Topic Covered -

1. Step Up Circuit Program Launch

2. Understanding Sourcing and Procurement Processes

3. SAP S/400 and Ariba Transformation Discussion

4. Ariba Cloud Solution and Procurement Process

5. Discussing SAP Ariba and Career Opportunities

6. SAP and Ariba Integration Discussion

7. Bulk Invitations and Ariba vs FICO Discussion

8. Training Options and Job Search Prospects

9. Internship Program Details and Registration

Step Up Circuit Program Launch

parminder from Softer Gig Solutions launched the Step Up Circuit Program, focusing on sourcing and procurement with Ariba. He explained the program's structure, including the distribution of a weekly newsletter, free sessions, and training materials, and the various communication channels available. parminder outlined the session format, which included a webinar-style discussion, a Q&A segment, and a carrier counseling session. He also encouraged attendees to identify their SAP module affiliation and to actively participate by asking questions and comments throughout the session. The attendees came from various backgrounds, and parminder led an interactive session on the topic of Ariba, with the aim of making it engaging and clarifying common questions.

Understanding Sourcing and Procurement Processes

parminder led a comprehensive discussion on the differences between sourcing and procurement, two essential processes in the supply chain. He clarified that SAP Ariba and SAP S/4HANA are distinct products for sourcing and procurement, with the former being a result of SAP's acquisition of Ariba in 2000. parminder emphasized the importance of understanding these processes and their terminology, and he explained the procurement process for direct and indirect materials. He also highlighted the role of the vendor development team in onboarding new vendors and the procurement team in issuing purchase orders. Lastly, he discussed the sourcing process for materials, including requesting quotations, bidding processes, and contract creation.

SAP S/400 and Ariba Transformation Discussion

parminder discussed the functionalities and benefits of using SAP S/400 and Ariba for end-to-end digital transformation of supply chain and procurement businesses. He highlighted that SAP S/400 offers strong integration with various tools and has robust linkage with finance and controlling, while Ariba, although an ERP system, lacks advanced bidding functionalities and a large pool of available vendors. parminder also noted that Ariba is particularly strong in handling indirect materials due to the high effort required in sourcing them. He clarified that both tools can be used for direct materials, but Ariba is more efficient due to its advanced features. Finally, parminder handed over to Sri, a core consultant with over seven years of experience in Arriba, to provide a more detailed explanation of the product.

Ariba Cloud Solution and Procurement Process

sree discussed the benefits and functionalities of Ariba, a cloud-based supply relationship management solution acquired by SAP in 2012. He highlighted its ease of deployment, customizability, and the potential for cost savings through improved supplier relationships. sree also explained the procurement process, the distinction between 'source to pay' and 'procure to pay', and the role of onboarding suppliers. parminder requested a detailed response to numerous questions that had accumulated during the meeting. sree also clarified the integration of Ariba with other modules like TM, the phasing out of support for classical sourcing by SAP by quarter 1st, 2025, and the use of APIs for system development and a supplier business network for information exchange.

Discussing SAP Arriba and Career Opportunities

sree and parminder discussed the importance and benefits of learning SAP Arriba for various job profiles, particularly for SAP MM and sourcing and procurement consultants. parminder highlighted that understanding both SAP Arriba and SAP HANA could enhance one's skills and job prospects, as they are complementary solutions. He also discussed the various career opportunities available after learning Arriba, including roles as sourcing experts, strategic sourcing guides, SAP Arriba consultants, or support consultants. sree further elaborated on how individuals with Arriba experience could leverage their skills to secure consulting roles, emphasizing the importance of change management and other consulting skills.

SAP and Ariba Integration Discussion

sree and parminder discussed the integration of SAP and Ariba from a sales perspective. parminder clarified that the training would focus on the Ariba system and that vendors are not obligated to use Ariba, but would need to pay for an enterprise account to integrate it with their sales system. The benefits of using the business network, including increased business opportunities, were highlighted. Parminder also addressed questions about the best role to assume in Ariba, the training method, certification and internship programs, and the starting salary for an Ariba consultant. Lastly, Parminder introduced a new one-year program aimed at helping freshers develop their skills, which would require a 40-hour weekly commitment.

Bulk Invitations and Ariba vs Fico Discussion

Parminder clarified that bulk invitations to vendors for onboarding cannot be sent simultaneously and must be sent one by one. sree explained that this question could not be answered in a single sentence and required a deeper discussion. parminder then asked Vijay to raise his hand if he had any questions, leading to a discussion about the differences between Ariba and Fico, and which one Vijay should choose based on his background and experience. Basanagouda asked about the integration between Ariba and SAP, to which parminder clarified that there is no integration between the two systems.

Training Options and Job Search Prospects

parminder and Vijay discussed training options and job search prospects, particularly for those with non-traditional backgrounds. parminder advised Rashmi, a fresher looking to restart her career, to focus on gaining experience in the SAP PP module before considering the EW module. Mohan, who expressed interest in transitioning from testing to consulting roles, was offered career counseling and suggested to showcase his existing skills and experience. parminder also announced a one-year continuous program focusing on two modules and confirmed Naveena's eligibility to learn SAP ABAP to shift to a web programming role. The SAPTM training was clarified to cover both embedded and standalone teams, with a focus on practical sessions and important topics.

Internship Program Details and Registration

parminder explained the details of the 6-month internship program and the one-year program to Naveena and Sridhar. parminder clarified that the one-year program is more structured and includes a higher level of monitoring, shadowing opportunities, and a range of training. Sridhar expressed interest in the one-year Sales and Distribution (S&D) program offered by Arriba, and parminder advised him to contact Bupender for registration. parminder also shared his experience in a manufacturing company and advised Akash on showcasing consulting experience through references when applying for a PP Mastering internship.