SAP Learning Insights

Career Spotlight – Enterprise Architect with Chris Simon

Focus topic: Career as an SAP Enterprise Architect consultant In this episode of SAP Learning Insights, David Chaviano speaks with Chris Simon for a career spotlight episode on enterprise architecture. Chris has a background in physics and management, and he moved from consulting and database-related work into SAP, premium engagement delivery, and finally came to enterprise architecture. Chris explains what an enterprise architect does, describing the role as aligning business capabilities, processes, applications, and underlying platforms so an organization can operate and evolve in a structured way. David and Simon also cover change management and customer engagement and Simon describes a hybrid working model that combines on-site visits with remote work, depending on the customer’s maturity and the stage of the engagement. At the end, Chris of course shares with you his final words of wisdom. Chris Simon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-simon-3209b210/ Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ The SAP Learning group: https://community.sap.com/t5/sap-learning/gh-p/learning Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/

You aren't using SAP correctly. With Senthamarai Kannan

In this episode, David Chaviano met with Senthamarai Kannan to speak about how many SAP customers underuse the systems they have implemented. Kannan shares examples of common gaps such as manual work, spreadsheets, and limited use of standard SAP features like Fiori and automation. They also discuss SAP Process Assessment and Recommendation, along with resources for people who want to learn SAP on their own. In closing with some final words of wisdom, Kannan says strong business knowledge and product understanding remain important, even as AI changes the work of consultants. Senthamarai Kannan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/senthamaraikannan/ KANNANWARE: https://www.kannanware.com/ Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ The SAP Learning group: https://community.sap.com/t5/sap-learning/gh-p/learning Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/

LeanIX - What is it ?

In this episode of the SAP Learning Insights Podcast, David Chaviano speaks with Anna-Lena Zhou about LeanIX as an enterprise architecture tool for mapping and managing application and technology landscapes. She explains how it helps to create transparency across business and IT, supports target-state planning and roadmaps, and provides a single source of truth through reporting, diagrams, and dashboards. Anna Lena and David also cover how LeanIX differs from andcomplements SAP Signavio, with LeanIX focused on enterprise architecture and Signavio on process transformation, modeling, and mining. Anna-Lena also gives some insights on how LeanIX collects information through integrations, supports collaboration and decision-making, and is used by enterprise architects, CIOs, business users, application owners, and solution architects.Finally, the conversation turns to AI governance, including the discovery and management of AI agents through integrations with major AI studios and the use of an MCP server for custom agents and automations. She closes with some words of wisdom by encouraging an AI-first or agent-first approach when exploring new topics. SAP LeanIX - https://www.leanix.net/en/ Course - Stay Certified – Enterprise Architecture with SAP LeanIX: https://learning.sap.com/courses/enterprise-architecture-with-sap-leanix Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ The SAP Learning group: https://community.sap.com/t5/sap-learning/gh-p/learning Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/

Certification Reimagined – with Claudia Kischa

In this episode of SAP Learning Insights, our host David Chaviano welcomes Claudia Kischa. Claudia is an expert for SAP partner certification and learning adoption from the SAP Headquarters in Walldorf, Germany. The conversation dives deep into the transformative changes that SAP certification has undergone recently, transitioning to a more practical and engaging model that reflects real-world scenarios, ultimately benefiting learners and partners alike. The goal is finally to have more capable, job-ready individuals who can navigate the details of SAP systems with confidence. Claudia highlights annual recertification, AI assessments toreduce anxiety, and the importance of SAP Learning resources for success. At the end, Claudia of course shares her final words of wisdom with you! SAP Certification reimagined: https://learning.sap.com/get-certified/reimagining-certification SAP Certification: https://www.sap.com/training-certification/sap-certification.html SAP Certifications: https://learning.sap.com/certifications?page=1 Partner Learning Managers: https://community.sap.com/t5/partner-learning-managers/gh-p/partnerlearningmanagers Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ The SAP Learning group: https://community.sap.com/t5/sap-learning/gh-p/learning Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/ Download transcript

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What is SAP - with Bob Szymanski

In this episode of SAP Learning Insights, David Chaviano hosts Bob Szymanski, a university professor from Georgia Southern University and a prominent voice in integrating SAP into academic curricula. The conversation is about the fundamental question: What is SAP? David reveals his desire to present SAP in a beginner-friendly manner, and Bob takes this opportunity toshare his insights, experiences and easy to understand examples. Bob presents a clear, straightforward definition of SAP, describing it not merely as software, but as an enterprise information system that enables business processes. He shares sources for getting more knowledge and insights and at the end, he of course provides his final words of wisdom. Bob Szymanski on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-szymanski-599b8ab/ SAP - https://www.sap.com/ Bob's book on Enterprise Systems: https://www.amazon.com/Enterprise-Systems-Cornerstone-Integrating-Organizational/dp/1777204992 Student Zone on learning.sap.com: https://learning.sap.com/students SAP University Alliances (SAP Community): https://pages.community.sap.com/topics/university-alliances Learn how students can certify in SAP for free with SAPLearning Hub, student edition. (https://community.sap.com/t5/beginner-corner-blog-posts/free-sap-certification-and-practice-systems-for-students-amp-lecturers/ba-p/14052493) Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ The SAP Learning group: https://community.sap.com/t5/sap-learning/gh-p/learning Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/ Download transcript

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Update – Finance and Accounting with Stefanos Pougkas

In this episode, David Chaviano met again with StefanosPougkas from SAP to talk about the evolution of SAP's financial offerings. They explore the core functions of SAP Financials, the shift to SAP Public Cloud solutions, and the importance of foundational accounting knowledge for newcomers. Stefanos highlights the impact of AI on automating financial processes and encourages embracing a fit-to-standard philosophy in cloud environments. We conclude by discussing the future of finance consultants amidst evolving market demands, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to excel in SAP finance. And of course, at the end of the episode, Stefanos shares some words of wisdom. Exploring Accounting & Financial Close:https://learning.sap.com/learning-journeys/exploring-accounting-financial-close Applying End-to-End Business Processes inSAP Business Suite: https://learning.sap.com/learning-journeys/applying-end-to-end-business-processes-in-sap-business-suite SAP Certified - Implementation Consultant- End-to-End Business Processes for SAP Business Suite: https://learning.sap.com/certifications/sap-certified-associate-implementation-consultant-end-to-end-business-processes-for-the-intelligent-enterprise SAP Learning site – Performance-basedCertification: https://learning.sap.com/get-certified/reimagining-certification SAP Community Blog: ReimaginingCertification: https://community.sap.com/t5/sap-learning-blog-posts/reimagining-certification-for-the-way-we-work-today/ba-p/14261141 Financial Management | SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/products/financial-management Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ The SAP Learning group: https://community.sap.com/t5/sap-learning/gh-p/learning Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/ Download transcript

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Career Spotlight – Becoming an SAP Consultant in Sourcing and Procurement with Akshay Patel

In this episode, David Chaviano discusses Akshay Patel's journeyfrom electrical engineering to becoming a junior SAP consultant at Syntax,Canada. Akshay shares how his diverse experiences sparked an interest in SAPconsulting, leading to formal training and certifications in sourcing andprocurement. He highlights the challenges of entering the job market and thepersistence needed to secure his position at Syntax. He reflects on his growththrough hands-on projects and client engagement, while also addressing the roleof artificial intelligence in the future of consulting. Akshay concludes with hiswords of wisdom for aspiring SAP professionals, emphasizing the importance offoundational knowledge, practical experience, and determination. Learn how students can certify in SAP for free with SAPLearning Hub, student edition. (https://community.sap.com/t5/beginner-corner-blog-posts/free-sap-certification-and-practice-systems-for-students-amp-lecturers/ba-p/14052493 Syntax: https://www.syntax.com/ Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ The SAP Learning group: https://community.sap.com/t5/sap-learning/gh-p/learning Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/ Download transcript

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Tales from the go-live – BTP, Clean Core and a Near Perfect Go-Live with Sebastiano Marchesini

SAP BTP expert Sebastiano Marchesini shares his story of a near-perfect SAP S/4HANA go-live. Working with a famous food and beverage company, his team built a BTP extension to automate invoice processing using AI. Sebastiano credits theproject's success to high customer involvement, where constant collaboration and consistent testing ensured a smooth rollout. He emphasizes the "Clean Core" philosophy—using frameworks like CAP (SAP Cloud Application Programming Model) to build future-proof solutions that won't break with system updates. Learn about the unique go-live atmosphere fueled by snacks, Lego, and freshly baked cakes from the client’s test kitchen! And at the end of the episode, Sebastiano shares his words of wisdom. Sebastiano on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastiano-marchesini/ SAP BTP: https://www.sap.com/products/technology-platform.html Learnhow students can certify in SAP for free with SAPLearning Hub, student edition. (https://community.sap.com/t5/beginner-corner-blog-posts/free-sap-certification-and-practice-systems-for-students-amp-lecturers/ba-p/14052493 Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/

