Which supplier is the best candidate to be enabled in one of the first waves of Supplier Enablement?

Enabling a supplier on the Ariba Network during the first waves of Supplier Enablement is strategic to ensure a smoother transition and adoption of the platform. Choosing a high-volume supplier who is already a member of the Ariba Network is highly advantageous for several reasons.

This supplier has established a familiarity with the Ariba platform, which means they are already accustomed to the system's processes and functionalities. Their existing membership indicates they have the necessary infrastructure in place to integrate seamlessly into additional functionalities that Ariba may offer. Furthermore, because this supplier handles high volumes, their participation in early waves can lead to significant benefits not just for their operations but also for the purchasing organization, as they can quickly start realizing efficiencies and transaction savings.

In contrast, suppliers with low volumes and high variability may take longer to see the benefits from enablement, as the investment in time and resources might not align with the return on investment. New participants in the network, while potentially valuable in the long run, may face a learning curve that could slow down the initial enablement process, making the transition less effective. Suppliers facing technology challenges would also require additional support and resources, which complicates their readiness for enablement.

Thus, selecting a high-volume supplier who is already an Ariba Network