SAP Ariba Platform Overview and Customization Limitations

sree provided an overview of the SAP Ariba platform, emphasizing its shift from an on-premise solution to a cloud-based platform in 2012. He explained that the platform allows for the creation of custom applications and data sharing among applications, but customization options are limited due to its cloud-based nature. He also clarified that Ariba does not operate on versions, instead, updates and enhancements are released monthly or quarterly. Lastly, he highlighted that Ariba boasts a high level of availability, with downtime kept to a minimum.

Sourcing and Payment Process Explained

sree explained the process of sourcing and payment in a supply chain, emphasizing the role of the sourcing department in identifying the best supplier and the subsequent communication with the supplier. He introduced the Harip application that allows suppliers to choose between buying, sourcing, or a combination of both, and includes a supplier management module for filtering and evaluating suppliers. sree also discussed the concept of suite integration and the training that covers user-level and consultant-level actions. He emphasized the importance of user management and consultant activity in resolving issues and providing support.

Project Types and Support Hierarchy Explained

sree explained the different types of projects the team will handle, namely implementation and support projects. In an implementation project, the team is involved in all activities from understanding the client's business requirements to configuring the system in the Ariba environment and performing user acceptance testing. After the implementation, the support team takes over, handling day-to-day activities, troubleshooting, and making necessary improvements. sree also explained the hierarchy of support, with level 1 teams expected to respond to users within 1 to 4 hours, level 2 teams handling issues that require more technical expertise within 2 to 4 days, and level 3 teams dealing with more complex changes that may take weeks. sree also addressed questions about the level of training the team will receive and assured that the system is available 24/7 for practice.

Ariba vs. SAP MM: Cloud vs. On-Premise ERP Solutions

sree discussed the differences between Ariba and SAP MM, focusing on their functionalities and advantages. He highlighted that Ariba is a cloud-based solution, while SAP MM is an on-premise ERP solution. Ariba automates the purchase order creation process, eliminating the need for manual tracking of supplier confirmations. sree also mentioned that SAP MM will soon be phased out, and users are advised to migrate to Ariba. Additionally, he emphasized the sourcing module in Ariba, which allows for quick comparisons of quotes from multiple suppliers, as opposed to the manual process required in SAP MM.

Ariba Screen Features and Access Explanation

sree presented the Ariba screen and its features. She explained that the system can be accessed via a username and password, and it allows users to manage their profile, control email notifications, and add additional recipients for purchase orders. She highlighted the mobile app availability and the ability to activate it on a mobile device. sree also differentiated between the test and production environments, and mentioned a help portal for assistance. She further discussed the menu options related to specific modules, the permissions that come with being an Ariba administrator, and the 'Recent' feature for quick access to recently viewed documents.

Ariba Procurement Management System Features

sree explained the features of Ariba, a procurement management system, to the team. He demonstrated how to manage tiles, set up requisitions, and edit tile settings. sree also discussed the ability to add charts and manage data on the dashboard, and the option to refresh data at any time. He emphasized that changes made in Ariba are personalized to each user and do not impact the server. sree also clarified that while Ariba can replace SRM, it cannot fully replace MM as it does not maintain material master data. Bharghava asked about the compatibility of Ariba with different ERP systems, and sree explained the concept of a "parent and child" relationship. No questions were raised during this session.

Ariba Procurement Management System

The discussion revolved around the utilization of Ariba, a procurement management system. sree detailed the advantages of using Ariba over an ERP system, emphasizing its user-friendly experience and ability to automate processes like purchase requisition and order management. Senthil inquired about the management of invoices and payments, which Sree clarified that Ariba can handle, and that payment often occurs outside of Ariba, integrated with other systems. Senthil also questioned the type of purchase orders that can be created in Ariba, to which Sree confirmed that all types are available. The conversation concluded with Sree outlining the training process for Ariba and the benefits it can provide.