Introduction
Given the fierce competition from rapid technological advances and globalization, companies have sought to enhance logistics and supply chain efficiency in recent years. Banihashemi et al. (2019) inform that the increasing concern about adopting green strategies as a sustainable environmental solution and green legislation, in addition to the volume and vast manufactured products by companies, has made reverse logistics attract significant attention in supply chain management and logistics business. Having this in mind, the awareness and implementation of reverse logistics as a sustainability solution can give companies a competitive advantage since competitiveness also implies success in establishing a robust competitive advantage through performance. Enhancing reverse logistics activities like returned product recovery or product elimination at the end of inventory is approach organizations use to retain and improve a market share and competitive advantage. According to Giri et al. (2018), reverse logistics offers a competitive advantage since it helps optimize the recovery of assets, maximizes the efficiency of the supply chain, minimizes costs and enhances customer experience. Therefore, this paper will conceptualize reverse logistics and provide in-depth information on how it helps gain competitiveness in the supply chain.
Definitions of Reverse Logistics
Reverse logistics is a vital component in the supply chain’s ecosystem and actively helps improve overall efficiency. According to Fernandes et al. (2018), reverse logistics refers to the flow of materials, products or products from the end customer via any supply chain stages. Also, reverse logistics include the return of leased equipment or inventories that are not sold and, in addition, the recycling and disposal of unused materials. Thus, reverse logistics mainly focuses on a series of activities in reusing, product updating, material recovery and waste management.
Reverse Logistics in Supply Chain
The increased global economic integration that organizes various businesses worldwide requires smooth coordination for successful functioning. Supply chain management is a complicated commercial system of information, resources, people, and organization that creates a dynamic supply and demand structure between various economic agents such as consumers, manufacturers and suppliers. According to Statista data, in 2019, the global supply chain management market was at $15.85 billion, but the size has doubled over the last decade. By 2027, the market is projected to reach $37.4 billion, which implies that growth will increase exponentially by 11.2%. An efficient logistics element, particularly reverse logistics, is quintessential in the supply chain ecosystem. The supply chain oversees the flow of services and goods from the manufacturing point to the consumers. Mostly, the end user in the market is few, which prompts companies in retail to seek a competitive advantage to stand out among their competitors. According to Andrade et al. (2020), constant end users’ behaviours change the new competitor entrant into the market, which is a primary threat to organizations. This obliges companies to learn about the market environment and embrace approaches that establish a competitive edge and improve overall business performance. Thus, supply chain management requires reverse logistics to increase competition and market share. The end user within the current market has a vast array of commodities from various service providers. Hence, firms cannot exhaust all the goods at a go, which implies that reverse logistics, if implemented, can assist the firms in monitoring and supervising the flow of goods from commodity flow from the manufacturers to end users and in monitoring the excessive products not owned by consumers. According to Banihashemi et al. (2019), a competitive advantage can be attained by using reverse logistics since the unsold commodities can be managed for potential reuse. This implies that organizations implementing reverse logistics can have less burden in overcoming costs and reducing surplus wastage in production.
Furthermore, monitoring and planning the flow of supply chain processes obliges the company to absorb professional staff who can maintain a competitive advantage in the organization. With the insights and implementation of reverse logistics processes, an organization can absorb numerous end users because managing the flow of commodities from manufacturers to consumers is professional. The supply chain ecosystem requires specialized skills in the direction of surplus supply and the application of reverse logistics. This can create a competitive advantage in the market, affecting the overall organization’s supply management efficiency. According to research, the global reverse logistics market is expected to reach $603.9 billion by 2025. Many consumers prioritize an easy and convenient reverse logistics procedure. Suppose it fails to meet their requirements and ease. In that case, nearly 85% of consumers seek other alternative organizations, and if the organization meets the consumer’s needs, it acquires 95% of repetitive purchases from a specific retailer. Therefore, processes in reverse logistics like repackaging, refurbishment, and repair can minimize a company’s economic, social and environmental impact. Similarly, it can increase asset utilization and profitability in a company, affecting the bottom line of supply chain management.
