PI/PO (Process Integration/Process Orchestration) or SAP CPI (Cloud Platform Integration) is crucial.  

During the hiring process, explore candidates' integration project experiences, focusing on the challenges they faced and the solutions they implemented. An example question could be how they integrated SAP with a non-SAP CRM system and managed data consistency across both platforms.

Where to Find the Right SAP Developer

Pangea

Pangea is a professional services marketplace that connects businesses with top-tier consultants and developers, including SAP experts. Our curated pool of SAP developers with track records of successful project delivery in various SAP modules and technologies. Tell us your specific needs, and we’ll connect you with the right agency.

Reputable Freelance Platforms

Freelance platforms like Gigster, Toptal, and Turing are good places to find good SAP developers skilled in the necessary SAP modules, programming languages, and integration skills. Toptal, in particular, is known for its stringent selection process, ensuring that only the top 3% of freelancers are available on their platform. 

To vet candidates on these platforms, review their profiles for relevant experience, check their ratings and reviews from previous clients, and conduct interviews to assess their technical and functional knowledge. Additionally, you can set up small test projects to evaluate their capabilities before committing to larger engagements.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for finding SAP developers due to its vast network of professionals and detailed profile information. Use LinkedIn's advanced search features to filter profiles based on specific SAP skills, certifications, and years of experience.  

Review their LinkedIn endorsements, recommendations from colleagues, and activity within professional groups to assess their expertise and how they are perceived within the SAP community.

Pangea Provides a Proficient SAP Developer

Pangea’s platform is designed to facilitate a seamless matching process between businesses and SAP developers and agencies. Tell us your specific requirements, including the SAP modules you need expertise in, the scope of your project, and any other relevant details. We’ll match these requirements with the most suitable developers from our talent pool.