Oracle Manufacturing Guidance

Question

Dear Seniors,
I have over 5 years of experience in IT, with over 3 year in Demand planning and Supply chain domain. I am looking forward for a career in functional consultinging. Kindly suggest what will be best possible path to do so, ie Getting degree (ex MBA or PGBM) or Training & Certification in Oracle Applications or any better way.
As per my research Oracle Manufacturing will help strengthen my profile. Though i have demand planning background and not manufacturing, but it will help understand entire cycle of planning.
My question to all you is
1) Which is the better way to switch to functional role ?
2) How to get the Oracle manufacturing fucntional training ?
3) Is there any Good institute/college in India which gives this training ( i looking for my options, i know Oracle educations is one)
Request for your kind Guidance.
Thanking you
Madanmohan.
Edited by: user7320265 on Jul 2, 2010 5:24 AM
Edited by: user7320265 on Jul 2, 2010 5:28 AM
Edited by: user7320265 on Jul 2, 2010 5:29 AM

Answer 1

There will certainly be many ways to answer your question. I will offer my perspective.
In my opinion, MBA is a little overhyped (I have one) and not very useful in becoming a functional consultant. The only time I will recommend MBA is if you manage to get into one of the leading universities / colleges ; otherwise it is not worth it.
Obtaining more experience in Demand planning /SCM will be a better way to lay foundation for a functional consultant. Having a strong technical background is always very important. At 5 years in IT (and 3 in SCM), you may need a few more years of experience.
And remember, you don't switch from technical to functional overnight. It is a continuum where, as you increase your understanding of businesses/industries, you slowly start venturing into functional world one task at a time.
So stick with what you are doing for a couple of years - try to be on the lookout for a project/employer that has a wide EBS footprint (this ensures that you get exposure to various modules) and one day you will find you are working more in functional area than technical. No matter what you do, do not let go of technical world completely. A combo of the two is more valuable.
Exploring the menu options on your own and RTFM is one of the best ways to learn. You may consider some classes but they are expensive and offer only a limited face time. Instead, try find someone who is really good and who can walk you thru' various swim lanes/processes. Paying him will be cheaper than attending classes and you will get a lot more face time.
Hope this helps and good luck.