Reverse Logistics as a Competitive Advantage in Supply Chain
When companies implement reverse logistics correctly, they can reap maximum benefits that positively affect the entire supply chain network and the organization’s bottom line. Modern supply chain companies utilize reverse logistics as a competitive advantage. The market demands green legislation, and green strategy for ecological management also makes reverse logistics more significant in manufacturing quality products, improving brand and pricing in sales. Apart from social and environmental benefits, the utilization of reverse logistics leads to a competitive differential in supply chain companies (Banihashemi et al., 2019). According to Giri et al. (2018), reverse logistics offers a cost-saving competitive differential over competitors, making it the most prominent strategy tool in firms. Reverse logistics can help a supplier obtain items from buyers or return the unsold stock to the manufacturer to be remanufactured, reused or refurbished, limiting the overall expenditure costs. Also, reverse logistics help minimize administrative and transportation costs, thus helping in improving comprehensive management and organizational objectives. In addition, reverse logistics implementation is a strategy of product differentiation since the processes of friendly product disposal help improve ecology. The overall effectiveness of administrative costs allows firms to provide services and products at affordable prices to competitors, which calls for a competitive edge in organizational resource utilization in an effective way. Therefore, the reverse logistics for end users’ products is significant in the supply chain ecosystem. Using recycled or remanufactured products helps minimize operation costs and wastage in the production process.
Moreover, reverse logistics can offer other competitive gains to enhance healthy competition in the supply chain. Fernandes et al. (2018) inform that compliance with environmental demands improves competitive advantage. The increased issue and sustainability insight drive the manufacturing and consumption of innovative products that meet sustainability demands; thus, reverse logistics has increased aims to impact the ecology through waste management through the useful product life. Banihashemi et al. (2019) report that reverse logistics enhance competitive advantage through cost reduction. Economic benefits are associated with returnable products that enhance reverse logistics processes development and improvement, thus creating more competitive prices than other competitors. Giri et al. (2018) inform us that reverse logistics can help improve customer experience. Supply chain firms with reverse logistics that are appropriately implemented help establish differentiation in context with various allies since they are well-equipped to serve consumers.
Conclusion
Recently, reverse logistics has gained interest in creating a competitive edge in the supply chain ecosystem. Enhancing the recycling, reusing, returning and remanufacturing of products helps supply chain management save on leadership costs and develop a product differential which affects the competitive prices of products, thus, promoting a competitive advantage over competitors. In addition to the economic impact of reverse logistics processes, it offers an ecological impact as products manufactured and consumed are ecologically friendly. Firms that implement reverse logistics correctly can have several benefits in maximizing a competitive advantage. Reverse logistics can help reduce leadership costs, operational costs, competitive pricing and increased manufacturing of new volumes of friendly products. This implies that reverse logistics helps increase supply chain efficiency and promote a competitive advantage that optimizes the organization’s bottom line.
