Simplify your purchasing workflows

Skip to Content
Current language English
  • Deutsch
  • English Current language
  • Article: Simplify your purchasing workflows

    What is SAP Ariba?

    SAP Ariba is a cloud solution in the SAP business network and plays a crucial role in the world of digital commerce. It enables information to be exchanged digitally and business relationships between customers and suppliers to be mapped and processed. Designed as a cloud application, the platform can be used without installing anything locally – all you need is an Internet browser.

    Summary of SAP Ariba features and how to use it

    Nutzung des Netzwerks im Überblick

    SAP Ariba offers suppliers the following benefits

    Collaborating with us via the SAP business network offers numerous advantages for all parties involved. Here are some general examples of how you can benefit from it. There may be further synergies on an individual level, which we would be happy to discuss with you directly.

    Vorteile

    This is how easy it is to use the SAP business network

    Vereinfachte Darstellung der Anbindung

    There are essentially two options or account types that a supplier can use to connect to and use the SAP business network. In both cases, the information is exchanged identically via the SAP business network. Please also note the additional Information on the account types.

    Account types for connecting to the SAP Business Network

    • Publish catalogs describing your products and services
    • Process orders directly via the SAP business network
    • Online help center
    • Free of charge

    • Publish catalogs describing your products and services
    • Orders can be processed directly via the SAP business network
    • Integration via EDIFACT or cXML available
    • Supply Chain Collaboration available
    • Help center, telephone, chat, and online form
    • Billed based on what you use

    What do I need to do to connect?

    To successfully connect, you must already have a master agreement with DB AG. As part of their connection to the SAP business network, we give our suppliers tailored support and work with you to develop a suitable solution.

    Ablauf der Zusammenarbeit

    The most important Ariba modules and purchasing channels at DB

    Most goods and services can be offered effectively in the form of a user-friendly catalog. This method of presenting and procuring products and services is a common feature of online shopping.

    Technical details:

    • Excel and BMEcat formats are used for static catalogs
    • cXML punch-out catalogs are possible
    • Classification: eClass 8.1
    • Guidelines for creating catalogs are provided by DB (see Downloads)

    Even items and services that cannot be included in a catalog for various reasons can be procured and delivered effectively and securely via the SAP business network.

    The request for quote process at a glance:

    1. Employees enter their request in standardized forms and send them to suppliers
    2. Suppliers receive the request via the SAP business network and submit their quote
    3. Employees select the appropriate quote
    4. A purchase order is created based on the quote and sent to the supplier via the SAP business network

    Ariba Supply Chain Collaboration standardizes the procurement of direct materials that are not ordered from catalogs. This encourages the exchange of data rather than documents, which fosters digital collaboration.

    Technical details:

    • Process is transparent as business rules are used to standardize the exchange of data
    • Direct material is purchased using end-2-end process management
    • Extends and complements backend systems (less manual work required to update POs)
    • Network intelligence, data, and insights all reduce supply chain risk

    Further information and help

    Bild - SAP Ariba Hilfe
    Bild - SAP Ariba Hilfe
    Copyright: GettyImages / eclipse_images

    Here you can find guidelines for supplier integration and catalog creation. To learn more about the SAP Business Network and digital purchasing workflows click on the links below:

    General information about the SAP business network

    Information on supplier accounts and fees

    You can access the SAP training portal here

    Do you have any further questions about SAP Ariba at DB? Simply contact us at: supplierintegration@deutschebahn.com

    If you are already logged in to the SAP business network, you can find lots of other information in your personal profile settings by clicking on the question mark.

    If there are problems with a catalog after it goes live, please contact: saparibaemea_catalogmaintenance@sap.com