Demand for IT professionals with Oracle and SAP skills has doubled over the past three months as employers seek more high-end technical expertise, according to recruitment company Maximus.
The demand for SAP and Oracle skills increased 100% in the second quarter of this year, compared with the first quarter. This is the highest growth the company has recorded since the recession began in 2008. This coincides with a 104% increase in the number of ERP experts looking for work.
Meanwhile, the figures suggest a heavy reliance on contract staff, with a 209% rise in demand for their services. Demand for ERP professionals has been driven primarily from the financial, manufacturing and HR sectors, according to the findings.
Maximus said there are two reasons for the upsurge in demand. "Firstly, organisations are now investing in their existing IT systems to improve efficiencies and gain competitive advantage over rivals, following a period of stagnant IT spending in recent years. And secondly, in an increasingly complex business environment, organisations are looking at innovative, low-cost solutions that will provide them with greater business intelligence (BI), insight and visibility as a means to develop and enhance their customer and partner relationships."
"Since the start of 2011 trading conditions have improved and organisations are increasingly investing in ERP software solutions that will streamline their manufacturing and supply chain activities and enable them to anticipate potential fluctuations in demand. ERP has become a critical driver in helping organisations grow their top line and this has sparked the increased demand for SAP and Oracle specialists."
