Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Awards
Industries
Accomplishments
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic
APPU PADMANABHAN

APPU PADMANABHAN

Mississauga,ON

Summary

More than 14 years of experience in Strategic consulting and various S/4 HANA and SAP ERP Digital Transformations & Implementations including Retail, Telecommunications, Government and Health sector clients, I am an seasoned SAP Product specialist skilled in Sourcing and Procurement, Retail, Fashion, SD and Logistics module. I am a customer and client success manager in my roles of Consulting looking after various clients and catering to their business and ERP transformation needs and architect multi year roadmaps as an SAP Enterprise and solution architect. With deep expertise in Functional and product capabilities of S/4 HANA Digital core, I have been successful in delivery high quality ERP products to my Internal stakeholders and external clients and have been an advocate for various C-suite stakeholders including CTOs, CISO's, CFO's.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lead Product Manager (SAP Applications)

SSENSE (Atallah Group Inc)
Montreal, Quebec
09.2022 - Current
  • Led the S/4 HANA SAP Retail with Rise implementation for a large luxury fashion retailer with sales in over 150 countries.
  • Spearheaded the migration of all Finance and Procurement master data during the cutover period.
  • Prepared multiple roadmaps and S/4 HANA Implementation roadmap to retire the existing legacy ERP application and leverage the power of S/4 HANA Digital enterprise to be the source of truth for Procurement, Operations, and Logistics functions.
  • Worked with the Supplier Operations team to define key metrics and implemented various EDI capabilities to streamline and automate procurement functions.
  • Acted as the key functional lead, reporting directly to the VP of Operations and the Director of Corporate Systems and Enterprise Architect for Operations and Procurement domains, to define the priority roadmap for multiple years.
  • Acted as the BTP Admin and Product specialist in selecting various technologies and capabilities to define robust architectures with S/4 HANA with Rise.
  • Worked directly with a squad of software engineers to deploy integration solutions on AWS, such as Lambda, Step Functions, and SQS Services, to integrate with SAP via SAP API Management, Business services, etc., for real-time data integration.
  • Worked as the SAP SME for developing a custom solution to extract data from S/4 HANA Multi-Tenant Edition (aka Public Cloud) to be used for audit purposes and data retention. First use case of successful customer data return, as per SAP's Chief Customer Officer.
  • Worked with the Chief Information Security Officer to develop and implement internal controls and IT general controls for the S/4 HANA platform for access management, change management, computer operations, etc.
  • Designed and implemented integration solutions using SAP BTP Integration Suite for key business processes, including product master replication, purchase order transmissions, and shipment integration.
  • Integrated SAP Sourcing and Procurement solutions with SAP BTP, leveraging Integration Suite and API Management to connect with external systems and partners.
  • Developed and deployed custom applications and extensions using SAP Business Application Studio, enhancing existing functionalities, and addressing specific business requirements.
  • Architected and implemented robust and scalable solutions on SAP BTP, ensuring high availability, performance, and security.
  • Led user training and adoption initiatives, ensuring successful rollout and utilization of SAP Sourcing and Procurement solutions.

SAP Lead (Manager)

Deloitte Canada
Toronto, Ontario
05.2021 - 08.2022
  • Led the intelligent S/4 supply chain transformation for government and public sector companies, driving significant improvements in operational efficiency and cost savings.
  • Provided strategic planning and roadmap definitions to clients for advertising, marketing, and commerce transformations, aligning their business goals with digital solutions.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with industry partners and potential clients, contributing to team and company profits.
  • Applied a customer-first strategy to product development and marketing materials, resulting in enhanced customer engagement and loyalty.
  • Optimized e-commerce fulfillment strategy, reducing costs while maximizing profits and customer satisfaction.
  • Assisted clients in prioritizing capabilities of e-commerce for B2B, B2C, and B2G. On their specific requirements, ensuring tailored and effective solutions.
  • Developed S/4HANA Retail proposals: Crafted compelling proposals outlining value proposition and migration roadmap.
  • Defined retail migration strategy: Created tailored strategies for clients transitioning to S/4HANA Retail.
  • Conducted client assessments: Analyzed client needs and existing systems to identify optimal solutions.
  • Authored thought leadership: Created white papers and presentations on S/4HANA Retail benefits.
  • Presented at industry events: Showcased expertise in S/4HANA Retail migration strategies at conferences.
  • Led client workshops: Facilitated workshops to define business requirements and solution scope.
  • Performed ROI analysis: Calculated potential return on investment for S/4HANA Retail migrations.
  • Developed pricing models: Created competitive pricing strategies for proposed solutions.
  • Negotiated contracts: Successfully negotiated contracts with clients for S/4HANA Retail projects.
  • Built strong client relationships: Fostered trust and rapport with key stakeholders at client organizations.

