Unusual that the 'new password' button sits above the login area. Does language also require a code? Or is this a funny looking pull down? If its a code ... help!

1. I agree that it is strange that the New Password button is above the password area. It just begs to be clicked, especially if you want to change your password!

2. Language does require a code. Unfortunately it is not even a drop down. On the other hand, you can configure the system such that it isn't necessary to enter a language selection.

The first thing needed to clean up that interface is to remove all those damn numbered arrows. They clutter up everything.

There's one thing I'd like to see with these on-line critiques: some discussion of how these flaws might affect the business bottom-line. It is the only real way we'll influence those who might pay for our services. So, the interface is lousy - so what? Why should I care as Mr. Managing Director?

As you say, many people acknowledge that SAP can be difficult to use and hard to customise. Yet, it is very successful. We've got to start making some good business arguments. Hopefully at a more credible level than those offered by Mr. Nielsen..

Sherlock

I have never heard a good word about SAP from a user. I've heard it turns getting a pencil into an ordeal, but in all fairness, maybe that's how it cuts costs. My opinion is that it's the product of overcontrolling Teutonic bean-counters. But that's just me, and this is only hearsay at this point. I'll get a chance to see for myself soon since it is of course coming everywhere to a company near you.

It is my experience that an implementation strategy by 'implementation partners' may in fact be influencing the SAP 'expert user' (we called them Subject Matter Experts). These folks are made user go-to people, heroes in their companies. I believe that they believe their livelyhood depends on successful use of the software, hence are extraordinarily positive about the software itself.

Also, in some implementations, a social stigma is attached to anyone criticising the methods of implementation, the softwarea, or the implementation partners. Again, expert users adopt an attitude of 'everything is fine' when in fact things may not be fine.

I would not suggest that this is limited to SAP implementations. More likely it is attributable to implementation partners and corporate cultures.

Also, the cost of an SAP implementation undoubtedly leads to a culture of 'everything is fine'. Senior executives may adopt an attitude of 'if we are spending this much, the #$@$#@ project better be going well'.

Thanks for the opportunity to comment.