Last Updated on August 9, 2024
In the sophisticated world of business process solutions, few names resonate more impressively than Narayan Mahajan. With a significant 16-year trajectory in SAP functional, leadership and managerial roles, Narayan’s extensive expertise is unmistakable. He has dutifully navigated the complex landscapes of various SAP modules such as SD, LE, MM, EDI, IM, CS, PP, Warranty, VMS, GTS, MM, and VC, each one manifesting his profound knowledge and proficiency in implementing, upgrading, and supporting SAP systems.
As a Senior Managing Consultant, he exemplifies commitment, not only in managing small to medium-scale SAP projects but also in shaping the organization’s process, people, and technology. Showcasing an adept ability to blend technical mastery and strategic vision, Narayan handles multiple projects, fosters cooperation among diverse groups, and cultivates a growth-focused environment for both the technology and personnel in his care. His accolades speak volumes of his contributions – from multiple IBM awards to industry recognitions. In essence, Narayan Mahajan represents the merging of extensive SAP experience with steadfast leadership.
Tapping into Narayan’s multifaceted SAP expertise
In his long and successful career spanning over 16 years, Narayan Mahajan has developed in-depth expertise across various SAP modules, positioning him as a go-to authority on implementation, upgrading, and support of SAP systems. His accomplishments are founded on a rich academic background and a solid knowledge base, shaped by his bachelor’s degree in Engineering, a master’s degree in Systems and Marketing, and exhaustive training and certifications by SAP.
In talking about the genesis of his SAP journey, Narayan shares, “During my MBA studies, I delved into ERP systems, which sparked a keen interest in the subject. Presently, I work with SAP, a leading ERP system. My background in MBA marketing has equipped me with insights into sales, marketing, procurement, and service sectors. This amalgamation of systems knowledge and marketing expertise has enabled me to grasp SAP’s Sales and Distribution, customer service, EDI, among other areas.”
Taking ownership of his professional growth, Narayan has devoted considerable time to continuous learning, sharing that in recent years, he has spent hundreds of hours upskilling, keeping himself updated, and enriching his skill set. This commitment reflects in his contribution to his team, to the knowledge portal, and in his initiative in conducting global training for professionals. His myriad certifications and awards stand as testaments to his expertise and dedication.
His strategic advantage, however, lies in his versatility, shaped by exposure to an extensive range of industries – from Aviation and Agrochemical to Pharmaceutical and Seeds Industries in over 15 countries worldwide.
“Engaging with SAP projects worldwide has deepened my understanding of both localization and globalization,” he says. “These experiences have enhanced my efficiency in fulfilling my duties and allowed me to design products that meet market standards, thereby offering superior SAP consulting services to clients.”
Ultimately, it is this holistic understanding of multiple industries and his proficiency with diverse SAP modules that make Narayan a highly valuable Subject Matter Expert, solution architect, and leader in the SAP space. His rich body of work stands as proof of his ability to drive efficient, cost-effective solutions for a wide range of business contexts.
Shaping process, people, and technology
Under the adept leadership of Narayan Mahajan, an array of SAP projects has made substantial strides. His zealous attention to detail has shaped the process, people, and technology’s growth within an organization. As a respected SME in various SAP modules, Narayan demonstrates impeccable management skills while effectively communicating with diverse groups of executives, managers, and subject matter experts to ensure seamless project execution.
In his own words, “SAP stands as one of the foremost global providers of ERP software, organized into diverse modules based on functionality. As a Senior Consultant and Architect, I’ve honed my expertise across various modules, including SD, MM, PP, LE, EDI, and CS. This knowledge proved invaluable during a pivotal moment with one of the largest oil and gas companies. Middleware issues were causing EDI orders and updates to fail, leading to disruptions ranging from sales to shipments.”
As the leader of a quickly formed “RESCUE team,” Narayan was at the forefront of identifying the challenge and ensuring its resolution while keeping stakeholders informed about progress four times a day. “We quickly identified the root cause and implemented a solution without further disruptions. This incident underscored the significance of proficiency in multiple SAP modules, a unique strength I bring to the table,” he states.
Beyond his expertise in SAP, Narayan is focused on achieving substantial cost savings, improving efficiencies, and automating processes. Skillfully using his position as a thought leader, he initiates discussions around problem-solving strategies crucial to business and IT. His remarkable commitment to proactive and continuous engagement with stakeholder teams ensures they are prepared for upcoming launches and carry intricate business insights into their long-term portfolio roadmap.
