Boost business and supply chain strength with strategic sourcing
Learn how the SAP Ariba Sourcing solution can help you automate and streamline tasks across the sourcing lifecycle so you can strengthen your supply chain, cut costs, and build your bottom line. Download dokumentetBoost business and supply chain
strength with strategic sourcing
The smart way to cut costs, improve quality, and
increase your bottom line
Strategic sourcing gives you the single greatest opportunity to
impact the cost, quality, and performance of your supply chain
and your business. But traditional approaches and limited
solutions can hold you back. With the right technology, you can
automate and streamline tasks across the sourcing lifecycle to
accelerate savings and meet key goals faster.
1 | 7
strength with strategic sourcing
The smart way to cut costs, improve quality, and
increase your bottom line
Strategic sourcing gives you the single greatest opportunity to
impact the cost, quality, and performance of your supply chain
and your business. But traditional approaches and limited
solutions can hold you back. With the right technology, you can
automate and streamline tasks across the sourcing lifecycle to
accelerate savings and meet key goals faster.
1 | 7
SAP Ariba Sourcing
supports more
than 20,000 spend
categories –
covering all spend,
19 languages,
and over 220
currencies.
As inflation, geopolitical conflicts, and market volatility create
new supply chain challenges, effective sourcing has never been
more important – and digitization offers the efficiency you need
to make it happen. Sustainable savings come from using in-depth
spend analytics to define and execute informed supplier selection,
along with tools to identify cost-cutting opportunities and create
contracts that convert opportunities into actual savings. You also
need ways to evaluate the total cost impact of sourcing decisions
and reduce the time and effort spent on administrative tasks.
The SAP Ariba Sourcing solution delivers everything you need to
achieve these goals, providing:
• Intelligent and comprehensive sourcing and
negotiation capabilities
• AI-driven features and an advanced user experience (UX)
• Extensive strategy development and category
management support
• Direct access to a global network of suppliers
• End-to-end automation that speeds and simplifies tasks across
the sourcing lifecycle
And when you deploy it as part of the SAP Ariba Strategic Sourcing
Suite or SAP Ariba Source-to-Contract Suite, you gain higher spend
visibility plus additional contract, supplier management, and public
procurement functionality that let you realize even greater value.
2 | 7
supports more
than 20,000 spend
categories –
covering all spend,
19 languages,
and over 220
currencies.
As inflation, geopolitical conflicts, and market volatility create
new supply chain challenges, effective sourcing has never been
more important – and digitization offers the efficiency you need
to make it happen. Sustainable savings come from using in-depth
spend analytics to define and execute informed supplier selection,
along with tools to identify cost-cutting opportunities and create
contracts that convert opportunities into actual savings. You also
need ways to evaluate the total cost impact of sourcing decisions
and reduce the time and effort spent on administrative tasks.
The SAP Ariba Sourcing solution delivers everything you need to
achieve these goals, providing:
• Intelligent and comprehensive sourcing and
negotiation capabilities
• AI-driven features and an advanced user experience (UX)
• Extensive strategy development and category
management support
• Direct access to a global network of suppliers
• End-to-end automation that speeds and simplifies tasks across
the sourcing lifecycle
And when you deploy it as part of the SAP Ariba Strategic Sourcing
Suite or SAP Ariba Source-to-Contract Suite, you gain higher spend
visibility plus additional contract, supplier management, and public
procurement functionality that let you realize even greater value.
2 | 7
Conducting in-depth
data analysis is a
critical first step
in the strategic
sourcing process.
Replicate the entire
sourcing process with
embedded projects,
tasks, documents,
milestones, and
more. Use project
insight tiles to monitor
progress at a glance.
Analyze, prioritize, and
plan for opportunities
SAP Ariba Sourcing can tap spend data captured by any spend
analytics tool, giving you relevant insights that enhance your
ability to rationalize the supply base, negotiate lower pricing, or
implement new requirements.
Conducting in-depth data analysis is a critical first step in
the strategic sourcing process. By taking the time up front to
examine detailed metrics across commodities, categories,
previous purchases, supplier performance and reliability,
diversity and sustainability, and similar areas, you can gain
valuable knowledge that informs your choices about what
to spend and where to spend it. It also helps you determine
which types of sourcing events will have the highest potential to
improve long-term business growth and profitability.
Easily create events that
meet your needs
Once you’ve determined key priorities, you can use the
guided sourcing capability – SAP Ariba Sourcing’s intuitive
and intelligent UX – to structure the most appropriate process
for your events, whether your project is as simple as sourcing
printer cartridges for a few US offices or as complex as buying
materials and components to build a new line of modular
drilling systems.
Single-screen creation lets you copy existing projects or
use standard templates to quickly generate events such as
RFIs, RFPs, and reverse and forward auctions. Step-by-step
directions, contextual help, and guided tours powered by the
SAP Enable Now solution support you through each stage of
the process. Guided sourcing also makes intelligent suggestions
about content to include based on header-level questions and
requirements in similar previous events, speeding the process
and boosting productivity.
The solution enables you to replicate the entire sourcing
process with embedded projects, tasks, documents,
milestones, review and approval flows, predecessor and follow-
on projects, and more, while project insight tiles let you monitor
progress at a glance. A centralized content repository provides
convenient access to documents and resources needed for
multiple sourcing events. Smart Excel import supports creation
of line items from files not in predefined SAP Ariba formats (such
as the Excel bid sheet users typically attach to events) and
automatically maps data to correct system terms, shortening
3 | 7
data analysis is a
critical first step
in the strategic
sourcing process.
Replicate the entire
sourcing process with
embedded projects,
tasks, documents,
milestones, and
more. Use project
insight tiles to monitor
progress at a glance.
Analyze, prioritize, and
plan for opportunities
SAP Ariba Sourcing can tap spend data captured by any spend
analytics tool, giving you relevant insights that enhance your
ability to rationalize the supply base, negotiate lower pricing, or
implement new requirements.
Conducting in-depth data analysis is a critical first step in
the strategic sourcing process. By taking the time up front to
examine detailed metrics across commodities, categories,
previous purchases, supplier performance and reliability,
diversity and sustainability, and similar areas, you can gain
valuable knowledge that informs your choices about what
to spend and where to spend it. It also helps you determine
which types of sourcing events will have the highest potential to
improve long-term business growth and profitability.
Easily create events that
meet your needs
Once you’ve determined key priorities, you can use the
guided sourcing capability – SAP Ariba Sourcing’s intuitive
and intelligent UX – to structure the most appropriate process
for your events, whether your project is as simple as sourcing
printer cartridges for a few US offices or as complex as buying
materials and components to build a new line of modular
drilling systems.
Single-screen creation lets you copy existing projects or
use standard templates to quickly generate events such as
RFIs, RFPs, and reverse and forward auctions. Step-by-step
directions, contextual help, and guided tours powered by the
SAP Enable Now solution support you through each stage of
the process. Guided sourcing also makes intelligent suggestions
about content to include based on header-level questions and
requirements in similar previous events, speeding the process
and boosting productivity.
The solution enables you to replicate the entire sourcing
process with embedded projects, tasks, documents,
milestones, review and approval flows, predecessor and follow-
on projects, and more, while project insight tiles let you monitor
progress at a glance. A centralized content repository provides
convenient access to documents and resources needed for
multiple sourcing events. Smart Excel import supports creation
of line items from files not in predefined SAP Ariba formats (such
as the Excel bid sheet users typically attach to events) and
automatically maps data to correct system terms, shortening
3 | 7
Get immediate
access to new high-
quality suppliers,
broadening the reach
and competitiveness
of your events.
cycle times and increasing accuracy. In-line and bulk edit
capabilities let you select items you wish to update and either
add or revise terms.
Optimize supplier discovery
and selection
SAP Ariba Sourcing streamlines your ability to rapidly find
and select the best suppliers, even when you have limited
knowledge about a market or category. For example, rather
than relying on an approved vendor list or searching the Internet
to find new suppliers, you can use the SAP Business Network
Discovery solution to post your sourcing needs to the network’s
vast global pool of suppliers, then receive a list of responses
from those who match your requirements. This gives you
immediate access to new high-quality suppliers, broadening the
reach and competitiveness of your events.
Comprehensive filtering options on SAP Business Network
Discovery enable you to calibrate your search based on a wide
range of criteria – including product and service categories,
free-text keywords, sustainability practices, 60+ certification
types, and more – making it easier to meet compliance and
purchasing goals. You can also view suppliers’ activity status,
access verified company details, identify whether your business
already transacts with the supplier, and search within available
supplier catalogs. In-depth supplier profiles provide immediate
visibility to critical information, while collaborative tools let you
send specific inquiries about price, quantity discounts, regional
availability, and similar considerations.
SAP Business Network Discovery is natively integrated with
SAP Ariba Sourcing and built into guided sourcing. This makes
it simple to select the best suppliers from the list and add them
directly to your sourcing event – without having to leave the
event screen.
SAP Ariba Sourcing also uses AI and machine learning (ML) to
recommend suppliers to invite based on past similar events and
existing contracts.
In addition, guided sourcing generates awarding suggestions
to enhance the final selection process, giving you the
flexibility to build customized analysis scenarios or follow the
recommendations provided. These and other valuable features
help you consistently engage the right suppliers to meet your
business requirements and create a more resilient and reliable
supply base.
4 | 7
access to new high-
quality suppliers,
broadening the reach
and competitiveness
of your events.
cycle times and increasing accuracy. In-line and bulk edit
capabilities let you select items you wish to update and either
add or revise terms.
Optimize supplier discovery
and selection
SAP Ariba Sourcing streamlines your ability to rapidly find
and select the best suppliers, even when you have limited
knowledge about a market or category. For example, rather
than relying on an approved vendor list or searching the Internet
to find new suppliers, you can use the SAP Business Network
Discovery solution to post your sourcing needs to the network’s
vast global pool of suppliers, then receive a list of responses
from those who match your requirements. This gives you
immediate access to new high-quality suppliers, broadening the
reach and competitiveness of your events.
Comprehensive filtering options on SAP Business Network
Discovery enable you to calibrate your search based on a wide
range of criteria – including product and service categories,
free-text keywords, sustainability practices, 60+ certification
types, and more – making it easier to meet compliance and
purchasing goals. You can also view suppliers’ activity status,
access verified company details, identify whether your business
already transacts with the supplier, and search within available
supplier catalogs. In-depth supplier profiles provide immediate
visibility to critical information, while collaborative tools let you
send specific inquiries about price, quantity discounts, regional
availability, and similar considerations.
SAP Business Network Discovery is natively integrated with
SAP Ariba Sourcing and built into guided sourcing. This makes
it simple to select the best suppliers from the list and add them
directly to your sourcing event – without having to leave the
event screen.
SAP Ariba Sourcing also uses AI and machine learning (ML) to
recommend suppliers to invite based on past similar events and
existing contracts.
In addition, guided sourcing generates awarding suggestions
to enhance the final selection process, giving you the
flexibility to build customized analysis scenarios or follow the
recommendations provided. These and other valuable features
help you consistently engage the right suppliers to meet your
business requirements and create a more resilient and reliable
supply base.
4 | 7
An easy-to-read
dashboard dynamically
displays supplier
participation status,
timing, and item coverage.
You can also filter,
organize, and search
supplier responses.
Run effective and competitive
sourcing events
SAP Ariba Sourcing offers a broad variety of RFx and auction
tools supported by comprehensive assessment and decision
capabilities. Resources include:
• Automated event creation, distribution, and multilevel
weighted scoring that let stakeholders evaluate supplier
responses collaboratively
• Multistage functionality to carry forward data from invited
suppliers into the event
• Flexible management tools that give you significant control
over the event process, enabling you to:
– Allow suppliers to selectively decline to bid or submit
surrogate bids
– Lock or exclude participants
– Download bid reports and attachments
– Manage changes after an RFx has been published
– Model complex pricing and total cost of ownership
• An easy-to-read dashboard that dynamically displays supplier
participation status, timing, and item coverage
• Intuitive features that make it simple to filter, organize, and
search supplier responses
The solution gives you many ways to set up competitive bidding
environments using various auction types, such as English and
Dutch forward and reverse, Japanese reverse, index, total cost, and
basket and lot. Features such as traffic light bidding (which shows
suppliers their current auction position) and envelope bidding
(which lets you segregate RFx content to drive unbiased evaluation
of supplier responses) increase event transparency and efficiency.
Instant messaging, bidding consoles, and graphical
representations of auction activities facilitate clear, direct
interaction with suppliers in real time. You can centrally manage
bidding and disclosure rules (such as bid visibility), automatic
extensions, weighted-bidding cost factors, staggered start
and end times for items, reserve price, and more. The ability
to conduct multiround negotiation and bidding within a single
sourcing event saves you time by eliminating the need to run
multiple events as a workaround.
The solution also provides exceptional functionality to help you
score, grade, and assess supplier responses. A bid analysis and
optimization workbench with advanced filtering capabilities
lets you compare and analyze bids based on historical data
5 | 7
dashboard dynamically
displays supplier
participation status,
timing, and item coverage.
You can also filter,
organize, and search
supplier responses.
Run effective and competitive
sourcing events
SAP Ariba Sourcing offers a broad variety of RFx and auction
tools supported by comprehensive assessment and decision
capabilities. Resources include:
• Automated event creation, distribution, and multilevel
weighted scoring that let stakeholders evaluate supplier
responses collaboratively
• Multistage functionality to carry forward data from invited
suppliers into the event
• Flexible management tools that give you significant control
over the event process, enabling you to:
– Allow suppliers to selectively decline to bid or submit
surrogate bids
– Lock or exclude participants
– Download bid reports and attachments
– Manage changes after an RFx has been published
– Model complex pricing and total cost of ownership
• An easy-to-read dashboard that dynamically displays supplier
participation status, timing, and item coverage
• Intuitive features that make it simple to filter, organize, and
search supplier responses
The solution gives you many ways to set up competitive bidding
environments using various auction types, such as English and
Dutch forward and reverse, Japanese reverse, index, total cost, and
basket and lot. Features such as traffic light bidding (which shows
suppliers their current auction position) and envelope bidding
(which lets you segregate RFx content to drive unbiased evaluation
of supplier responses) increase event transparency and efficiency.
Instant messaging, bidding consoles, and graphical
representations of auction activities facilitate clear, direct
interaction with suppliers in real time. You can centrally manage
bidding and disclosure rules (such as bid visibility), automatic
extensions, weighted-bidding cost factors, staggered start
and end times for items, reserve price, and more. The ability
to conduct multiround negotiation and bidding within a single
sourcing event saves you time by eliminating the need to run
multiple events as a workaround.
The solution also provides exceptional functionality to help you
score, grade, and assess supplier responses. A bid analysis and
optimization workbench with advanced filtering capabilities
lets you compare and analyze bids based on historical data
5 | 7