SAP Ariba and SAP have launched the Manufacturing Network. This is a cloud-based platform to connect enterprises with manufacturing service providers so they can collaborate on multiple stages, from initial design through to procurement execution.
By collaborating on design, manufacturing and procurement in a coordinated way, enterprises can improve production and costs as well as facilitate innovations and new operating models. In this context, 3D printing and manufacturing as a service can fuel business growth.
“Manufacturing today is more distributed and global than ever before” said Vasee Rayan, Vice President, Solutions Management, Ariba Network. “To do it well, companies must connect people, processes, things and information, and that’s what networks are all about.”
The relevance of the Ariba Network
More than 3M buyers and suppliers connect to the Ariba Network. They already use this to transact over $1.6T in commerce (on a yearly basis). With the Manufacturing Network, enterprises will be able to combine the advantages of network effects (from all those ‘members’) with their own knowledge ‘held’ within an enterprise’s existing SAP applications with their domain depth. The intention is that collaboration can occur in new ways and help manufacturing.
Interested customers will find the Manufacturing Network:
- delivered as part of the SAP Digital Manufacturing Cloud Suite
- integrated with SAP Ariba Sourcing and the Ariba Network.
This will make it simpler for manufacturers and service providers – including suppliers of 3D and computer numerical control (CNC) printing services and materials, original equipment manufacturers (OEM), and technical certification companies – to connect and collaborate. This can start with design, incorporate quality objectives, develop production and enable procurement execution.
The platform and its implications
Using what is in effect a platform, manufacturers (buyers) will be able to integrate design, sourcing, manufacturing, procurement processes and manage of these to:
- collaborate on design, highlight changes and suggest alternatives
- link design discussions and data to requests for quotations (RFQs)
- obtain pricing – from one or multiple suppliers – for part(s)
- initiate buying processes
- embed the data and processes required for production part approval into the sourcing process (make this visible across all downstream procurement)
- share data and key performance indicators (for example with relevant parties)
- co-ordinate with suppliers on manufacturing changes.
At the same time, suppliers will be able to develop new ways to work with, and deepen the interactions, with manufacturing buyers. For example they might expand their business by leveraging the platform to:
- differentiate themselves through technical skills and capabilities
- gain clearer understanding of the buyers’ needs for engineered and production parts
- collaborate on and perfect early designs
- provide manufacturing capabilities as a service.
Article Credit: Enterprise Times
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source http://news.statii.co.uk/sap-ariba-and-the-digital-manufacturing-network/
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