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InternView – Navigating Early Careers at SAP - with Domenic Glass

In this episode of our InternView mini-series, host Eden met with Domenic Glass, HR Senior Recruitment Consultant at SAP, to explore the world of recruiting for early talents. Dominic shares his journey from sociology studies to becoming a recruitment expert, offering invaluable insights into what makes SAP unique for early-career professionals. He emphasizes SAP’s collaborative ethos “We rise by lifting others” and provides actionable tips for students looking to move into the tech industry. Whether you’re preparing for your first interview or exploring career opportunities, this episode offers insider perspectives on what recruiters really look for in early talent candidates. It’s perfect for students, recent graduates, and anyone interested in understanding the modern recruitment landscape at one of the world’s leading technology companies. Learn more about the SAP Internship Experience Program (iXp): Internships & Internship Experience Program (iXp) | SAP Careers Explore the various student opportunities at SAP: Students Jobs & Internships | SAP Careers Learn how students can certify in SAP for free with SAP Learning Hub, student edition. (https://community.sap.com/t5/beginner-corner-blog-posts/free-sap-certification-and-practice-systems-for-students-amp-lecturers/ba-p/14052493 Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/ Download transcript

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Tales from the go-live – Halloween Edition with Rebecca Murray

In this special Halloween episode of SAP Learning Insights, Rebecca Murray from Syntax returns to share the scary side of SAP implementations. Unlike her previous success stories, Rebecca reveals what might happen when a go-live doesn’t go according to plan. Rebecca walks us through a particularly haunting weekend cutover and other scenarios where many things that could go wrong seemed to happen. From loading two-week-old data files during a critical system migration to team members sleeping through 2 AM alarms, she illustrates how even well-orchestrated go-lives can quickly become a “comedy of errors.” In addition to her first story, Rebecca shares a rapid-fire list of other go-live mishaps she’s witnessed: stolen laptops, power outages, missing configuration files, team members leaving projects just before go-live, and even panic attacks during go/no-go decisions. But Rebecca emphasizes that while hiccups are common, major issues are typically caught before GoLive through proper planning and mock exercises. And in the end, she shares some encouraging final words of wisdom. Rebecca Murray on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamurrayhcm/ Syntax: https://www.syntax.com/ Learn how students can certify in SAP for free with SAP Learning Hub, student edition. (https://community.sap.com/t5/beginner-corner-blog-posts/free-sap-certification-and-practice-systems-for-students-amp-lecturers/ba-p/14052493 Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/

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InternView – SAP's Path to Success: Inside the SAP STAR program with Markus Bell

Join host Usaid in this episode of InternView talking with Markus Bell, SAP’s Global Head of STAR (Student Training and Rotation), to explore the comprehensive world of SAP’s STAR program. With over 20 years at SAP, Markus shares how this program has produced over 3,000 graduates, including two current board members who started their careers as STAR students. Discover what sets this program apart and learn how they operate across 14 countries, offering students real-world experience through customer interactions while developing both technical and soft skills. Learn more about the SAP Internship Experience Program (iXp): Internships & Internship Experience Program (iXp) | SAP Careers Explore the various student opportunities at SAP: Students Jobs & Internships | SAP Careers Learn how students can certify in SAP for free with SAP Learning Hub, student edition. (https://community.sap.com/t5/beginner-corner-blog-posts/free-sap-certification-and-practice-systems-for-students-amp-lecturers/ba-p/14052493 Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/ Download transcript

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Tales from the go-live - GROW with SAP - with Rebecca Murray