Senior Consultant Manager

CGI
Mississauga, Ontario
10.2019 - 05.2021
  • Integrated SAP Commerce and SAP Retail: Orchestrated the seamless flow of product information (e.g., attributes, images) between systems, ensuring consistency across online and offline channels. Leveraged PCM and Article Master for efficient product data management.
  • Enabled B2C and B2B Commerce: Integrated SAP Commerce with SAP CRM and ERP for customer data and order processing. Configured distinct pricing procedures in SAP IS-Retail using condition techniques for each customer type.
  • Implemented Omnichannel Fulfillment: Designed processes for BOPIS, BORIS, and ship-from-store. Integrated with SAP Retail's inventory management for real-time visibility and accurate order promising.
  • Integrated POS Systems: Connected SAP POSDM with SAP Commerce to capture and process transactions, ensuring real-time data synchronization. Configured POSDM for various scenarios like sales, returns, and promotions.
  • Optimized Pricing and Promotions: Implemented complex pricing and promotion strategies in SAP Commerce and IS-Retail, leveraging dynamic pricing and discounts. Integrated SAP Promotion Management for centralized control.
  • Managed Product Catalog: Oversaw product catalog creation and maintenance in SAP Commerce, utilizing content management features. Implemented workflows for product approval and publishing to ensure quality and consistency.
  • Ensured Data Security: Implemented security measures to protect sensitive data in compliance with regulations. Configured user roles and authorizations in both systems, and monitored system activity.
  • Optimized Site Performance: Collaborated with infrastructure teams to optimize SAP Commerce performance and scalability, implementing caching and performance tuning techniques.
  • Provided technical leadership: Provided technical guidance to the implementation team, reviewed and approved technical designs, and troubleshooted complex issues.
  • Supported Post-Go-Live Operations: Provided post-go-live support and maintenance, monitored system health, and offered training to end users.
  • Set up the roadmap for different models of Mobility Retail into one single SAP Commerce instance.

Principal Consultant SAP

Cognizant Technology Solutions
Mississauga, Ontario
08.2017 - 09.2019
  • Conducted research and analysis on complex business problems and prepared reports for stakeholders.
  • Provided leadership, guidance and mentorship to junior consultants.
  • Created strategies for the successful implementation of projects within budget constraints.
  • Led workshops with clients to identify their needs and develop appropriate solutions.
  • Reviewed existing systems and procedures in order to make recommendations for improvements.
  • Assisted senior management in developing long-term plans and strategies for success.
  • Coordinated with vendors regarding purchase orders processing activities like PO creation, release and confirmation.
  • MM Integration: Defined and configured interfaces between SAP IS Retail and MM for automated purchase order processing, goods receipts, and stock transfers, reducing manual effort and improving data accuracy.
  • Pricing and Promotions: Designed and implemented complex pricing and promotion strategies, leveraging SAP IS Retail functionalities for dynamic pricing, discounts, and loyalty programs.
  • Store Operations: Optimized store operations by configuring functionalities for mobile POS, self-checkout, and inventory management, improving customer experience and staff efficiency.

Senior SAP IS Retail/SAP MM Consultant

Cognizant Technology Solutions
Brampton, Ontario
07.2013 - 08.2017
  • Provided technical support and training to end-users on SAP MM modules.
  • Implemented automated workflows between different departments such as Purchasing, Accounts Payable and Inventory Management using IDocs and BAPIs within the SAP MM Module.
  • Analyzed business requirements and developed solutions using standard functionality or customizing features available in the SAP MM Module.
  • Maintained master data, such as vendor, material and pricing information in SAP MM module.
  • Monitored performance of existing configurations and provided recommendations for improvement within the SAP MM module.
  • Worked on integrating a new retail pharmacy chain into the existing SAP Retail landscape.
  • Conducted workshops and discovery sessions to optimize and develop a roadmap for the merger of the pharmacy retail chain with minimal business interruption.
  • Worked on contract management and sources of supply for enabling direct store delivery and store direct delivery functions end to end for corporate and franchise stores across Canada.
  • Performed end-to-end mock migrations and cutover tasks to identify gaps and provide strategic directions to the various stakeholders, including development, cutover, and QA teams, to optimize the entire cutover process.
  • Worked as a solution lead for implementing and enhancing SAP EDI Integration with the 5010 version for EDI 850, EDI 860, EDI 997, and EDI 810.
  • Other expertise includes performing consulting for various clients, team mentoring, offshore onsite coordinations, facilitating stakeholder reviews, and presentations of daily status reports and weekly status reports to various project and leadership groups.
  • Reviewed existing setups with regards to purchasing process flow and suggested improvements that can be implemented within the scope of a project in order to optimize usage of resources and time utilizing standard functionality available in the SAP MM Module.

