My Story as an SAP ERP Consultant: How I entered the SAP World

When I started with SAP, I quickly realized how complex and overwhelming it could be. Over time, through experience and numerous projects, as an SAP ERP Consultant, I found ways to simplify the process and turn challenges into clear solutions. Now, I’m here to share my knowledge and help others streamline their SAP implementations with practical advice and proven strategies. Let’s make SAP work for you!

My name is Noel D'Costa and this is my story.

In 2002, when I started my career, I was really confused about what I needed to do. I had a Bachelors Degree in Financial Accounting, Auditing and Taxation and a Masters in Computer Applications. Even with that combination, the road ahead wasn’t clear to me.

For the first couple of years, I went to work for Convergys (now Concentrix) and DELL. In Convergys I worked on the Microsoft account for the launch of Windows XP, and it was then that I understood that I needed to learn Enterprise Resource Planning (ERPs).

After a few years, I studied and completed several certifications in different ERPs as well as in other critical areas of Risk Management, Information Systems Auditing, SAFe Agile and IT Service Management.

But I realized quickly that without a professional business qualification, you are not taken seriously. So I went and completed by Chartered Management Accounting qualification from the UK which was a great move! So now I have a unique combination – I understand business and technology.

In the last 24 years, I have garnered experience in multiple ERPs such as Microsoft Dynamics, Navision, Oracle, Baan IVc4, and SAP. I have handled some of the most complex projects in Defence, Public Sector, Aviation and Aerospace, amongst others. Since I have worked as a client and as an SAP ERP consultant, I was blessed to have the experience I have today.

I have now reached that stage in my life where I have decided, as an SAP ERP Consultant and Architect, to share my experience to other consultants and to clients. Now you may ask why? A simple answer – I don’t want people to make the same mistakes that I have made in my projects and to ensure that my clients have clarity, specially when they are investing top dollar in new solutions.

One aspect that I am proud of, is the fact that I have been able to help customers, through my experience and my blog to guide them in their SAP journey.

My Experience in Public Sector

Working in the public sector has allowed me to tackle large-scale, transformative projects that drive meaningful impact across government and defense organizations. I’ve led digital transformation initiatives that span multiple entities, streamlining complex operations and enabling greater efficiency.

For example, during my role as Digital Advisor for the Department of Government Enablement in Abu Dhabi, I designed and implemented a comprehensive digital transformation strategy for over 80+ government entities. This initiative aligned with the emirate’s long-term vision, enhancing digital capabilities across sectors, and establishing a foundation for sustained growth through the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI, cloud platforms, and big data.

In the defense sector, I managed the consolidation of 24 companies from Oracle to SAP, spearheading Industry 4.0 implementations and introducing IoT-driven solutions to enhance manufacturing processes.

These projects not only modernized operations but also aligned the entities with global digital standards, driving efficiency and innovation at scale. Throughout my public sector experience, I’ve worked with large budgets and coordinated multi-disciplinary teams, balancing strategic vision with hands-on execution. My focus has always been on integrating technology with operational needs to deliver sustainable, long-term results.

The Focus on Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence, for me, is about solving practical problems in the most effective way. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how AI can improve processes when it’s applied thoughtfully. One project that stands out is when I integrated AI into a recruitment system for a large manufacturing company. The goal was straightforward—reduce the time it took to hire the right people. By automating key parts of the process, we saved time and improved the quality of candidate selection without overcomplicating things.

In procurement, I used AI to speed up negotiations and streamline contract management. It wasn’t about making the process flashy—it was about making it faster and more cost-efficient. In the public sector, we implemented AI chatbots to handle routine tasks, improving response times and service delivery without adding unnecessary complexity. It was all about finding ways to make the workload lighter and the service faster.

To support stakeholders who are looking to implement SAP or any ERP, I have built the SAP Implementation Cost Calculator, the ERP Implementation Cost Calculator and the SAP Solution Builder. These tools will help you to determine your SAP or ERP Costs and define the right initial Bill of Materials.

The focus has always been on using AI to make things easier and more efficient—no hype, just practical solutions that work.

So here's how I can help you...

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by SAP or just looking for someone who’s been through the trenches and knows what works, I’m here to help.

I’ve spent years working on SAP implementations, from small businesses to billion-dollar projects, and I know firsthand the challenges that come with it.

Through consulting, I’ll work directly with you to figure out what’s holding your SAP setup back and how we can streamline things to make it work better for your business.

No complicated jargon—just straightforward, practical advice to get things moving in the right direction.

I also share my experiences on the blog, where I break down the lessons I’ve learned over the years. It’s all about giving you tips and insights you can actually use.

And if you’re looking for a deeper dive, I’ve put together ebooks that walk you through specific SAP challenges, offering step-by-step guidance to help you tackle them head-on.

I’m not here to overwhelm you with theory. I’m here to make SAP simpler and more manageable for you, through personalized consulting, practical blog posts, or easy-to-follow ebooks. Let’s simplify things and get your SAP system working the way it should. If you need to get in touch, check out my contact details below.