Members Who Inspire | Tammy Powlas

Name: Tammy Powlas
Job Position: Senior Business Analyst/SAP Mentor
Company: Fairfax Water
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-powlas/ 
Twitter: @tpowlas

How did you first hear about SAPinsider?

Tammy: It must have been when I attended SAP SAPPHIRENOW back in 1998. My team and I then later attend our first SAPinsider Reporting Conference in 2003, which was mostly about ERP and ECC. I actually still have my first SAPinsider magazine from 2001 when I first joined!

If you had four more hours in your day, what would you do with them?

Tammy: I would definitely spend more time on my hobbies, which are reading and crocheting. I would also try to do more physical activities such as hiking and walking around more, especially in this virtual and remote world.

Why are you a member of SAPinsider?

Tammy: Ever since I attended my first SAPinsider event in 2003, I quickly noticed that SAPinsider always had the best experts and provided real-world tested solutions. What’s great about SAPinsider is that they also feature experts outside of SAP that provide an outside view in, which is always helpful. Hearing from experts and hearing these solutions have been crucial to the success of our SAP solutions and projects.

What is the most serious issue facing our profession today?

Tammy: Unfortunately, there seems to be a big skill and labor shortage, especially with SAP. There are a lot of organizations moving to SAP S/4HANA and there aren’t a lot of people that can help companies successful migrate to it.

Tell us about a time when how you had a problem at work and used your SAPinsider membership to solve that problem

Tammy: Oh geez, there have been hundreds of instances where my SAPinsider membership has helped me. The situation that pops into my head the most is SAPinsider Membership when my company bought the SAP Solution Manager Media Package in CD which helped us deploy SAP Solution Manager in house, which saved us a great deal.

Name one person who has had a profound effect on your life and tell us about it.

Tammy: You know, I can genuinely say I have been lucky to have had several people who have had a profound effect on my life. My team manager from twenty years ago, who recommended me for our first SAP project, comes into my mind as she was the one who introduced me to SAP and this world. She always believed in me and was very encouraging which only made you want to do your best, you know? Once I started the project, the IT manager was also very helpful in guiding me and providing helpful feedback and encouragement. I remember my team manager telling me “This could really change your career!” and she was right about that as I have now been involved with SAP for 25 years!

What advice would you have for the next generation of SAP users?

Tammy: Never stop learning. After college degree I thought “Okay, I am done learning” and even when I got my master’s degree I thought, “Okay, now I am done learning” and that’s not really the case, especially in our profession and SAP. Things are constantly changing and it’s up to you to always keep up with the latest information. I encourage the next generation of SAP users to continue to learn and improve their skills by attend those SAP and SAPinsider events and reading articles by experts.

What has been the most rewarding part of your job?

Tammy: I like being able to put what I learn into practice and solve real problems at work. I like to think of myself as somewhat of a problem solver and really like to help our organization grow and meet our goals. My SAPinsider membership helps me do that by providing me the best content from the best industry experts.

Each month, SAPinsider will turn the spotlight on our members and highlight how they are making a difference with their SAP investment and how their SAPinsider Membership helps them accomplish their goals. See other members, submit a nomination or become an SAPinsider by clicking here