SAP Ariba at Deutsche Bahn

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

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.

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

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

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.

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:

Employees enter their request in standardized forms and send them to suppliers
Suppliers receive the request via the SAP business network and submit their quote
Employees select the appropriate quote
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

Guidelines for supplier integration and catalog creation can be found here. 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