In this lesson, you'll learn how to set up the initial supplier data synchronization for the ERP system in SAP Ariba Supplier Lifecycle and Performance.
Initial supplier data synchronization between SAP Ariba Supplier Lifecycle and Performance and the ERP system ensures a consistent, accurate, and unified supplier master data foundation. This setup allows smooth integration and enables businesses to manage supplier information efficiently. It lays the foundation for accurate supplier records, compliance, and seamless integration across business processes.
All of this assists with:
- Ensuring data consistency across systems
- Facilitating seamless supplier onboarding
- Enhancing integration for procurement and compliance
- Enabling efficient supplier lifecycle management
- Facilitating accurate reporting and spend analysis
Two options are available for setting up the Initial Supplier Data Synchronization: Automatic and Manual.
Automatic Synchronization occurs automatically when the supplier reaches the specified status and is designed to synchronize all suppliers of that status in SAP Ariba Supplier Management solutions with SAP ERP, SAP S/4HANA, or SAP MDG-S.
With manual synchronization, when the supplier reaches the specified status, an ERP synchronization link appears in the ERP data detail area of the supplier's profile. A Category Manager or Supplier Manager clicks the link when they're ready to transact with the supplier. Otherwise, suppliers of that status are not synchronized with the integrated system.
Once the initial synchronization of new supplier data with the SAP ERP or SAP S/4HANA occurs, updates are automatically passed between SAP Ariba Supplier Management solutions and SAP ERP or SAP S/4HANA using the Managed Gateway for Spend&Network. Suppose your SAP ERP or SAP S/4HANA system uses MDG (master data governance) workflows to approve changes to vendor records. In that case, you can require approval in MDG for changes to supplier profiles in SAP Ariba Supplier Management solutions.
Note
To set up initial supplier synchronization, the user must be a member of the SM ERP Administrator group.
Initial synchronization settings only apply to SAP Ariba sites where bidirectional integration is supported.
Integration errors can interrupt automatic synchronization. If an integration error occurs during either the initial automatic synchronization or update synchronization, a Category Manager or Supplier Manager must manually re-synchronize the supplier after correcting the error to re-establish the connection.
To synchronize suppliers automatically or manually based on qualifications, your site must have one of the following configurations in place:
- At least one question in the external qualification questionnaire must be mapped to a vendor database field.
- A default value of $(qualification.status) must be set for vendor.supplierGenericCustomField.$(matrix.category) in default_properties.csv.
This simulation will teach you how to set up the initial supplier data synchronization: