Saudi Electricity Company - SAP Innovation Awards 2025
Before SAP Ariba, the Saudi Electric Company struggled with manual procurement processes, fragmented systems, and limited visibility into supplier performance, leading to delays and increased costs. Post-implementation, procurement cycle times reduced by 40%, operational costs decreased, and spend visibility improved by 80%. The centralized platform enhanced supplier collaboration, minimized errors, and accelerated approval times, transforming procurement into a strategic business enabler driving cost savings, compliance, and growth. - 5256 Download the DocumentPUBLIC
Entry Pitch Deck
Saudi Electricity Company - SEC
Abdulrhman Al-Fozan
Utility
Transforming procurement with SAP Ariba
innovation
Entry Pitch Deck
Saudi Electricity Company - SEC
Abdulrhman Al-Fozan
Utility
Transforming procurement with SAP Ariba
innovation
COMPANY NAME:
HEADQUARTERS:
INDUSTRY:
WEBSITE:
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES:
Company information
2
Saudi Electricity Company - SEC
Riyadh. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Utility
https://www.se.com.sa/en
32,200
Saudi Electricity Company plays a vital role by supplying the Kingdom with energy
according to the highest reliability standards. The company is considered the primary
source of electricity in the Kingdom. The major shareholders are the Public Investment
Fund (PIF) and Saudi Aramco, holding 74.3% and (6.9%) stake respectively. SEC
strives to meet the needs and expectations of the shareholders. We protect their rights,
facilitate their accessibility to the information, and improve the communication channels,
as we also encourage investing in investment portfolios.
Our Business
• Electric Power Generation
• Electricity Transmission
• Distribution and Customers Services Electricity production
Our Subsidiary Companies
• Saudi Energy Production Company
• National Grid SA
• Dawiyat Integrated Telecommunications & Information Technology Company
• Saudi Electricity Project Development Company
PUBLIC
HEADQUARTERS:
INDUSTRY:
WEBSITE:
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES:
Company information
2
Saudi Electricity Company - SEC
Riyadh. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Utility
https://www.se.com.sa/en
32,200
Saudi Electricity Company plays a vital role by supplying the Kingdom with energy
according to the highest reliability standards. The company is considered the primary
source of electricity in the Kingdom. The major shareholders are the Public Investment
Fund (PIF) and Saudi Aramco, holding 74.3% and (6.9%) stake respectively. SEC
strives to meet the needs and expectations of the shareholders. We protect their rights,
facilitate their accessibility to the information, and improve the communication channels,
as we also encourage investing in investment portfolios.
Our Business
• Electric Power Generation
• Electricity Transmission
• Distribution and Customers Services Electricity production
Our Subsidiary Companies
• Saudi Energy Production Company
• National Grid SA
• Dawiyat Integrated Telecommunications & Information Technology Company
• Saudi Electricity Project Development Company
PUBLIC
CHALLENGE: SOLUTION: OUTCOME:
Transforming procurement with SAP Ariba innovation
3
RFPs have been processed. Saved Solely from the Top 3 Auctions in
2024
Of spend currently
managed using 100% SAP Ariba solutions
200K+
Saudi Electricity Company - SEC
66M 100%
Before implementing SAP Ariba, the organization faced
significant procurement challenges. Manual processes
and fragmented systems led to inefficiencies, delayed
cycles, and increased costs. Limited visibility into
supplier performance and spending hindered strategic
decision-making and compliance. The lack of a
centralized platform made collaboration with suppliers
and internal stakeholders difficult, resulting in missed
cost-saving opportunities. These inefficiencies
highlighted the need for a more robust solution. SAP
Ariba was implemented to streamline operations,
automate workflows, and enhance supplier
collaboration. The goal was to improve spend visibility,
reduce cycle times, and ensure compliance,
transforming procurement into a strategic driver of
business efficiency and growth.
To address procurement challenges, SAP Ariba was
chosen as the solution. The implementation included SAP
Ariba Procurement, SAP Ariba Supplier Management, and
SAP Ariba Spend Analysis modules. Technically, SAP
Ariba was integrated with existing ERP systems for
seamless data flow, leveraging cloud-based architecture for
scalability. Process-wise, manual workflows were replaced
with automated requisition-to-order processes, enabling
real-time tracking and approval. Supplier onboarding and
performance management were streamlined through SAP
Business Network for Procurement, enhancing
collaboration. Spend analysis tools provided actionable
insights, while compliance was ensured through
standardized workflows and policy enforcement. This end-
to-end transformation improved efficiency, reduced costs,
and strengthened supplier relationships, positioning
procurement as a strategic business enabler.
The SAP Ariba implementation delivered transformative
outcomes. Procurement cycle times were reduced by 40%,
and operational costs decreased significantly due to
automated workflows and streamlined processes. Spend
visibility improved by 80%, enabling data-driven decision-
making and better compliance. Supplier collaboration
strengthened through SAP Business Network for
Procurement, enhancing performance and reducing risks.
