We recently spoke to our SAP Application Management Services (AMS) sales manager, Mike Nicklin, about his extensive experience in the industry. We also discussed common trends and recurring issues he’s seeing and hearing about, as well as what he thinks sets The Config Team’s AMS offering apart from other providers.
“As sales manager for SAP AMS at The Config Team, I work closely with existing customers to ensure that they’re getting the best from their relationship with us, as well as with potential new customers to showcase everything we offer.
“I have an extensive background in SAP consulting, AMS and sales totalling over 20 years. I started my career at a manufacturing end-user organisation where I worked for 14 years, rolling out SAP across seven different countries, before undertaking a role as an SAP support consultant for a food and beverage company. Next, I was a service delivery manager for an SAP consultancy, where I managed the SAP AMS contracts for around 15 different customers before subsequently moving on to The Config Team in 2020 after the consultancy was acquired by a large global system integrator”.
“Acquisitions of independent SAP consultancies by larger organisations are becoming increasingly common. However, these bigger firms often prioritise large clients, leaving small and medium-sized companies feeling neglected. For example, someone I’m currently in conversation with used to have a UK-based service delivery manager accessible via a quick phone call. After their provider was acquired by an SI, they had to schedule appointments through an offshore helpdesk instead. In their words, the personal touch has been lost and they feel like just a number rather than a customer”.
“There are also lots of businesses that had previously outsourced their SAP AMS offshore and are now opting to bring it back onshore. We’re currently navigating a period of change in the world of SAP, especially with the imminent end of support for ECC. There are a lot of options available, along with an equal amount of information on the best path forward. There is therefore increased demand for trusted advisors that will not only help with SAP issues but can also advise on what is possible now and in the future with SAP, rather than being a purely transactional partner”.
“Common feedback we receive from our SAP AMS customers is that they view us as trusted advisors and true partners. Something we always say here at The Config Team is “we care”. Our SAP AMS team really does care about all our customers and delights in providing them with an excellent service. We like to approach SAP AMS as if we are an extension of a customer’s internal team, so our experts are always directly available for a quick question or piece of advice without going through a lengthy helpdesk process. With our deep SAP supply chain and logistics expertise and experience, we’re able to deliver quick and effective resolutions and valuable guidance that works in the long term for the customer’s unique needs.”
Find out more about our SAP AMS services , or get in touch with our SAP supply chain experts.