In June, SAP wrapped up its second virtual SAPPHIRE Now conference with lots of momentum. While the ongoing pandemic has exposed the fragility of global supply chains, it’s also proved that remote work and eCommerce are the future. These COVID-19 lessons have led SAP to focus on building an intelligent enterprise center, stronger business networks, and sustainability.
In a press statement, SAP’s CEO Christian Klein said:
During this unprecedented year, the importance of the communities we’re part of has never been clearer. Our new vision will build the world’s largest business community, enabling customers to easily connect with companies across supply chains and creating networked economies across industries.
One of the most significant changes for customers will be the transformation of SAP Ariba. This article covers the exciting changes coming and how they will set up your business for the future.
New Changes to SAP Ariba
The biggest news that came out of Sapphire was the announcement of the SAP Business Network. It’s described as a tool that can help customers through this digitally transformed world, and at the core of this new network is SAP Ariba Network for procurement, along with SAP Logistics Business Network for logistics and supply chain management and SAP Asset Intelligence Network for asset performance management and equipment tracking.
While the network isn’t technically “new,” it should bring a fresh burst of energy to SAP’s push into sustainability and its RISE with SAP cloud-migration service. SAP estimates more than 5.5 million organizations will benefit from being members of this connected community. The dashboard for the SAP Business Network is currently available, and the integration of the three component networks will follow later this year.
How SAP Ariba Got Here
A procurement and supply chain collaboration solution that helps companies spend better, Ariba was founded in 1996 with a mission to build a solution to help companies manage their spend. In 2012, Ariba was acquired by SAP and became known as SAP Ariba. Through the Ariba Network, buyers and suppliers from more than 3.1 million businesses in more than 190 countries are able to discover new opportunities, collaborate on transactions, and grow their relationships.
SAP Ariba allows suppliers to connect with customers and grow their existing relationships while buyers can manage the entire purchasing process—all while controlling spend, finding new savings, and improving the supply chain. More than 1 trillion dollars in goods and services are traded every year on the digital marketplace. For more information, be sure to check out our primer on the subject: What is SAP Ariba?
How to Take Advantage of These New Solutions
SAP’s strategy to further integrate SAP Ariba into the DNA of SAP Procurement is getting positive reviews from analysts and customers. Packaging up its network capabilities into the SAP Business Network will help companies move ahead as they readjust to our new reality.
If you’re looking to get started with SAP solutions, or you’d like to learn how to take better advantage of the SAP Business Network, Surety Systems can help. Our US-based SAP consulting team has the expertise to guide you through any SAP project.
Contact us to learn more about the SAP solutions that are right for your business.
