[gbert]

All I want to do is print the correspondence sent to a customer. In this case an invoice.

Why can I not just view the document, and print the related correspondence?

Instead, I click on environment > Correspondence > Select Invoice > Detail Specifications for Correspondence > Continue

Off it goes into cyberspace, never to be seen again until 2 hours of googling produces some obscure transaction code where it’s waiting in a list somewhere, where 5 more buttons need to be pressed to print it.

Why?

[Cleo Isco]

SAP is designed to handle complex business processes and operations. As a result, it incorporates numerous features and options to accommodate diverse business requirements. This complexity can make it appear counterintuitive.

[Nidhibng]

Senior User Experience Designer with SAP Concur and I work primarily on the Web experience for Expense

[Ingenx Technology]

SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products) is a comprehensive and highly customizable enterprise software suite used by organizations to manage various business processes. It can be perceived as counterintuitive due to its complexity, customization, specific terminology, steep learning curve, and process flow that may differ from other software. Organizations invest in training and customization to improve the user experience.

[ingenx]

The perception of SAP being counterintuitive is subjective and can vary among users. However, several factors might contribute to this perception for some users:

Complexity of Enterprise Software:

SAP is designed to be a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, covering a wide range of business processes. The complexity inherent in managing diverse business functions can make the software seem intricate and challenging, especially for those new to ERP systems.
Customization and Configuration:

SAP is highly customizable to meet the specific needs of different organizations. While this customization is beneficial for tailoring the system to unique business processes, it can also make the interface more complex for users who are not familiar with the intricacies of their organization’s specific SAP setup.
Learning Curve:

SAP requires users to undergo training to understand its functionalities fully. The learning curve for SAP can be steep, and users who are not adequately trained might find it challenging to navigate and perform tasks efficiently.
Legacy Design Elements:

SAP has a long history, and some design elements may be considered legacy. As modern user interface standards evolve, users accustomed to more contemporary designs might find SAP’s interface less intuitive.
Enterprise Software Mindset:

SAP is designed for large enterprises with complex business structures. Users coming from environments where simplicity is prioritized, such as consumer applications, might find SAP’s interface and processes more intricate.
User Expectations:

Users accustomed to more user-friendly and intuitive consumer applications might find SAP’s interface less intuitive. Expectations shaped by everyday applications can influence the perception of usability.
Varied User Skill Levels:

SAP is used by a diverse set of users with varying technical backgrounds and roles. While it caters to power users and administrators, those with less technical expertise might find certain features challenging.
Evolution of User Experience:

Over the years, SAP has recognized the importance of user experience and has made efforts to improve it. However, older versions may still retain elements that contribute to a perception of counterintuitiveness.
It’s worth noting that SAP continually updates its software, and newer versions often incorporate improvements in user experience. Additionally, organizations can invest in training programs and change management strategies to help users adapt to SAP’s interface and functionalities effectively. The perception of SAP being counterintuitive can vary, and many users, especially those who are well-trained and experienced, find it to be a powerful tool for managing complex business processes.

[Author]

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