What Does an SAP Consultant Actually Do? Is It Really Exhausting and Boring?

When it comes to consultants in high-demand fields, SAP consultants are among the first names to come up. In fact, demand for SAP consultants continues to rise steadily, with the major 2027 deadline approaching and SAP S/4HANA operations already underway.

In this article, we will cover the role of SAP consultants, the benefits of becoming one, and how to get started as an SAP consultant. We also address common questions and negative rumors about SAP consulting from both the employer and consultant perspectives.

If you are considering SAP consulting as a career path, please use this as a reference.

What Is an SAP Consultant?

An SAP consultant is a consultant who possesses specialized knowledge of SAP, the leading ERP package software developed by SAP SE — a Germany-based software company among the largest in the world.

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is an IT system that centrally manages and utilizes a company’s management resources, including people, goods, money, and information.

SAP commands an overwhelming share of the international market, and many companies in Japan have adopted it to improve operational efficiency. As a result, demand for SAP consultants continues to grow year by year.

Roles and Responsibilities of an SAP Consultant

The main responsibilities of an SAP consultant fall into the following three categories.

Let’s take a closer look at what each of these responsibilities entails.

SAP System Implementation Support

The primary role of an SAP consultant is implementation consulting for SAP systems.

In cases where a company is migrating from another ERP package to SAP, the consultant supports a smooth transition of systems and data. For companies implementing an ERP package for the first time, the consultant may also conduct business analysis and propose process improvements prior to implementation.

SAP System Customization

SAP comes with a wide range of templates ready for immediate use after implementation. One of SAP’s strengths is also the ability to customize it to suit specific business needs.

Customizing the system so that each company can use it more conveniently and efficiently is another key role expected of SAP consultants.

Post-Implementation Follow-Up Support

After-implementation follow-up support is also an important part of the job. This includes providing support when the software is updated to a new version and assisting users who need help with operation.

Furthermore, SAP’s support for “SAP ERP 6.0,” which is currently used by many companies, is scheduled to end in 2027. Companies currently using “SAP ERP 6.0” will need to migrate to “SAP S/4HANA,” the new system developed by SAP SE, or switch to an ERP solution from another vendor.

SAP consultants are expected to play a critical role in supporting this transition.

Is It True That “SAP Consulting Is Boring”?

SAP consultants can appear to require only SAP-specific skills, which has led some to say that the work is “boring.”

However, whether the work is boring or not depends on the individual. If you find yourself feeling bored, reframing it as “a chance to test your skills in a specialized field” or “an opportunity to keep learning new knowledge” may help reduce that feeling.

The Difference Between Good and Bad SAP Consultants

Being an SAP consultant is not simply about having SAP knowledge and meeting client expectations.

What is required is the ability to identify which SAP features will maximize the benefit for each client, based on their industry and business operations. A consultant who proactively deepens their understanding of the client’s industry and the department seeking to adopt SAP will be highly valued as a skilled SAP consultant.

Conversely, someone who tries to fit the client into the customizations they are most comfortable with would be considered a poor SAP consultant.

The inability of many Japanese companies to move beyond legacy business thinking is seen as one factor hindering Japan’s economic growth. ERP packages like SAP are attracting attention as a solution to reduce the burden of manual work and human-dependent processes — but not all operations can be migrated to a freshly implemented SAP system at once.

There will also be cases where SAP modules do not align well with existing workflows. In such situations, prioritizing the completion of the SAP consultant’s assignment over the wishes of the client company’s management or on-site staff may be perceived as inadequate.

There may also be instances where it is simply not possible to reflect the client’s wishes due to the nature of the work. In those cases, failing to provide the client with a satisfactory explanation or supporting documentation is another mark of a poor SAP consultant.

Benefits of Working as an SAP Consultant

While systems consultants are generally expected to be well-versed in a wide range of software and systems, SAP’s extremely high market share means that specializing in it alone is a fully viable career — and that is one of its key advantages.

By focusing on a single system, consultants can develop highly advanced and specialized skills, making it an ideal path for those seeking career advancement as a consultant.

Most companies that implement SAP are major global enterprises. Working closely with the management strategies of the world’s leading corporations and solving their business challenges is an extremely rewarding experience.

Moreover, since system implementations typically roll out across an entire organization rather than a single location, traveling abroad for work is not uncommon at all. You may find yourself living the high-caliber life of a consultant who works on a global stage.

Drawbacks of Working as an SAP Consultant

Compared to other systems consulting roles, one drawback of being an SAP consultant is that the specialization can be so narrow that some people may find it difficult to feel a sense of breadth in their work.

Also, while working as an in-house SAP consultant at a company is one option, it is also possible to work as a freelance consultant — prioritizing compensation and work-life balance by moving between various client companies.