Navigating the complexities of SAPs
Narayan Mahajan’s effective collaboration with IT and Business Leadership in executing architectural roadmaps and handling multiple projects sets him apart as an SAP expert. Narayan offers extensive insight into the complexities of SAP implementation, as well as practical strategies for navigating these challenges. Tracing his experiences, Narayan states, “Typically, an SAP implementation is a medium- to large-scale project. It’s costly and demands immense effort and commitment. Yet, during the SAP implementation phase, organizations can encounter several challenges, including complexity, change management, data migration, integration, and budget constraints.”
His approach to these challenges highlights his strategic planning, team management, and technical proficiency. “To address these challenges, I formulate a comprehensive implementation plan, assemble a proficient project team, ensure meticulous blueprinting of business needs, and conduct an in-depth SAP software fit-gap analysis. This ensures every business requirement is met with either a standard SAP solution or a custom RICEF object,” he states. His careful consideration for change management planning also illustrates his commitment to ensuring employees are well supported throughout the transformation process.
Maintaining clear visibility and regular status updates on project progress is central to Narayan’s management approach. “Each week, the PMO team must update the project plan. Any delays in tasks or deliverables should be noted in the team lead’s weekly report and highlighted during the weekly PMO meeting,” he asserts. His meticulous nature is further reflected in his insistence that no deliverable is marked as “complete” unless it has been fully accepted by the business leads.
Narayan’s attention to cost management, language and cultural barriers, and meticulous verification processes round off his comprehensive approach to handling SAP implementation challenges. His hands-on management style, technical expertise, and commitment to providing realistic solutions have significantly contributed to his successful track record in implementing, upgrading, and supporting SAP systems. His considerable insight and a comprehensive approach to SAP implementation serves as a beacon to both existing and upcoming SAP professionals.
Bridging the IT-Business divide
Mahajan is a well-established thought leader in the strategic and analytical implementation of SAP systems. Shrugging off the constraints that can overwhelm organizations during the implementation phase, he set himself on a path to drastically mitigate the inherent challenges posed by SAP’s broad-spectrum and complex nature. His comprehensive engagement with SAP over the last 16 years has put him on a pedestal reserved for those with proficiency in overcoming challenges such as the system’s complexity, change management, data migration, integration, and budget controls.
“Executing a smooth SAP implementation is a colossal endeavor filled with significant challenges. From integrating various modules to addressing employee concerns and ensuring seamless data transition, there are numerous potential hurdles to navigate,” Mahajan shares. He approaches these issues with a meticulously carved strategy, “We begin by formulating a comprehensive project plan and assigning a team that possesses the right mix of technical and functional expertise. Next, we ensure a thorough SAP software fit-gap analysis. Finally, we integrate a holistic change management strategy. These steps are pivotal in addressing and surmounting the challenges ahead.”
Client satisfaction is paramount for Mahajan as he firmly believes that no deliverable should be marked as “complete” unless it has been reviewed and approved by business leads. In essence, his approach attributes its success to a shrewd management of critical elements – from maintaining a clear visibility to the progress of every key activity to ensuring adequate time and resources are assigned to data migration.
According to Mahajan, leveraging SAP to solve business and IT problems is not a one-size-fits-all solution but instead requires a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s unique needs and the ability to adapt used processes.
He adds, “Timely project progress reports, close alignment with SAP project advisors, rigorous system testing, and constant interaction with a diverse group of executives, managers, and subject matter experts are also some vital constituents of a successful SAP implementation.”
Mahajan’s approach toward SAP implementation is reflective of his breadth of knowledge and strategic leadership style which have earned him resounding recognition and awards, positioning him as an undisputed thought leader in his field.
Peering into the future of SAP
Mahajan sees magnanimous potential internationally, particularly in India, for SAP professionals. He quotes, “According to the SAP’s S/4 Hana leadership team, India is projected to rank among the foremost cloud markets worldwide by 2020. The nation already showcases a significant presence with an installed base exceeding 10,000 companies. SAP solutions play a pivotal role in this evolution, addressing and resolving numerous business challenges.” Some of these solutions cater to problems such as data silos, order delays, customer service issues, business planning challenges, accounts receivable, and generating valuable business insights.
This vast international exposure and insight have put Narayan in the forefront to manage projects of various scales. His leadership qualities have left an indelible mark, not only on his teams but on the enterprises as a whole, bringing about transformative change and exceeding expectations.
