Topics -

• Ariba Session 1: Arab Sourcing Basics
• SAP Ariba Cloud Solution Overview
• Understanding Arriba Projects and Architecture
• Sree's Comprehensive Software Overview
• Ariba Supply Chain Collaboration Tool Implementation
• Ariba Certificates and Sourcing Projects
• Ariba Platform Overview and Customization
• Ariba Testing, NSP Codes, and Mapping

Summary

Ariba Session 1: Arab Sourcing Basics

sree initiated the first session of Ariba, which focused on the basics of sourcing from the Arab side. sree established the session timings as Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, with each session lasting an hour. Before starting the session, sree encouraged participants to ask any questions from the previous session. The session was recorded, and sree confirmed this with a participant.

SAP Ariba Cloud Solution Overview

sree provided an overview of SAP's cloud solution, Ariba, which was acquired by SAP in 2012. He explained that Ariba is offered as a service, and clients pay a subscription fee, which varies based on the number of users. He also clarified the difference between standalone modules and suite integration, with the latter being a combination of all modules. sree further discussed the concept of upstream and downstream models in Ariba, and how they can be identified in a client's usage.

Understanding Arriba Projects and Architecture

sree explained the different types of Ariba projects: implementation, support, and rollout. He emphasized the importance of understanding the project specifics for successful delivery and introduced the Arriba screens to the team. He described the system's architecture, including the parent and child relationship, and demonstrated how to navigate between parent and child sites. sree also explained that Arriba controls all updates and that users can create documents or projects, with the first project being a quotation request.

Sree's Comprehensive Software Overview

sree provided a comprehensive overview of the functionalities of their software, focusing on the create place, management, and administration features. He detailed how to perform various administrative tasks, manage tasks, purchase orders, and supply-related tasks. He also demonstrated how to navigate and utilize various features of the software interface, including customizing search results, managing user profiles, and customizing notification preferences. Furthermore, he explained how to personalize a dashboard in Ariba, manage and personalize a dashboard, and how to add new tabs and customize their content.

Ariba Supply Chain Collaboration Tool Implementation

sree clarified the implementation and pricing of the Ariba supply chain collaboration tool in response to Charan's queries. sree explained that the tool connects the ERP system directly with the supplier and that the pricing is decided between SAP sales and the client, with the details of the invoice not visible to the user. charan also learned that a functional design document detailing business requirements is necessary before customizing the tool, and that various consultants, including an Ariba consultant, will be involved in the process. sree further elaborated that Ariba will provide a test system and administrative details upon receiving the necessary information and requests.

Ariba Certificates and Sourcing Projects

charan asked about the purpose and maintenance of certificates received from Ariba. sree explained that these certificates are required for integrations between systems, providing authentication and protection. The certificates are valid for a specific time, after which the integration will not function, and a new certificate is required. The responsibility for maintaining these certificates lies with the functional consultant or architect. sree also demonstrated how to create sourcing projects in Ariba, explaining that while some customization is possible, the visibility of fields is controlled by SAP.

Ariba Platform Overview and Customization

sree provided an overview of the Ariba platform, focusing on the administration and sourcing aspects. He clarified that user access to various features and tabs would differ based on their roles and permissions. charan asked about customizing messages based on location, but sree explained that Ariba is a global application and does not support location-specific customizations. The team also discussed the benefits of using Ariba, including increased transparency and potential cost savings. sree confirmed that further training and support would be provided by the support team.

Ariba Testing, NSP Codes, and Mapping

sree clarified that testing can now be performed in a development site and there's no need for master data in Ariba for sourcing projects. He explained that Ariba recommends mapping NSP commodity codes to avoid problems. sree also discussed how to search for suppliers online and the concept of Ariba discovery. Basanagouda asked about field mapping between Ariba and SAP, and sree explained that a master data file would be used to map the material groups. The team agreed to continue the discussion the next day.