References
Andrade Regianne. (2020). REVERSE LOGISTICS AND COMPETITIVENESS: A BRIEF REVIEW OF THIS RELATIONSHIP. pomsmeeting.org. https://www.pomsmeetings.org/confpapers/043/043-0068.pdf
Banihashemi Taknaz et al. (2019, June 18). Exploring the relationship between reverse logistics and sustainability performance: A literature review. Discover Journals, Books & Case Studies | Emerald Insight. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/MSCRA-03-2019-0009/full/html
Fernandez Sheila et al. (2018). Systematic literature review on the ways of measuring the reverse logistics performance. SciELO – Brazil. https://www.scielo.br/j/gp/a/kRfWt87PRRc4sbZXQFjQzHd/?lang=en&format=pdf
Giri Prashant et al. (2018). A Conceptual Paper on Reverse Logistics. | International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology. https://ijisrt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/A-Conceptual-Paper-on-Reverse-Logistics.pdf
Role Of Women In Jewish Prayers And Ritual Free Sample
Jews have debated how women should participate in religious services for millennia. Judaism, a religion that has historically relied heavily on the contributions of women to preserve its practices, places a premium on tradition and ritual. However, the extent of their participation and the specifics of their function has varied over time and between Jewish communities.[1]. Men and women have distinct responsibilities in Jewish prayer and ritual. Women cannot assume traditionally male roles, such as conducting religious services or reading from the Torah. Instead, women are actively encouraged to pray and study individually and as a group. In recent years, however, a movement to increase women’s participation in Jewish rituals has emerged.[2]. Many contemporary Jewish communities have adopted gender equality, with women holding leadership positions and participating in rites once regarded as exclusively male domains. The approach has rekindled interest in women’s participation in Jewish liturgy and ritual and sparked meaningful discussions about gender equality in Judaism. Jewish women continue to encounter numerous obstacles despite these advancements. Several areas of Jewish practice continue to limit women’s participation due to traditional notions of gender roles and the dread of upsetting long-standing traditions. Nevertheless, the position of women in Jewish prayer and ritual is an emotional issue, reflecting both the evolution of Jewish customs and the changing social status of women over time. Therefore, this paper is set to explore the role of women in Jewish ritual and prayer despite being subjected to historically marginalized.
The historical context of the role of women in Jewish Prayer and ritual
Numerous historical, cultural, and theological factors have influenced the evolution of women’s role in Jewish prayer and ritual. Even though women have always played important roles in Jewish life and worship, traditional gender norms and cultural expectations prevented them from participating entirely in several aspects of prayer and ritual[3]. Women played a significant role in early Jewish religious life. They functioned as prayer leaders, Torah instructors, and even prophets. Miriam, the sister of Moses, was a prophetess and the conductor of the women’s chorus following the Israelites’ crossing of the Red Sea. In the Book of Judges, Deborah serves as a justice and a military commander. As a prophetess, King Josiah requested Huldah’s counsel on religious matters. According to Susswein (2018), ‘’ formation of women’s movements have created spaces to lead in prayers and study of Tolah among other traditional religious activities’’.
Women’s participation in various aspects of Jewish life declined as the religion became increasingly standardized. During the Second Temple, women were prohibited from participating equally with males in public worship services. The period’s cultural norms placed women beneath males, which contributed to their marginalization[4]. Women’s participation in Jewish liturgy and ritual was restricted during the Middle Ages. They were not permitted to lead the congregation in prayer or to read from the Torah before the congregation. Women were customary to sit in a distinct section of the synagogue and be excluded from certain ceremonies, such as the bar mitzvah. Despite these restrictions, women continued to hold significant positions in Jewish society. Frequently, they were entrusted with preserving and transmitting Jewish traditions to succeeding generations. They were crucial to Jewish education because they taught youth about Jewish heritage, customs, and values. Susswein further argues that “The formation of Defiler women movements was purposely put in place to advance the chances for religious expression within the halakha norms and cultural dictates” As such, Women have played a significant role in Jewish history, including religious rituals and ceremonies, while overcoming social and cultural obstacles. These women have defied convention and influenced Jewish religious and cultural traditions. After the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea, for instance, the prophetess Miriam, Moses’ sister, led the women of Israel in melodies and dances. She is revered in Jewish tradition for her leadership and participation in the Exodus. Deborah, an Israelite prophetess, and justice is another exemplary figure in the Book of Judges. She is esteemed for her counsel and sagacity and is credited with assisting the Israelites in defeating the Canaanites. In the Middle Ages, women in Ashkenazi communities were known as sofers or scribes and were responsible for copying Torah scrolls and prayer books. Gluckel of Hameln was one of several women who wrote autobiographies detailing their spiritual journeys. As such, despite the challenges faced by the women in the historical context, their participation and engagement in the Jewish prayer and ritual remain undisputed because they participated in the two activities without cohesion and compromise.
