SAP Ariba – 7 frequently asked questions

Tomasz Radomski, VP Apollogic, Digital Transformation Advisor

20th January 2020
Knowledge base
4 min

Meeting customer needs and responding to dynamically changing market trends are key challenges for modern enterprises. In order to gain a competitive advantage, technological solutions are necessary to increase the transparency of processes occurring in the organization. With SAP Ariba, it is possible to control expenses in the company, optimize costs, find new sources of savings, and build a supply chain. The aim of this solution is to simplify purchasing processes, minimize risk, and automate the cashflow. How does SAP Ariba accelerate the digital transformation of enterprises?

1. What is SAP Ariba?
2. To which needs of enterprises do this solution respond?
3. What issues can be solved with SAP Ariba?
4. In which companies will this solution work?
5. What is Ariba Network?
6. How much does it cost and how long does it take to implement SAP Ariba?
7. How does the implementation of the procurement platform proceed?

What is SAP Ariba?

SAP Ariba is an intelligent platform that combines strategic and operational purchasing, supply chain management, and digital document flow in one tool, using the largest B2B marketplace – Ariba Network, which facilitates communication and cooperation with business partners. The SAP Ariba solution takes procurement to the next level – fully digital and transparent. It not only allows to optimize purchases but also to find savings, which leads to investments in innovation.

To which needs of enterprises do this solution respond?

SAP Ariba improves business-to-business processes, minimizing the difficulties faced by purchasing department employees – delays in payments, missed opportunities and promotions, high operating costs, ineffective management of time and resources. These issues often occur as a result of insufficient transparency of processes and traditional paper documentation circulation. There are many benefits of SAP Ariba implementation because this solution responds to the diverse needs of entrepreneurs. A modern procurement platform automates approval procedures, improves cooperation with suppliers and their onboarding, facilitates negotiating new terms and conditions, and accelerates search for contractors. SAP Ariba enables efficient order fulfillment and effective supply chain service, which prevents the lack of goods in the warehouse or production facility.

What issues can be solved with SAP Ariba?

Digitizing procurement relates to implementing a digital platform that supports an organization’s sales processes. SAP Ariba increases control over expenses and reduces risks associated with them. Digital document flow, optimization of purchasing and sales processes, and more efficient contract management result in additional savings that can be used to invest in innovation.

In which companies will this solution work?

Each company has developed its purchasing policy, specific to a certain industry. SAP Ariba is a modular solution that enables implementing those policies. Due to comprehensive support of procurement, this platform is used in many industries, such as consumer goods, automotive, pharmacy, banking, services, and production.

What is Ariba Network?

Ariba Network is the largest B2B marketplace, with more than three million companies. Regardless of the size of the organization, the connection to the network enables entrepreneurs to find, communicate, and cooperate with local and international business partners. Ariba Network allows to establish new contacts from any device and at any time and share your offers with potential contractors.

How much does it cost and how long does it take to implement SAP Ariba?

SAP Ariba is a cloud solution with an established implementation methodology. Ariba can be launched within twelve weeks, although it takes fifteen to thirty weeks to implement the extended modules, depending on the needs of the enterprise and the complexity of the project. Implementation costs depend on the same factors. It is worth noting, however, that the return on investment is achievable within a year from the implementation of the system.

How does the implementation of the procurement platform proceed?

The implementation consists of several stages. Each project should start with a conversation, during which we’ll analyze the purchasing needs of the organization, establish an implementation map and discuss what stages of the project we can implement in the first place so that the company can benefit from it as soon as possible. SAP Ariba implementation is effective when we know what results we want to achieve. Therefore I’d like to encourage you to talk about sales targets, opportunities to increase turnover, and commercial profits.