Manual errors were minimized, and approval times
accelerated, boosting overall efficiency. Compared to before,
the organization now operates with a centralized, agile
procurement ecosystem, driving cost savings, compliance,
and strategic value. Procurement has shifted from a
transactional function to a strategic enabler of business
growth.
PUBLIC
Transforming procurement with SAP Ariba innovation
3
RFPs have been processed. Saved Solely from the Top 3 Auctions in
2024
Of spend currently
managed using 100% SAP Ariba solutions
200K+
Saudi Electricity Company - SEC
66M 100%
Before implementing SAP Ariba, the organization faced
significant procurement challenges. Manual processes
and fragmented systems led to inefficiencies, delayed
cycles, and increased costs. Limited visibility into
supplier performance and spending hindered strategic
decision-making and compliance. The lack of a
centralized platform made collaboration with suppliers
and internal stakeholders difficult, resulting in missed
cost-saving opportunities. These inefficiencies
highlighted the need for a more robust solution. SAP
Ariba was implemented to streamline operations,
automate workflows, and enhance supplier
collaboration. The goal was to improve spend visibility,
reduce cycle times, and ensure compliance,
transforming procurement into a strategic driver of
business efficiency and growth.
To address procurement challenges, SAP Ariba was
chosen as the solution. The implementation included SAP
Ariba Procurement, SAP Ariba Supplier Management, and
SAP Ariba Spend Analysis modules. Technically, SAP
Ariba was integrated with existing ERP systems for
seamless data flow, leveraging cloud-based architecture for
scalability. Process-wise, manual workflows were replaced
with automated requisition-to-order processes, enabling
real-time tracking and approval. Supplier onboarding and
performance management were streamlined through SAP
Business Network for Procurement, enhancing
collaboration. Spend analysis tools provided actionable
insights, while compliance was ensured through
standardized workflows and policy enforcement. This end-
to-end transformation improved efficiency, reduced costs,
and strengthened supplier relationships, positioning
procurement as a strategic business enabler.
The SAP Ariba implementation delivered transformative
outcomes. Procurement cycle times were reduced by 40%,
and operational costs decreased significantly due to
automated workflows and streamlined processes. Spend
visibility improved by 80%, enabling data-driven decision-
making and better compliance. Supplier collaboration
strengthened through SAP Business Network for
Procurement, enhancing performance and reducing risks.
Manual errors were minimized, and approval times
accelerated, boosting overall efficiency. Compared to before,
the organization now operates with a centralized, agile
procurement ecosystem, driving cost savings, compliance,
and strategic value. Procurement has shifted from a
transactional function to a strategic enabler of business
growth.
PUBLIC
4
SAP Ariba has been a game-changer for Saudi Electricity Company
-SEC, transforming procurement from a fragmented, manual
process into a strategic, data-driven function. By automating
workflows, enhancing supplier collaboration, and providing real-
time spend visibility, we’ve achieved a 40% reduction in cycle times,
significant cost savings, and improved compliance. This solution
didn’t just modernize our operations—it redefined how we deliver
value to the business. SAP Ariba’s innovative approach has
empowered us to make smarter decisions, strengthen supplier
relationships, and drive efficiency across the board. It’s more than
technology; it’s the foundation of our procurement success.
Zaid Al Jindal
Executive Director
PUBLIC
SAP Ariba has been a game-changer for Saudi Electricity Company
-SEC, transforming procurement from a fragmented, manual
process into a strategic, data-driven function. By automating
workflows, enhancing supplier collaboration, and providing real-
time spend visibility, we’ve achieved a 40% reduction in cycle times,
significant cost savings, and improved compliance. This solution
didn’t just modernize our operations—it redefined how we deliver
value to the business. SAP Ariba’s innovative approach has
empowered us to make smarter decisions, strengthen supplier
relationships, and drive efficiency across the board. It’s more than
technology; it’s the foundation of our procurement success.
Zaid Al Jindal
Executive Director
PUBLIC
GLOBAL CHALLENGES
Challenges
BUSINESS CHALLENGES
5
Without SAP Ariba, organizations face significant global
procurement challenges. Manual and fragmented processes lead to
inefficiencies, delayed cycle times, and increased operational
costs. Limited visibility into supplier performance and spending
hinders strategic decision-making and compliance. The absence of
a centralized platform makes collaboration with global suppliers
difficult, resulting in missed cost-saving opportunities and increased
risks. Inconsistent workflows and lack of automation further
exacerbate errors and inefficiencies. These challenges not only
strain resources but also prevent procurement from becoming a
strategic function. Without SAP Ariba, businesses struggle to adapt
to evolving market demands, maintain compliance, and drive value
in a competitive global landscape.