SAP Functional Consultant

Cognizant Technology Solutions
Bangalore, Karnataka
06.2011 - 06.2013
  • Hands-on experience in configuring retail stores, sites, and customer master.
  • Hands-on experience in setting up organizational structure in SAP MM and SAP SD.
  • Worked as part of the Global support team for SAP IS Retail modules, along with integration to SAP MM, FI, and SD modules.
  • Configured master data setup for HTS Codes, Product hierarchies, MCH, and EAN/UPCs.
  • Worked as a functional lead between test analysts and the onsite team to define end-to-end scenarios for Order to Cash and Procure to Pay functions with retail procurement.
  • Scheduled meetings with onsite counterparts and business stakeholders for design sessions on SAP MM, Retail, FI Integrations.
  • Configured systems on various procurement processes like standard procurement, subcontracting, self-service procurement.
  • Configured Merchandise categories and article hierarchies, and article master customizations to meet the client's retail needs.
  • Worked on the requirements and configured for the layout workbench, listing, and assortment management module of SAP IS Retail.
  • Performed SAP SD configurations, including distribution channels, divisions, and basic functions, including pricing, free goods, Bonus Buys, ATP, output determination, and Partner determination.
  • Configured sales documents, delivery documents, billing documents, copy controls, intercompany billing.

Education

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering -

Amrita School of Engineering
India
01.2011

Skills

  • Strategic Planning and Roadmap Definition
  • Product Management
  • Program Management
  • Enterprise Transformations
  • Intelligent Supply Chain Initiatives
  • Business Application Development
  • Portfolio management
  • Ecommerce Transformations
  • Clean Core Strategy
  • SAP S/4 Digital Core
  • SAP IS-Retail
  • SAP Commerce Cloud
  • SAP Business AI
  • SAP Sourcing and Procurement
  • SAP Integration and Extensibility Advisory Methodologies
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strategic thinking and continuous learning
  • SAP Product Knowledge
  • Agile methodologies
  • Jira/Confluence
  • Business Process Analysis
  • Master Data Management
  • Process Automation
  • System Upgrades

Certification

  • SAP S/4 HANA Sales and Distribution 1909 (C_TS462_1909)
  • SAP Certified Application Associate - Commerce Cloud
  • SAP Certified Business Associate - SAP C/4 HANA Business Processes - Lead to Cash
  • SAP Certified Application Associate - SAP Sales Cloud 2011
  • Certified SAFe 5 Agilist (SA)
  • Certified SAFe 5 Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM)
  • ISTQB Certified Tester Foundational Level (CSTL)
  • SAP Certified Professional - Solution Architect - SAP BTP
  • SAP Certified Associate - SAP S/4HANA Sourcing and Procurement

Awards

  • Multiple client best performer awards.
  • Cognizant Best Innovator award for the Quarter.
  • Multiple client appreciations.
  • Deloitte Green Dot award.

Industries

  • Apparel and Grocery Retail
  • Telco
  • Government and Public Sector
  • Rail and Road Transport
  • Logistics and Distribution
  • Consumer Packaged Goods

Accomplishments

  • Completed Major S/4 HANA Transformation from S/4 HANA Public cloud to S/4 HANA Retail with Rise.
  • Acted as the SAP functional lead and Delivery Manager for the Canada Vaccine Management Program.
  • Implemented Enterprise grade applications using BTP and AWS solutions with Generative AI for Manual Document Data extraction use cases.
  • Won the best performer award multiple times in my entire career.
  • Successfully contributed to the migration and merger of 2000+Retail locations of a large pharmacy retail client with largest Canadian Grocery chain.

Languages

English
Full Professional
Malayalam
Full Professional

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Lead Product Manager (SAP Applications)

SSENSE (Atallah Group Inc)
09.2022 - Current

SAP Lead (Manager)

Deloitte Canada
05.2021 - 08.2022

Senior Consultant Manager

CGI
10.2019 - 05.2021

Principal Consultant SAP

Cognizant Technology Solutions
08.2017 - 09.2019

Senior SAP IS Retail/SAP MM Consultant

Cognizant Technology Solutions
07.2013 - 08.2017

SAP Functional Consultant

Cognizant Technology Solutions
06.2011 - 06.2013

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering -

Amrita School of Engineering

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APPU PADMANABHAN