Controlling 2014 Speaker Profile: Martin Munzel, SAP CO/PS Specialist and Co-founder of Espresso Tutorials

This week we are profiling Martin Munzel, SAP CO/PS Specialist and co-founder of Espresso Tutorials. Learn more about Martin and his view on what is most important to his customers. 

How did you get your start with SAP and SAP Controlling?

At university, our department for business information systems acquired a brand-new R/3 system in 1994. I got the chance to work with it, and even had the opportunity to do a customer project while still a student. The module required was PS, so I started with PS. After my studies, I joined Siemens as an SAP consultant and extended my scope to CO as well.

What is one of the most important trends that you see currently in SAP Controlling?

When looking at the challenges my customers (mostly mid-size companies) are facing, I feel they are still struggling with the SAP software to get the exact figures out of the system that they require. Therefore, they are not interested in the new SAP developments – HANA and mobile applications. If the figures are not correct, then it doesn't make sense to get them faster or on your tablet. Also, I think that mobile applications do not really matter in SAP Controlling. Most of the controllers I know don’t even have a company cell phone, let alone a company tablet computer. They work on their desktops all day so they do not need any mobile applications.

In your opinion, why does SAP Controlling matter?

Controlling in general tells you how well your organization is doing and where it is heading. SAP Controlling is a great tool because it is part of an integrated ERP system. With all its sub-modules, it can help to analyze all aspects of your company’s performance. Even if you use BW or BO to analyze your data, SAP Controlling provides all the standard functionality to collect and analyze the data.

How do you stay on top of Controlling topics? What resources do you regularly use?

Besides checking the release notes for the latest Enhancement Packages, I check blog posts or ask people in my network. 

Where is your favorite place to vacation and why?

I used to travel a lot and to remote places before I had kids. I was very impressed with Australia, particularly Tasmania, because of its largely untouched nature and unique fauna. I also enjoyed visiting the national parks in the US, like the Grand Canyon. I’m looking forward to show these places to my kids once they are a little older.

Is there anything else that you would like to share?

Come and join Controlling 2014! It’s a great event. Unlike the bigger SAP events, this one is not anonymous – you get to talk to all of the other participants and can engage in detailed discussions.

Espresso Tutorials will also exhibit at Controlling 2014 - stop by their booth to learn more!