31 Aug 2015 10:00
Etihad Airways’ Procurement and Supply Management (P&SM) department has embarked on a transformation journey to support the airline’s future expansion by implementing SAP’s innovative, cloud-based Ariba solutions.
The Sourcing and Supplier Information Management solutions will
deliver state-of-the-art technology enabling the airline to automate and
streamline its source-to-contract processes, and efficiently integrate new
suppliers.
The new processes and capabilities will give Etihad Airways clear
visibility into its spend and contracts, and provide up-to-date information on
all supplier activity. Other significant workflow improvements include a
virtual tender board and contract approval procedures to speed up procurement
decisions; automated purchase orders to reduce manual and paper-based activities;
and access to global suppliers through the SAP Ariba portal.
Through a self-service portal, suppliers will be able to
collaborate electronically and participate in online bidding for available
opportunities at Etihad Airways and across its partner airlines. Invoices will
be digitised to reduce errors and inefficiency, while improving controls and
compliance.
Adil Al Mulla, Etihad Airways’ Vice President Procurement and
Supply Management, said: “SAP Ariba will support Etihad Airways’ extraordinary
growth by more effectively tapping into the global business network and standardising
our processes for purchasing goods and services. It will offer enormous value
to our suppliers and our guests, while allowing us to control spending,
collaborate with suppliers at the right time, and minimise risks.
“Importantly, as we move towards a complete end-to-end automated
procurement system, SAP Ariba will also open up great global opportunities to
UAE-based suppliers, further supporting the Abu Dhabi economy and its 2030
vision.”
Robert Webb, Etihad Airways’ Chief Information
and Technology Officer, said: “This implementation is a perfect example of how
our technology and innovation strategy is reaping benefits for everyone. We
continue to share best practices and deliver innovative, cloud-based solutions
that drive efficiencies and synergies across Etihad Airways, our partner
airlines and suppliers across the globe, while bringing benefits to Abu Dhabi.”
The next phase of the implementation will introduce the Contract
Management and Supplier Performance Management solutions, allowing Etihad
Airways to automate and standardise contracts for greater productivity and
compliance, and evaluate supplier performance to improve supplier relationships
and minimise supply risks.