Even when working with a single company over a long period, the department you are assigned to can change depending on the project phase, which means the workplace atmosphere and interpersonal dynamics shift each time. Some SAP consultants see this as an advantage, but for those who struggle with frequent changes in environment, it can feel like a drawback.

Skills Required of an SAP Consultant

What SAP consultants need most is the ability to identify where and how SAP can be integrated to support a client company’s growth — and to assess the risks that may arise from adopting or not adopting SAP.

They must also be able to anticipate potential risk scenarios and possess strong problem-solving capabilities. Logical thinking and the ability to clearly articulate reasoning are also essential, as consultants must explain to client companies in a structured way which departments, divisions, or functions should or should not adopt SAP.

Furthermore, since SAP is a global system, having business-level English proficiency or higher is a significant advantage.

Projects where the consulting team is based in Japan while the technical team is overseas are becoming increasingly common. In SAP-integrated workplaces, tasks such as training and maintenance are necessary, and consultants must consider the usability needs of end users who are unfamiliar with SAP. A certain level of empathy and mental resilience will be required.

SAP Consultant Certifications

While it is possible to work as an SAP consultant based on knowledge and technical expertise alone, passing the SAP-certified examination adds credibility and helps projects run more smoothly.

Additionally, some freelance SAP consulting engagements require “SAP certification” as a condition of entry.

The “SAP Certified Consultant” certification covers areas related to ERP and SAP, with over 50 exam types available in Japanese alone. Holding even one of these certifications qualifies you to call yourself an SAP consultant.

SAP certifications do not require renewal once obtained, but separate certifications are needed for different versions and products. To obtain certification, candidates can accumulate hands-on experience with SAP or enroll in paid training programs offered by SAP SE.

In most cases, companies cover the cost on behalf of the employee, but the paid training programs can cost around 1,000,000 yen.

Who Is Suited to Become an SAP Consultant?

SAP consulting is well-suited for those with knowledge of SAP and experience designing and implementing various ERP package software.

It is sometimes said that “the work of an SAP consultant is no different from that of a systems engineer (SE),” and it is true that many SAP consultants have transitioned from SE roles — the work does share similarities. However, SAP consultants are positioned closer to management in defining requirements, giving them a role that also resembles that of a business consultant.

If the work of an SAP consultant were to be summed up in one phrase, it would be this: contributing to a client’s operational efficiency and business improvement through SAP implementation. Their mission is to resolve management challenges through requirements definition.

With that in mind, those with experience in finance, accounting, or related fields, strong communication skills for building trust with executive leadership, and the ability to identify issues and guide clients toward solutions through risk management emerge as the ideal profile for an SAP consultant.

How Freelancers Can Find SAP Consulting Engagements

SAP consultants are always in demand at major recruitment agencies and job platforms. However, if you are aiming for a work style with greater freedom and flexibility, going independent and using a matching agency for high-performance professionals is recommended.

Top-tier matching agencies have the expertise and network not only to share publicly available engagements, but also to approach multiple companies on behalf of the consultant with their preferences — including utilization rate, compensation, and industry — and find the engagement that best fits the consultant.

In general, matching agencies tend to be better than traditional recruitment agencies at negotiating favorable terms depending on the talent’s profile. If you plan to continue pursuing specialization as an SAP consultant, working with a matching agency will be indispensable.

Using FreeconsultantJP

For freelancers searching for SAP consulting engagements, we recommend “FreeconsultantJP,” operated by Mirai Works Co., Ltd. FreeconsultantJP is known as one of Japan’s largest matching agencies for senior-level professionals, with one of the highest numbers of registered freelance consultants in the country.

Its mission is to provide talented professionals with new opportunities and competitive compensation, contributing to the growth and development of companies across Japan.

At FreeconsultantJP, each registered consultant is assigned a dedicated experienced agent who supports them through engagement introductions, entry, and onboarding.

The agency works to prevent mismatches between companies and registered consultants before an engagement begins, and the dedicated agent continues to support a stable working environment even after the engagement starts. If you are looking for SAP consulting engagements, be sure to register.

Q&A About SAP Consultants

Here is a summary of frequently asked questions about SAP consultants.

In Closing

SAP consultants possess a high degree of specialization, and there is said to be a global shortage of qualified professionals. Reflecting this, SAP consultant compensation and annual salaries are set at a high level, making them a highly valued asset in the business world.

While the responsibilities are substantial, the prevalence of remote-eligible engagements means there is significant flexibility in how you work.

Becoming an SAP consultant requires specialized SAP knowledge and a track record of relevant experience, and it was once considered a narrow path. However, since there remains a shortage of SAP consultants ready to take on new engagements in an active capacity, those with a background in ERP package software can still pursue this path even without SAP-specific experience.

For those seeking the unique satisfaction of SAP consulting, the prestige of a senior-level consulting role, and competitive compensation, this is a highly recommended career path.