Topics Covered-

• SAP Ariba Demo Session Overview
• SAP Procurement Cycle and Sourcing
  
• Ariba and S4 Hana Capabilities
  
• Intuitive System Navigation and Dashboard
  
• SAP Ariba Procurement Process Overview
  
• SAP Ariba Master Data Management
  
• SAP Ariba Training Bundle Overview

Summary

SAP Ariba Demo Session Overview

Parminder led a SAP Ariba demo session, emphasizing the importance of active participation and asking questions throughout the session. He clarified the distinction between SAP Ariba and SAP S/4HANA, noting that both are sourcing and procurement modules. He also sought to understand the differences between sourcing and procurement, encouraging participants to share their thoughts. The session was designed to be interactive, with participants encouraged to ask questions and engage with the content.

SAP Procurement Cycle and Sourcing

The discussion focuses on the procurement cycle and sourcing processes in SAP systems. Parminder explains that the procurement cycle starts with a need for materials, which is registered as a purchase requisition in SAP. The next step is source assignment or identification, followed by creating a purchase order if a vendor is available. For direct materials, vendors are usually readily available, while for indirect materials, sourcing can be more complex. Parminder contrasts the capabilities of SAP S/4HANA for the procurement cycle with those of SAP Ariba for advanced sourcing functionalities, emphasizing that Ariba offers more robust features for vendor networks and bidding processes.

Ariba and S4 Hana Capabilities

Parminder discussed the sourcing and procurement functionalities of Ariba and S4 Hana, explaining that Ariba has strong sourcing capabilities while S4 Hana has strong procurement capabilities. He also mentioned that a new iteration of Ariba training is starting soon. Sree then took over, introducing himself as an expert in Ariba with over 8 years of experience and a trainer for over 4 years. He promised to show the Ariba screens and explain the related documents in the course.

Intuitive System Navigation and Dashboard

Sree discussed the user interface and navigation of a new system, emphasizing its intuitive design and ease of use. He explained how to create and search for documents, using the system's filters and search options. Sree also demonstrated how to configure the system's dashboard, including adding or removing content and reverting to default settings. He mentioned that more details about the user interface and dashboard configurations would be covered in a future session.

SAP Ariba Procurement Process Overview

The meeting discusses the end-to-end procurement process in SAP Ariba, covering both upstream and downstream activities. In the upstream phase, the process includes creating sourcing requests, conducting RFPs, finalizing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier performance. The downstream phase involves users creating purchase requisitions, which are then approved and converted to purchase orders. The system automates many steps, including sending POs to suppliers, receiving order confirmations, and processing invoices. The discussion also covers the role of consultants in configuring templates, workflows, and rules for various procurement activities.

SAP Ariba Master Data Management

The discussion covers administrative activities in SAP Ariba, including master data management, parameter configuration, troubleshooting, and support. Sree explains that participants will learn about product releases, guided buying and sourcing, and certification best practices. The course will provide hands-on experience in a test system, allowing participants to practice configurations and receive support for their questions. Integration between Ariba and S/4HANA is discussed, with limitations noted on the ability to demonstrate real-time integration in the training environment due to licensing and server restrictions.

SAP Ariba Training Bundle Overview

Parminder and Sree provide an overview of the SAP Ariba training course and bundle offerings. The bundle includes self-paced training, live sessions with one year of access, server access, job and mastery implementation support, and additional resources like interview questions and a CV preparation course. They highlight that the course covers end-to-end implementation knowledge, support project skills, and CV building. The bundle also includes access to a 200+ hour video library on various SAP topics. Parminder mentions upcoming additions to the bundle, including an AI tool for mock interviews and a document library. He encourages enrollment before a 20% price increase next month and directs participants to check the provided link for pricing details.