In the debut of our mini series “Tales from the Go Live”, David Chaviano welcomes SAP partner consultant Rebecca Murray from Syntax. Rebecca shares how her team delivered a GROW with SAP deployment to a customer whose main operations sat deep in northern Canada. Rebecca outlines the GROW with SAP methodology; leading with best practices in S/4HANA Public Cloud, layering minimal customer-specific configuration, and pairing it with SuccessFactors reaching every employee. Over 14 months, a lean team of 12 specialists implemented and rolled out ERP and HR capabilities with mostly remote delivery, targeted on-site visits, and post–go-live hypercare to stabilize payroll, billing, and period-end close. Rebeccas biggest lesson learned: active listening is crutial when tailoring best practices to a customer’s definition of success. For newcomers, she advises exploring different roles (technical, functional, strategic, customer-facing) and following your curiosity to build a rewarding SAP career. Rebecca Murray on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamurrayhcm/ GROW with SAP: https://www.sap.com/products/erp/grow.html Syntax: https://www.syntax.com/ Learn how students can certify in SAP for free with SAP Learning Hub, student edition. (https://community.sap.com/t5/beginner-corner-blog-posts/free-sap-certification-and-practice-systems-for-students-amp-lecturers/ba-p/14052493 Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/ Download transcript

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InternView – Inside SAP's Internship ExperienceProgram with Christine Archer

Welcome to our new SAP Learning Insights mini series “InternView”, a student-led podcast offering an insider’s look at SAP’s internship and early career opportunities. In this debut episode, hosts JoAnn and Eden met with Christine Archer, Global Head of the SAP Internship Experience Program (iXp), for an in-depth conversation about intern life and career development opportunities at one of the world’s largest software companies. Discover how SAP is pioneering new approaches to internships, helping over 2,000 interns each year unlock their full potential through the SAP Internship Experience Program (iXp). Learn more about the SAP Internship Experience Program (iXp): https://jobs.sap.com/content/internships/?locale=en_US Explore the various student opportunities at SAP: https://jobs.sap.com/content/Students/?locale=en_US Learn how students can certify in SAP for free with SAP Learning Hub, student edition. (https://community.sap.com/t5/beginner-corner-blog-posts/free-sap-certification-and-practice-systems-for-students-amp-lecturers/ba-p/14052493 Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/ Download transcript

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SAP Learning Insights InternView – A new mini series from students for students at SAP

David Chaviano Join David Chaviano as he sits down with Svenja Römer to explore what listeners can anticipate from “InternView” SAP’s new Learning Insights mini-series podcast. Created entirely by students of the SAP Internship Experience Program (iXp), this podcast is ideal for current students, recent graduates, and anyone curious about SAPs Internship Experience Program, career opportunities for students at SAP, and the vibrant individuals behind the scenes. Learn more about the SAP Internship Experience Program (iXp): https://jobs.sap.com/content/internships/?locale=en_US Explore the various student opportunities at SAP: https://jobs.sap.com/content/Students/?locale=en_US Learn how students can certify in SAP for free with SAP Learning Hub, student edition. (https://community.sap.com/t5/beginner-corner-blog-posts/free-sap-certification-and-practice-systems-for-students-amp-lecturers/ba-p/14052493 Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/ Download transcript

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Sustainability Update - with Michael Jordan

David Chaviano In this episode, David Chaviano met again with Michael Jordan, Education Portfolio Manager & Academic Ambassador at SAP with a focus on data-science and sustainability. After Michael gave in episode #23 an overview on sustainability and explained how SAP supports businesses to run in a more sustainable way, today’s episode focuses on where we are standing with sustainability and concepts of circular economy in businesses and if all this is finally relevant for students and learners. And at the end of this episode, Michael of course shares some final words of wisdom with you. SAP Learning Insights #23 – An Introduction to Sustainability – with Michael Jordan: https://podcast.opensap.info/sap-learning-insights/2023/04/25/an-introduction-to-sustainability-with-michael-jordan/ Free Course: Design for a Circular Economy (May 23, 2023 – June 21, 2023): https://learning.sap.com/courses/design-for-a-circular-economy Free Course: Helping Business Thrive in a Circular Economy: https://learning.sap.com/courses/helping-business-thrive-in-a-circular-economy Free Course: Building AI and Sustainability Solutions on SAP BTP: https://learning.sap.com/courses/building-ai-and-sustainability-solutions-on-sap-btp World Resources Institute: https://www.wri.org/ Learn how students can certify in SAP for free with SAP Learning Hub, student edition. (https://community.sap.com/t5/beginner-corner-blog-posts/free-sap-certification-and-practice-systems-for-students-amp-lecturers/ba-p/14052493 Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/ Download transcript

