Few days ago I was wandering how many tools do we have under SAP ecosystem to create or mange Contract Documents.
You may find a Contract Document in ECC (MM), SRM, Sourcing (CLM) and the new in the family Ariba.
All of the solutions mentioned before are very similar and very different depending on the point of view.
I want to share a small high level summary that show, in my opinion, characterystics of each solution in order to allow us (consultants) to suggest customers the best solution to fit their requirements
| Solution | Integration with ECC | Contract Lifecycle | Implementation | Supplier Interaction | Flexibility - Developments |
|---|
| SRM Central Contract | Most of the times the core solution is ECC | SRM does not manage the complete contract lifecycle, only include the "logistic" part of the contract. The legal contract and signature should be controled in a different tool. | On Premise | Supplier does not interact with contracts. | Enhancements are allowed- ABAP code. |
| ECC -MM | N/A | ECC does not manage the complete contract lifecycle, only include the "logistic" part of the contract. The legal contract and signature should be controled in a different tool. | On Premise | Supplier does not interact with contracts. | Enhancements are allowed- ABAP code. |
| Sourcing - CLM | Integration with SRM or ECC as standard for Materials. In case of service integration is a bit complex and maybe enhancements need to be developed. | Control the full lyfecicle including clause library and legal contract signature | On Premise | Supplier may access the system and contibute during contract lifecycle. | Enhancements are Allowed - Beanshell (Script) Code |
| Ariba - Contract Management | As standard is integrated with ECC. Maybe some development is needed to adjust the integration | Control the full lyfecicle including clause library and legal contract signature. Integrated with Ariba Networks | Cloud | Supplier may access the system and contibute during contract lifecycle. | Customer code not allowed, Enhancements Requests must be requested to Ariba and may or not be approved or delivered in a short period. |
As a conclusion, SRM and ECC solutions are oriented to logistic point of view of contract and Sourcing CLM and Ariba Contract Management are oriented also to Contract complete Lifecycle, but in case of the last two, integration with ECC may be a challenge.
What's next
S/4 Hana platform will bring us a new solution in terms of sourcing and procurement that will interact with the exising solutions and open new opportunities in terms of implementation.
http://www.sapserviceshub.com/i/587436-sap-s-4hana-reimagine-business-in-the-digital-economy/50
Hope this help!
Celeste
