SAP is a great product and can be configured with decent business process knowledge and basic know how of SAP (or any ERP). There is a lot of fuss about prior SAP experience and SAP Certification. If consultants have a business degree or industry work experience then it should suffice. There is an artificial shortage of skills created by saying that certification is key to correct implementation and support and that myth is propogated to all the companies.

If SAP is really concerned about ensuring the authenticity of certification, then it should make all the courses CERTIFICATION free or affordable. Why create scarcity? And then call it skill shortage?

Most over-qualified people (from other industries) in India indulge in SAP Certification due to the entry barriers, since these barriers also ensure higher pay.

Besides, I dont know why most companies search for certified or even SAP experienced consultants as what is more relevant is knowledge of business processes. Once companies stop paying a premium to certified consultants, and supply of consultants hit the market due to lower barriers, this market will come down. (But who wants that??)

Regards
(Certified SD consultant)