Having been an SAP Ariba customer, employee, and now SAP Ariba BPO partner, I have seen many of the pain points of the implementation of this module.
Granted, this list is only three of the major roadblocks we at Premikati have come across, and there are many more challenges that are company specific that we will address via this medium in the near future.
Alas, for now – let’s hit the top 3:
1. Have a solid change management strategy and plan.
When initiating a top down project, without buy-in, you are at risk for people not adopting the new processes, technology, and communications.
This lack of buy-in decreases your early adoption level and end user acceptance of the new technology and processes – therefore diminishing your success and what should be – a rapid ROI.
2. Develop a strategic supplier on boarding wave plan.
Start with matched SAP Ariba Network suppliers. They are already transacting over the network making for an easy connection.
Next, remember the 80/20 rule. Let’s get the suppliers you do the highest spend with on immediately. This will allow for quick visibility and spend control for the majority of your purchase orders.
Your next target should be strategic commodities.
As far as tail spend, remember that SAP Ariba Spot Buy will revolutionize the way you have dealt with the tail spend that everyone struggles with and should have been “turned on” immediately and effortlessly.
3. Develop a strong compliance message for your suppliers.
Require all suppliers to receive PO’s and submit invoices through the Ariba Network. With Light Enablement, the historical complaints about fees are simply invalid.
Companies who follow this recommendation experience quicker supplier enablement which in turn allows for increased visibility and control of your company’s spend.
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Premikati is a certified Woman Owned Management Consulting and Legal Process Outsourcing firm, and an SAP Ariba Silver Partner, that is specifically tailored to Procurement and Supply Chain.