Changes in the traditional role of Jewish women role in prayer and rituals
The shifting roles performed by women in Jewish prayer and ritual reflect the alterations in Jewish society and culture. Men are responsible for religious leadership and public prayer under Jewish law and tradition, while women are expected to remain at home and pray privately. In recent decades, the established gender roles and conventions in Jewish rituals have been challenged by a growing movement to include women more completely. According to Mechitza (2020),” women have significantly sought opportunities in regions life both in public and private areas through prayer.” Therefore, it depicts faith in the Almighty and other participation activities.
The increasing number of women in Jewish religious leadership is altering the traditional role of women in Jewish prayer and ritual. Previously reserved for males, more women assumed leadership positions in Jewish religious institutions. This transition has been aided by the drive for gender equality and the relaxation of traditional gender norms within Jewish communities. Increasing the number of women in positions of religious authority will enhance and expand Jewish worship and ritual by incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences. The increasing presence of women at public religious gatherings is yet another remarkable change. Jewish women were historically excluded from or required to attend private prayer services. In many Jewish communities, women can now lead religious services and publicly read from the Torah, among other modern practices. This shift resulted from feminist movements within Judaism and a growing recognition of women’s significance to Jewish spirituality. In another article by Davidman & Sacks (2020), “Despite ongoing debates within the Orthodox community over the parameters of women’s participation in religious life, many women are asserting their presence and their voices in a variety of settings and ways .”Therefore the provision about women’s engagement in worship significantly impacts their faith-driven activities because there is an excellent reflection about their engagement and participation. Additionally, the article projects women to participate more in Jewish worship than men.
There has been a transition toward using non-gender-specific language and imagery in Jewish prayer and ritual. Numerous Jewish prayers and rituals from the past tended to be written in a language with imagery strictly reserved for males, further entrenching rigid gender norms and marginalizing women in the canon of Jewish history. In recent years, however, there has been a shift towards services that employ gender-neutral language and imagery to accommodate a wider variety of Jewish worshippers. In some circles, for instance, the pronoun “He” has been supplanted with “God” or “Elohim,” and “Mix.” has been adopted as the name for the female deity. This transition toward more inclusive language and imagery will benefit all members of Jewish communities, regardless of their gender identification. In other words, the modern approach to worship is driven by inclusivity and consideration for worship. Unlike the traditional perspective, the modern approach is aligned to achieve the modern conceptualization and rationale for efficiency.[5]. Women have always played an important part in Jewish prayer and ritual, which is true today. From biblical matriarchs to contemporary religious leaders and intellectuals, Jewish women have always played an essential role in developing the Jewish faith. In Judaism, women are vital in private and public worship, and the religion views prayer as a community effort. Shabbat candle lighting, leading prayer in women’s sections, and reciting blessings are all significant roles for women in Orthodox Jewish communities, even though traditional practice limits these activities to men.[6]. Many contemporary Jewish communities have allowed women to serve as rabbis, cantors, and ritual leaders, redefining their historical roles. Additionally, feminist Jewish movements have surfaced, emphasizing women’s contributions and the necessity of their equal representation in all facets of religious life. The importance of women’s participation in Jewish prayer and ritual highlights the importance of women’s voices and experiences in defining the future of Judaism. According to Schorr & Graf(2020), “Women rabbis have played a vital role in expanding women’s roles in Jewish worship, including leading services and participating in rituals that were once restricted to men .”Additionally, the chapter argues that women were purposely powered to change society by initiating religious practice. In other words, their role in religious worship and coordination for other activities was undisputed over time.
