We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior SAP PPDS Consultant to join our team. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in SAP Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling (PPDS), particularly within SAP S/4HANA environments. This role involves optimizing complex production planning processes, ensuring efficient material availability, capacity planning, and order sequencing to meet dynamic business demands. The Senior Consultant will play a critical role in end-to-end solution delivery, from business analysis and design to configuration, implementation, testing, and ongoing support, while also mentoring junior team members.
Responsibilities
- Solution Design & Implementation:
- Lead the design, development, and deployment of SAP PPDS solutions, leveraging expertise in SAP S/4HANA PPDS and potentially SAP APO PPDS.
- Collaborate with clients and cross-functional teams to gather, analyze, and translate complex business requirements into effective SAP PPDS solutions.
- Perform Fit-Gap Analysis and identify custom developments required to meet client needs.
- Configure and customize the SAP PPDS module, including master data, heuristics, optimization, and alert monitoring, to meet specific client specifications.
- Integration & Support:
- Ensure seamless integration of SAP PPDS with other SAP modules such as MM (Materials Management), SD (Sales and Distribution), QM (Quality Management), WM (Warehouse Management), and potentially IBP (Integrated Business Planning) and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems).
- Provide expert advice and implementation support for SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling (PPDS) functionalities in complex supply chain environments.
- Conduct comprehensive testing (Unit, Regression, User Acceptance Testing) and troubleshooting to ensure optimal system performance and stability.
- Provide post-go-live support, troubleshoot issues, and offer recommendations to optimize production scheduling, reduce lead times, and improve on-time delivery.
- Master Data Management:
- Strong knowledge and experience with PPDS Master data, including Product, Location, Resources, Production Data Structure (PDS), Production Process Model (PPM), and Transportation lanes.
- Manage and configure CIF (Core Interface) integration setup for master and transaction data distribution between ECC/S/4HANA and PPDS.
- Planning Processes & Optimization:
- Implement and configure various planning processes such as Make-to-Stock (MTS), Make-to-Order (MTO), and Engineer-to-Order (ETO).
- Utilize and configure planning engines, heuristics, and optimization tools, including setup optimizer, block planning, and campaign planning.
- Manage and monitor daily batch jobs related to SAP PP and PPDS processes, resolving errors efficiently.
- Documentation & Training:
- Design and document technical specifications, functional specifications, and workflows.
- Provide training and support to end-users, ensuring effective adoption of SAP PPDS solutions.
- Leadership & Mentorship:
- Independently guide and mentor junior team members, fostering their development and ensuring high-quality deliverables.
- Actively participate in cutover, Go-Live, and Hyper-care activities.
- Stay updated with SAP S/4HANA PPDS latest features, improvements, and industry best practices.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience as a functional consultant in SAP PPDS, with a strong focus on implementation and support projects.
- Proven expertise in SAP S/4HANA PPDS; experience with SAP APO PPDS is highly desirable.
- In-depth understanding of manufacturing and production planning processes, including MRP, shop floor control, and detailed scheduling concepts.
- Strong knowledge of PPDS functionalities such as planning board, DS board, different profiles, subcontracting processes, and alert configuration.
- Experience with master data concepts like Production Versions, PPMs, PDS, Capacities, and Time-streams.
- Familiarity with production orders/planned orders, Material Master, BOM, Routing, and Work Centers.
- Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with clients.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- SAP PPDS certifications are a plus.