The business faced significant procurement challenges before SAP
Ariba. Manual processes and fragmented systems led to
inefficiencies, delayed cycle times, and increased operational
costs. Limited visibility into supplier performance and spending
hindered strategic decision-making and compliance. The lack of a
centralized platform made collaboration with suppliers difficult,
resulting in missed cost-saving opportunities. Inconsistent
workflows and reliance on outdated tools caused errors, delays,
and poor supplier relationships. These inefficiencies strained
resources and prevented procurement from becoming a strategic
function. The organization needed a solution to streamline
operations, enhance transparency, and drive cost savings while
ensuring compliance and fostering stronger supplier collaboration.
PUBLIC
Challenges
BUSINESS CHALLENGES
5
Without SAP Ariba, organizations face significant global
procurement challenges. Manual and fragmented processes lead to
inefficiencies, delayed cycle times, and increased operational
costs. Limited visibility into supplier performance and spending
hinders strategic decision-making and compliance. The absence of
a centralized platform makes collaboration with global suppliers
difficult, resulting in missed cost-saving opportunities and increased
risks. Inconsistent workflows and lack of automation further
exacerbate errors and inefficiencies. These challenges not only
strain resources but also prevent procurement from becoming a
strategic function. Without SAP Ariba, businesses struggle to adapt
to evolving market demands, maintain compliance, and drive value
in a competitive global landscape.
The business faced significant procurement challenges before SAP
Ariba. Manual processes and fragmented systems led to
inefficiencies, delayed cycle times, and increased operational
costs. Limited visibility into supplier performance and spending
hindered strategic decision-making and compliance. The lack of a
centralized platform made collaboration with suppliers difficult,
resulting in missed cost-saving opportunities. Inconsistent
workflows and reliance on outdated tools caused errors, delays,
and poor supplier relationships. These inefficiencies strained
resources and prevented procurement from becoming a strategic
function. The organization needed a solution to streamline
operations, enhance transparency, and drive cost savings while
ensuring compliance and fostering stronger supplier collaboration.
PUBLIC
PROJECT OBJECTIVES WHY SAP
Objectives
6
SAP Ariba was chosen as the solution to address critical
procurement challenges and drive transformational change. Its
cloud-based platform offered end-to-end procurement automation,
enabling streamlined workflows and reducing manual efforts. With
real-time spend visibility and advanced analytics, it empowered
data-driven decision-making and cost optimization. SAP Business
Network for Procurement facilitated seamless supplier
collaboration, improving performance and reducing risks. Its
scalability and integration capabilities ensured compatibility with
existing systems, while compliance features standardized
processes to meet global regulations. SAP Ariba’s innovative
approach not only resolved inefficiencies but also positioned
procurement as a strategic function, delivering measurable cost
savings, efficiency gains, and long-term business value.
The primary objective of the SAP Ariba implementation project was
to transform the organization’s procurement function into a
strategic, efficient, and data-driven operation. Key goals included:
o Streamline Processes: Automate and standardize procurement
workflows to reduce manual efforts and errors.
o Enhance Visibility: Gain real-time insights into spending and
supplier performance for better decision-making.
o Improve Collaboration: Strengthen supplier relationships
through a centralized, collaborative platform.
o Ensure Compliance: Standardize processes to meet global
procurement and regulatory requirements.
o Drive Cost Savings: Optimize procurement operations to
achieve measurable cost reductions and operational efficiency.
This transformation aimed to position procurement as a key driver
of business value and growth.
PUBLIC
Objectives
6
SAP Ariba was chosen as the solution to address critical
procurement challenges and drive transformational change. Its
cloud-based platform offered end-to-end procurement automation,
enabling streamlined workflows and reducing manual efforts. With
real-time spend visibility and advanced analytics, it empowered
data-driven decision-making and cost optimization. SAP Business
Network for Procurement facilitated seamless supplier
collaboration, improving performance and reducing risks. Its
scalability and integration capabilities ensured compatibility with
existing systems, while compliance features standardized
processes to meet global regulations. SAP Ariba’s innovative
approach not only resolved inefficiencies but also positioned
procurement as a strategic function, delivering measurable cost
savings, efficiency gains, and long-term business value.
The primary objective of the SAP Ariba implementation project was
to transform the organization’s procurement function into a
strategic, efficient, and data-driven operation. Key goals included:
o Streamline Processes: Automate and standardize procurement
workflows to reduce manual efforts and errors.
o Enhance Visibility: Gain real-time insights into spending and
supplier performance for better decision-making.
o Improve Collaboration: Strengthen supplier relationships
through a centralized, collaborative platform.
o Ensure Compliance: Standardize processes to meet global
procurement and regulatory requirements.
o Drive Cost Savings: Optimize procurement operations to
achieve measurable cost reductions and operational efficiency.
This transformation aimed to position procurement as a key driver
of business value and growth.
PUBLIC