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Vower and SAP

In this SAP Learning Insights episode, David Chaviano interviews Rejoice Jones, founder of Vower, who transformed from a fifth-grade teacher to running a global learning and training organization in just two years. Rejoice discovered SAP through a 2021 pro bono program and launched the Digital Skills Initiative, training over 1,500 learners across 27 countries. Her accelerated bootcamps focus on underrepresented individuals, achieving remarkable success with graduates landing SAP consulting roles at companies like Accenture, often doubling their salaries. VOWER combines technical SAP certification training with soft skills development, career counseling, and direct job placement, creating a holistic approach to workforce development in the SAP ecosystem. And finally, as always our guest shares some final words of wisdom. Vower Web-site: https://www.vower.org/ Vower on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevowerinc/ Vower on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vower/ Rejoice Jones on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rejoice-jones-64a269195/ Learn how students can certify in SAP for free with SAP Learning Hub, student edition. Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/ Download transcript

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Free SAP Certification and Training Systems for Students

In this podcast episode, David Chaviano discusses the SAP Learning Hub Student Edition, which offers students and faculty the opportunity to earn their first SAP certification for free. Registrants can also gain access to live training systems and can attend live sessions at no cost. Students can register at: https://learning.sap.com/free-student-edition Faculty can register at: https://learning.sap.com/lecturers Onboarding instructions and video demos: https://community.sap.com/t5/beginner-corner-blog-posts/free-sap-certification-and-practice-systems-for-students-amp-lecturers/ba-p/14052493 Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/ Download transcript

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RISE withSAP with Zaven Kojakian, KES Solutions

In this episode, David Chaviano talks with Zaven Kojakian, founder of KES Solutions, about SAP’s RISE offering from the perspective of an SAP partner. Zaven outlines his personal story in IT and his passion for cybersecurity education, emphasizing the vital role partners play in delivering SAP software. In particular, he highlights the growing demand for skilled professionals in SAP and cybersecurity, urging organizations to internally assess their processes to align with RISE’s transformative capabilities. Zaven encourages continuous learning and certification for newcomers, underlining the need and interest of businesses in this field. And finally, as always our guest shares some final words of wisdom. KES Solutions: https://www.kes.solutions/ Zaven on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sapsecurity/ RISE with SAP: https://www.sap.com/products/erp/rise.html Learning Journey: “Discovering SAP Business Technology Platform”: https://learning.sap.com/courses/discovering-sap-business-technology-platform Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ Learn more about the SAP Learning Hub: https://learninghub.sap.com/ Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/ Download transcript

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Techture – Emotional Intelligence – How will we work together in the future?

In the final episode of the SAP Learning Insights Podcast miniseries “Techture”, Magdalena Glass discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace with Nadjeschda Taranczewski, founder of ConsciousU. They explore the concept of “Conscious Tribes”, which emphasizes empathy and deep connections among team members. This episode highlights practical strategies for enhancing communication, especially in remote settings, and encourages listeners to view emotional intelligence as a shared responsibility for a more connected work environment. Magdalena Glass: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdalena-glass-172021243/ Nadjeschda Taranczewski: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadjeschdataranczewski/ Website ConsciousU: https://www.conscious-u.com/ Ian McGilchrist: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iain_McGilchrist Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ Learn more about the SAP Learning Hub: https://learninghub.sap.com/ Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/ Download transcript

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Learning ABAP Programming with Dr. Clemens Mannert

For this episode David Chaviano invited Dr. Clemens Mannert to talk about the programming language ABAP, developed specifically for SAP applications. They explore Clemens’s journey from physics to software development and deep dive into the evolution of ABAP from its initial use cases for reporting and transactions to its modern applications involving back-end services, APIs and AI. Clemens provides recommended learning paths for newcomers, highlighting the importance of mastering foundational programming languages before diving into ABAP. He also gives some outlook on the future of ABAP in relation to emerging technologies, particularly the role of artificial intelligence in streamlining development processes. Finally, you get as always some final words of wisdom from our guest. Acquiring Core ABAP Skills: https://learning.sap.com/learning-journeys/acquire-core-abap-skills SAP BTP, ABAP environment: https://help.sap.com/docs/sap-btp-abap-environment?locale=en-US SAP Certified Associate – Back-End Developer – ABAP Cloud: https://learning.sap.com/certifications/sap-certified-associate-back-end-developer-abap-cloud Visit SAP Learning: https://learning.sap.com/ Learn more about the SAP Learning Hub: https://learninghub.sap.com/ Visit the SAP Community: https://community.sap.com/ Download transcript

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