The tension between tradition and modernity about women’s role in Jewish prayer and ritual
The role of women in Jewish prayer and ritual, tradition, and modernity have been at variance. Jewish tradition strictly restricted women’s participation in religious activities, but feminist interpretations and groups have worked to alter the provision. Traditionally, women’s roles in Jewish worship and ceremony were limited. In Orthodox Judaism, women were prohibited from praying or reading the Torah. In addition, they were required to don a head covering and sit in the women’s section of the synagogue. The intended outcomes of this physical seclusion were modesty and peaceful devotion. Conservative Judaism permitted women to read from the Torah and conduct specific prayers but required gender-specific worship services.[7]. In recent years, there has been a growing trend to include more women in Jewish rituals and prayer. Reconstructionist, Reformers, and Renew lists are examples of liberal Jewish communities and organizations at the forefront of this change. These distinct reforms have sought to increase the number of women actively participating in religious life. For instance, since 1972, when the Reconstructionist movement ordained the first female rabbis, it has been at the vanguard of advancing gender equality in Judaism.[8]. In Reconstructionist synagogues, women have the same opportunities as men to conduct religious services, read from the Torah, and serve in other leadership positions. In another article by Sztokman (2017), “Orthodox women’s prayer groups have become increasingly creative and innovative in finding ways to include women’s voices and experiences in traditional prayer services .”Therefore, their role in society remains undisputed because they significantly coordinate religious matters with society.
Despite these changes, orthodox Judaism continues segregating the sexes and allowing women limited participation in religious life. In Orthodox Judaism, women are prohibited from leading services or reading from the Torah, and the sex gap is rigorously enforced during prayer. Even within modern Orthodox groups that have endeavored to increase women’s participation in prayer and ritual, the traditional gender roles persist. The conflict between tradition and modernity regarding women’s role in Jewish prayer and ritual reflects broader debates within Jewish communities regarding the character of religious practice and the position of women in society. Some believe that maintaining the traditional gender roles in Jewish liturgy and ritual is crucial to preserving Jewish tradition.[9]. Others believe empowering women to play a more significant role in these rituals is essential to creating an inclusive community. Ultimately, the debate over women’s participation in Jewish prayer and ritual impacts issues beyond religious practice. Jewish efforts to attain gender equality reflect broader social movements for parity. Jewish communities may continue to struggle between tradition and modernity, but advances will be made toward a more open and equitable society.
Relation to non-Jewish gender constructions.
Cultural views, social norms, and religious traditions impact women’s Jewish prayer and ritual participation. Women’s involvement in prayer and ritual varies from group to group, depending on religion or cultural history.[10]. The traditional Orthodox stance on women’s involvement in religious life is a crucial factor to consider. Women cannot lead congregational prayers or read from the Torah in Orthodox Judaism. Jewish law is traditionally interpreted as reserving specific roles solely for men. However, women must still participate in synagogue services and offer prayers to men.
In recent years, this perspective on women’s participation in prayer and ritual has been scrutinized and contested as many women have sought more active roles in religious life. Several Orthodox communities have created women-only sections of synagogues where women can conduct prayers and read from the Torah in response to these calls for reform. Despite their rarity, these changes demonstrate a maturing awareness of the value of women’s participation in religious life.[11]. In Conservative and Reform Judaism, women now participate in every aspect of communal prayer and ritual. Women may lead prayers, read the Torah, and pursue professions in Jewish religious leadership without restriction. The increased participation of women in all aspects of Jewish life can be attributed directly to the egalitarianism and gender equality promoted by these groups. This method of thinking about women’s participation in religious life is frequently viewed as more progressive and inclusive than the traditional Orthodox perspective.
Women play a significant role in Jewish prayer and ritual not only because of religious doctrine or practice. Cultural beliefs and gender stereotypes can play a role. In some traditional Jewish communities, the duties of spouses and mothers are prioritized over participation in public or religious life, for example.[12]. This can restrict women’s access to leadership positions and hinder their participation in communal devotion. Numerous women defy these stereotypes and significantly contribute to the Jewish religious world. Many Jewish women have been at the vanguard of social justice movements inside and outside the Jewish community.