A career adorned with accolades
A testament to his extensive experience and masterful competency in the SAP field, Narayan Mahajan has been recognized with numerous awards from esteemed organizations such as IBM, in addition to accolades from both his clients and local community.
IBM, a globally recognized leader in technology services, has repeatedly honored Narayan’s remarkable contributions and leadership. Among the numerous accolades he has received from the company include the IBM “Manager’s Choice Award,” in which leadership recognizes the exceptional performance of their fellow managers, the uplifting “Spirit Award,” and the prestigious “IBM GBS Service Excellence Awards” which are reserved for individuals who had shown exceptional service dedication.
Alongside IBM, Narayan’s clients have also expressed their admiration for his work. To quote a client, “…I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Narayan across four companies and through engagements with 15+ clients. His accolades, including ‘Best Achiever’ and ‘Best Leader,’ reflect his unwavering dedication to surpass expectations and his knack for steering teams toward success. Moreover, his exemplary performance earned him a distinction as the ‘Top 2% among 350,000+ employees in learning and contribution,’ a testament to his profound commitment and enduring professional prowess.”
Beyond the corporate sector, Narayan’s impact has also been felt in the community. Notably, he received recognition in the community in the form of the Manager’s and CIO award during his tenure at Kennametal, showcasing his ability to positively affect both the business and local environment around him.
Narayan’s vast array of awards, recognitions and laurels bodes well for his continued success. These accolades not only reflect his significant contributions within the SAP sphere, but also his unyielding commitment to excellence and insatiable desire for growth and improvement, making him an unwavering force in the world of corporate leadership and SAP consulting.
Leading by sharing
Narayan Mahajan is not just an experienced SAP professional, but he is also renowned for sharing his knowledge and expertise with others in the field. Accredited as being among the top 2 percent contributors in IBM Knowledge Sharing, Mahajan doesn’t believe in hoarding knowledge. He firmly upholds the philosophy that learned wisdom increases tenfold once shared.
“…Being a top contributor, I know what we’re doing and have some invaluable insights the team treasures. Contributing helps us earn the admiration and gratitude of our peers and sparks a sense of meaning and purpose in our work,” shared Mahajan.
His systematic approach to planning and organizing his work, adept interpersonal communication, and ability to collaborate effectively reflect in his conduct of knowledge sessions. His consistent results, openness to regular feedback, and willingness to constantly upskill underline his caliber as a thought leader in the SAP domain.
Apart from his SAP expertise, Mahajan’s leadership skills set him apart. Mahajan’s guiding principle is “lead by example,” which enables him to foster an environment of continuous learning and development within his team.
He is well-versed in the latest trends and technologies and is open to exploring new industries, which further cements his position not just as a SAP expert, but as a well-rounded industry stalwart who understands the importance of adaptability in the face of change.
Furthermore, Mahajan’s sessions aren’t confined to IBM. He has a track record of promoting knowledge sharing across the industry, penning numerous publications and playing an instrumental role in pioneering innovative SAP solutions.
Guiding the next SAP torchbearers
Narayan’s expertise in handling complex SAP projects is enhanced by his ability to lead. Similar to how an orchestra conductor ensures each instrument contributes to the harmonious melody, Narayan too ensures each team member’s skills are utilized effectively in the overall project execution. His hands-on approach in managing small to large-scale teams offers an amalgamation of his sound technical understanding and mature managerial skills.
On one hand his strong proficiency in SAP SD, LE, MM, EDI, IM, CS, PP, Warranty, VMS, GTS, MM & VC helps him to provide robust functional and architectural solutions. However, on the other hand, his ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of executives, managers, and SMEs ensures smooth team collaboration and communication, thus paving the way for successful project deliveries.
Key to his team management strategy is his consistent effort toward appraisals and knowledge sharing. He is invested in his team’s growth, regularly assessing their performance, acknowledging their contributions, and guiding them in their career progression.
Furthermore, Narayan has been credited for his active contribution in knowledge sharing pertinent to SAP technology. Not only does this uplift individual team members’ skills but also creates a vibrant, knowledge-empowered, motivated team.
“If you’re interested in SAP, you should definitely consider and put efforts to pursue it,” says Narayan.
In essence, Narayan’s approach as a leader is to nurture talent, guide individuals in their career journey, and work toward collective project success. It is this leadership philosophy that has always been appreciated by his teams and recognized by higher management, rendering him numerous Excellence and Spirit awards, and making him a distinguished SAP leader.
