This enables purchasing companies to cover the so-called long-tail spend simply and efficiently via catalogue items, which helps to realise a further reduction in free text items. With the Spot Buy function, SAP Ariba further offers a facility for integrating a marketplace directly with the procurement solution SAP Ariba Buying. Different filter options, such as New Items, Modified Items and Deleted Items, enable standardised and efficient checking of the catalogue data. Suppliers can upload their catalogues themselves via the Ariba Network and the only task left for purchasing staff is to conduct a commercial check. In addition to static catalogues, punchout catalogues (Level 1 and Level 2) can be used as well. All catalogue formats customary in the market are supported, including BMECat 1.2, CIF 3.0 and Excel.

It offers extensive options for loading electronic catalogues as well as for the validation and approval of their contents. SAP Ariba Catalog, also known as Ariba Procurement Catalog, is SAP Ariba's own catalogue solution. With predefined forms and rules, Guided Buying increases user-friendliness and contributes to cost savings. End users are guided through the procurement process by the Guided Buying user interface. The user experience familiar from privately used intuitive apps can now also be found in the B2B environment. Integration with an existing SAP ECC or SAP S/4HANA system is realised via standardised interfaces, such as the Cloud Integration Gateway (CIG), or through native integration to enable the automated synchronisation of master and transaction data. In addition, purchase orders, order confirmations and invoices can be exchanged on a paperless basis via the Ariba Network.

The transparent approval workflow for the procurement of goods and services can be configured in line with company-specific procurement guidelines. Like its “big sister”, the solution offers an appealing user interface, an integrated search function for internal and external catalogues and a facility for accessing the Mercateo Unite marketplace via Spot Buy. SAP Ariba Buying emulates the SAP Ariba Buying & Invoicing solution, but does not include the Invoicing module. You can combine output categories, set up automated processes and manage workflows. The SAP Ariba Buying module enables you to optimise routine tasks.

SAP SRM SLC Supplier Lifecycle Management.

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