Conclusion
A complex history of tradition, culture, and social norms has shaped the position of women in Jewish prayer and ritual. Although women have always played a vital role in preserving Jewish tradition, their degree of participation and the nature of their role has evolved over time and among Jewish communities.[13]. In traditional Jewish practice, men are expected to assume leadership roles and conduct specific procedures during prayer and worship. Women are expected to pray and study silently in the background as congregations or individuals. In recent years, however, there has been a growing egalitarian movement in Jewish communities, with many accepting the concept of expanding women’s roles in prayer and ritual.[14]. Due to this, crucial discussions regarding gender equality in Judaism have been initiated, and women’s roles in Jewish practice have received renewed attention. Despite these achievements, Jewish women still encounter several obstacles. Due to traditional beliefs about gender roles and the dread of upsetting long-standing traditions, women’s participation in several Jewish practices remains limited. Also contributing to friction and conflict is the unwillingness of some Jewish communities to accommodate. Despite this, the Jewish community has changed due to the more significant trend toward increased. Similarly to Jewish tradition and women’s social roles in general, women’s participation in Jewish rituals and liturgy is an ever-changing topic. During the struggle for social justice and gender equality, it will be essential for the Jewish community to continue discussing and working toward creating a more inclusive and equitable community for all members. This will make it feasible for future generations to witness Judaism as a thriving religion.
Bibliography
Susswein, Sara S. “Women’s Tefillah Movements and the Orthodox Community.” Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion 34, no. 2 (2018): 9-23.
Davidman, Lynn, and Shelly A. S. Sacks, eds. Beyond the Mechitza: The Role of Women in Orthodox Jewish Ritual Life. Waltham, MA: Brandeis University Press, 2020.
Schorr, Rebecca Einstein, and Alysa Mendelson Graf, eds. The Sacred Calling: Four Decades of Women in the Rabbinate. New York: CCAR Press, 2016.
Sztokman, Elana. “New Possibilities for Orthodox Women’s Prayer Groups.” Lilith Magazine, no. 208 (2017): 38-42.
[1]Susswein, Sara S. “Women’s Tefillah Movements and the Orthodox Community.” Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion 34, no. 2 (2018): 9-23.
[2]Schorr, Rebecca Einstein, and Alysa Mendelson Graf, eds. The Sacred Calling: Four Decades of Women in the Rabbinate. New York: CCAR Press, 2016.
[3]Susswein, Sara S. “Women’s Tefillah Movements and the Orthodox Community.” Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion 34, no. 2 (2018): 9-23.
[4]Susswein, Sara S. “Women’s Tefillah Movements and the Orthodox Community.” Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion 34, no. 2 (2018): 9-23.
[5]Davidman, Lynn, and Shelly A. S. Sacks, eds. Beyond the Mechitza: The Role of Women in Orthodox Jewish Ritual Life. Waltham, MA: Brandeis University Press, 2020.
[6]Schorr, Rebecca Einstein, and Alysa Mendelson Graf, eds. The Sacred Calling: Four Decades of Women in the Rabbinate. New York: CCAR Press, 2016.
[7]Davidman, Lynn, and Shelly A. S. Sacks, eds. Beyond the Mechitza: The Role of Women in Orthodox Jewish Ritual Life. Waltham, MA: Brandeis University Press, 2020.
[8]Schorr, Rebecca Einstein, and Alysa Mendelson Graf, eds. The Sacred Calling: Four Decades of Women in the Rabbinate. New York: CCAR Press, 2016.
[9]Davidman, Lynn, and Shelly A. S. Sacks, eds. Beyond the Mechitza: The Role of Women in Orthodox Jewish Ritual Life. Waltham, MA: Brandeis University Press, 2020.
[10]Schorr, Rebecca Einstein, and Alysa Mendelson Graf, eds. The Sacred Calling: Four Decades of Women in the Rabbinate. New York: CCAR Press, 2016.
[11]Davidman, Lynn, and Shelly A. S. Sacks, eds. Beyond the Mechitza: The Role of Women in Orthodox Jewish Ritual Life. Waltham, MA: Brandeis University Press, 2020.
[12]Sztokman, Elana. “New Possibilities for Orthodox Women’s Prayer Groups.” Lilith Magazine, no. 208 (2017): 38-42.
