Topic Covered -

• Ariba Sourcing and Dashboard Overview
• Exploring Self-Service Menu Features
• Project Management System Demonstration
• Self-Service Menu and Master Data Management
• Homepage Customization and Management Tutorial
• Creating Sourcing Requests in System
• Test System Functionality and Management
• Ariba vs On-Cloud Solutions Explained
• Ariba's Functionality and Auction Types

Summary

Ariba Sourcing and Dashboard Overview

Sree led a session on Ariba, focusing on the sourcing and dashboard aspects. He explained that Ariba is easily searchable, eliminating the need to remember T codes or passwords. He also discussed the test site and the production site, noting that the production site would not have the 'test' suffix. Sree mentioned that they were using the latest version of Ariba, UI 3, and that any issues would be monitored by Ariba. He also hinted at a future session where they would delve deeper into the sourcing activity.

Exploring Self-Service Menu Features

Sree explained the self-service menu and its features, including password and language changes, mobile device activation, and deactivation. He also discussed the ability to switch between different child elements and the difference between upstream and downstream solutions, indicated by the URL. Sree further explained the help document feature for assistance and the print function. He also mentioned the option to switch between different sites.

Project Management System Demonstration

Sree demonstrated how to use the search function in a project management system. He explained that users can search for projects by name, owner, and creation date, and save frequently used searches for easy access. He also showed how to view project details and tasks, and how to navigate back to the homepage. Sree emphasized the importance of completing tasks in order to close a project.

Self-Service Menu and Master Data Management

Sree explained the functionality of a self-service menu, emphasizing that it allows users to filter and search for documents based on their preferences. He clarified that the menu's visibility is user-specific and that the roles assigned to a user determine the modules they can access. Sree also discussed the 'create' menu, where users can initiate projects by selecting relevant document types. He further explained the'maintenance' section, highlighting the distinction between administrative and core administrative areas, with the latter belonging to the downstream or child realm. Lastly, he demonstrated how to import and export master data, such as commodity codes, and how to perform operations like creating, loading, or updating data.

Homepage Customization and Management Tutorial

Sree discussed the functionalities of a homepage, emphasizing the customization options available to users. He explained how users can add, manage, and rearrange tiles on the dashboard, and how they can reset their settings to default. Sree also detailed how users can manage the types of tiles available, with a maximum of five per dashboard. He further explained how users can customize the data displayed in certain tiles, such as the event status, and how they can view and manage their documents and tasks. Sree also mentioned the possibility of integrating a calendar feature and the importance of reviewing tasks. He concluded by explaining how users can search for specific event statuses and how the homepage displays different types of data based on the user's role or interest.

Creating Sourcing Requests in System

Sree explained the process of creating a sourcing request in a project management system. He detailed how to input project details such as the project title, description, and status, and how to select the department, region, and execution strategy. Sree also clarified that each document in the system, such as a sourcing request or a purchase order, is referred to as a project. He further explained that the system allows for the creation of templates to define the process for each project. Miguel asked for clarification on the scope of a project, to which Sree responded that a project is a combination of tasks, documents, histories, and team members. Dipikka and Apoorva asked about the master data and the inclusion of Incoterms in the project, respectively, to which Sree provided explanations.

Test System Functionality and Management

Sree explained the functionality of a test system in the production system, emphasizing that it's not crucial but available for user training. He also discussed the flexibility of the system, allowing users to create test projects and decide whether to include them in reporting. Sree further clarified the role management system, explaining that users can be assigned specific permissions through groups. He also mentioned the possibility of integrating with other systems and the ability to define processes and conditions within the system. Lastly, Sree discussed the use of templates for different commodities and the ability to hide certain templates based on user selections.

Ariba vs on-Cloud Solutions Explained

Sree explained the differences between Ariba and on-cloud solutions for sourcing and procurement. She clarified that Ariba is an on-premise solution, while on-cloud solutions are available for both S4 Hana and procurement. She also mentioned that there are two types of subscriptions: one for using a common cloud with an application built there, and another for building one's own server. Miguel expressed confusion about the scope of functionality between Ariba and on-cloud solutions, and Sree suggested consulting an expert for further clarification.

Ariba's Functionality and Auction Types

Sree clarified that Ariba is not an ERP solution, but rather an application for sourcing activities, contract management, and individual functionalities. It is not designed for full functionality of purchase requisition processing or maintaining material data. A combination of ERP and Ariba is necessary for master data maintenance and procurement. Apoorva asked about the types of auctions available in Ariba, to which Sree explained that there are only three types: reverse action, forward action, and English action. Sree also explained that when creating a sourcing project, the ownership can be changed, and notifications will be sent to the project owner and team members. Dipikka requested access to the video recording, which SastraGeek promised to provide by the evening.