[13]Schorr, Rebecca Einstein, and Alysa Mendelson Graf, eds. The Sacred Calling: Four Decades of Women in the Rabbinate. New York: CCAR Press, 2016.
[14]Schorr, Rebecca Einstein, and Alysa Mendelson Graf, eds. The Sacred Calling: Four Decades of Women in the Rabbinate. New York: CCAR Press, 2016.
Top Three Key Areas To Focus On When Negotiating SAP Contracts Sample Essay
Summary
In contemporary society, SAP contracts are among the multinational corporations that work closely to ensure adherence to customer needs and promote rationality from all perspectives. The corporation often provides user terms and conditions for SAP features such as license agreements, maintenance, and service level support. Additionally, the SAP contracts are known and characterized by having software licenses to promote usability and maintain support based on the overall levels of agreement. As such, SAP engagement is doctored to achieve customer satisfaction using the prevailing metrics to analyze the best cause of action. Although the SAP contracts efficiently fulfill client needs, there are needs; progressive changes are necessary to promote the usability incorporation of technology to enhance user efficiency. Therefore, this paper will analyze the top three focus areas when negotiating SAP contracts to meet client needs.
Introduction
There are two significant issues with AP contracts, namely the inability to adapt to the needs of individual users and to provide consistent, high-quality support and maintenance. Given that SAP provides a standard software product, it is only sometimes possible to modify the software to meet each customer’s unique requirements. In addition, SAP integration with other systems can be challenging, leading to data errors and inefficient business operations. In most cases, users have complained about SAP support, citing slow response times and low issue resolution as significant expenses, particularly for smaller and medium-sized businesses that may not have their own SAP support teams. When evaluating SAP software, businesses must consider these challenges and devise a plan to overcome them.
Key challenges
- Inability to customize and integrate user needs
- Unreliable support and maintenance
Recommendations
- Customization and integration
- Support and maintenance
- Licensing and pricing
The diagram above reflects the Gartner negotiation leverage approach applicable to the SAP strategy.
The diagram reflects how SAP contracts impact customer experiences by examining negotiation critical skills, digital access, and other considerations.
Analysis
Recommendation 1: Customization and integration.
SAP contracts consider customization and integration as one of the most basic provisions for supporting the integration of systems and associated timelines. For instance, each individual using the SAP solutions must first understand timeline protection for intellectual property and other provisions essential for development. Protection for intellectual property rights and any form of customization is put in place to enhance and promote user experience, which is necessary for meeting the user needs(Scheck et al.2019 pg.19). As such, the customization approach enables Companies utilizing SAP must prioritize AP customization and integration. SAP software customization is adapting the software to an organization’s specific needs. Individual module configuration, creating unique reports, and developing new workflows are all examples of customization (Subrahmanyam,2022. Pg.25). Adapting SAP software to an organization’s specific needs can result in cost savings and an increase in output. Customization enables businesses to adapt to varying client preferences, market conditions, and legal requirements. Additionally,
Integrating SAP with a customer relationship management (CRM) system, for example, can give businesses a more comprehensive view of their customers and enable them to provide better service. Integrating SAP with a supply chain management (SCM) system can improve inventory management and production planning.
The image above represents options for SAP business suite seven customers by examining the complete ERP solutions, business suite, and 4Hana solutions, all meant for effective management.
Recommendation 2: Support and maintenance
SAP contract solutions’ support and maintenance provisions are meant to promote the project’s significance and affiance at various levels to achieve efficiency at all levels (Scheck et al.2019.Pg402). For instance, through adequate maintenance, the expected level of support and response times is necessary for addressing all the additional costs and requirements, which is essential for analyzing user needs and mitigating undesirable project outcomes. A contract will always include services for SAP system support and maintenance because of such care. Better still, Customers who sign up for maintenance plans also receive early access to enhancements or problem fixes. SAP’s software is frequently updated with new capabilities, enhanced functionality, and problem fixes (Scheck et al.2019 pg.20). Additionally, Regular software updates enable businesses to take benefit of new features and capabilities, giving them a competitive advantage in their respective markets. The SAP support and maintenance contracts, which cover problem-solving, software updates, and technical support, demonstrate the company’s commitment to its clients (Subrahmanyam,2022. Pg.25). If assistance is not immediately available in the event of software-related issues, a company’s operations may be disrupted, productivity may decline, and expenses may increase. Businesses can reduce the likelihood of software-related disruptions by utilizing reliable, efficient help.
Recommendation 3: Licensing and pricing
Like other corporations, pricing, and licensing are the primary considerations affecting business efficiency. In most cases, licensing is initiated by the local or national administration as a way of regulating operations and mitigating unhealthy competition (Al Bar et al.2013, pg.220). Additionally, licensing is implemented to reduce undesirable outcomes from events necessary for operations and adherence to marketing needs. On the other hand, the pricing technique for SAP contracts is set to ensure processes are within the context of the business budget and the prevailing market forces. Additionally, the set pricing strategy provides rationality for fair competition because those who set high pricing are likely to be affected by other businesses with lower pricing for similar products. In other words, the marketing strategy should be relational within the context of the business operation pricing is part of the most critical consideration I was gaining societal importance. When negotiating SAP contracts, it is imperative to pay close attention to the licensing and pricing clauses (Al Bar et al.2013, pg.219). To get the best value on your SAP investment, you should become familiar with the pricing model and licensing structure, which significantly impact the final price. To better plan and finance future software investments, it is essential to negotiate a transparent and predictable pricing structure (Koppel et al.2019, Pg.99). In addition, knowledge of the licensing provisions are required for compliance with the agreement. It is essential to comprehend the terms and conditions of a licensing agreement to avoid infractions and the associated financial penalties. Suppose you have a thorough understanding of the licensing terms. In that case, you will be more able to negotiate a licensing agreement that can be modified as your organization’s needs change. The approach can give a company more flexibility in employing software without requiring additional expenditures.
The figure above shows the SAP licensing considerations. Each licensing type is examined to achieve flexibility and inclusivity as an infrastructural aspect.
Conclusion
In conclusion, companies that rely on SAP software should prioritize acquiring an SAP contract. The licensing, maintenance, support, and service level agreements specify the conditions under which the consumer may use SAP software. Contracts with SAP also include customization and integration, enabling organizations to adapt SAP software to their specific needs and integrate it with other platforms for a more comprehensive data picture. In addition, SAP contracts typically include support and maintenance services to assist organizations in maintaining software functionality, mitigating disruptions, and capitalizing on new developments. In the greater scheme of things, SAP contracts are crucial because they enable businesses to maximize their SAP software and remain competitive in the current market.
References
Al Bar, A., Basili, V., Al Jedaibi, W., & Chaudhry, A. J. (2013, November). An Analysis of the Contracting Process for an ERP System. In Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Advanced Information Technologies and Applications (ICAITA-2013), S. Vaidyanathan and D. Nagamalai, Eds., CS & IT-CSCP (pp. 217-228)
Köppel, A., Böning, D., & Abeck, S. (2019). How to support the negotiation of service level agreements (SLAs) for your client/server application. Proc. SCI, 99.
Scheck, A., Siemens, G., Schweigert, T., & Nair, V. (2019). The SAP Activate Method and Corresponding SPICE Models. In Systems, Software and Services Process Improvement: 26th European Conference, EuroSPI 2019, Edinburgh, UK, September 18–20, 2019, Proceedings 26 (pp. 402-411). Springer International Publishing.
Scheck, A., Siemens, G., Schweigert, T., & Nair, V. (2019). The SAP Activate Method and Corresponding SPICE Models. In Systems, Software and Services Process Improvement: 26th European Conference, EuroSPI 2019, Edinburgh, UK, September 18–20, 2019, Proceedings 26 (pp. 402-411). Springer International Publishing.
Subrahmanyam, R. S. (2022). An Overview of SAP S/4HANA. SAP S/4HANA Conversion: A Guide to Executing and Simplifying Your Conversion, 1-23.