SAP Ariba Roles and Responsibilities are essential for defining user access and functionality within the SAP Ariba platform. Different roles determine what tasks users can perform, such as managing suppliers, creating sourcing events, or handling procurement processes.

Understanding these roles ensures that the right people have appropriate access to execute their duties effectively, promoting security and efficiency. Whether you’re a buyer, supplier, or administrator, knowing your specific responsibilities helps in streamlining workflows and maintaining compliance across procurement activities. This guide will give you a clear overview of the various SAP Ariba roles and their corresponding responsibilities.

SAP Ariba Roles and Responsibilities

The roles in SAP Ariba are defined by their responsibilities and scope within the system, ensuring users have the appropriate access level to carry out their tasks effectively. The table below presents each role with its group name, application area, detailed description, and associated user or team member type.

Group NameApplicationDescriptionUser / Team Member
Classified AccessGeneral / AdminMembers can view objects with the access control of Classified.Team Member
Commodity Code ManagerGeneral / AdminManages the Commodity Code Manager area to handle commodity codes and mappings.Team Member
Commodity ManagerSourcingCan view, edit, and publish projects, run reports, and add or delete suppliers. Cannot translate events.User
Currency ManagerGeneral / AdminUploads currency conversion rates and creates sets for multi-currency auctions.Team Member
Customer AdministratorGeneral / AdminAdministers data loading, export, and management. Access is subject to Ariba approval.User
Customer Dashboard AdminGeneral / AdminAdministers dashboard templates using the Dashboard Manager workspace.Team Member
Customer User AdminGeneral / AdminManages users, creates child groups, assigns users, and handles administrative tasks.User
Customization AdministratorGeneral / AdminUploads or downloads customization configuration files.Team Member
Deleted Documents AccessGeneral / AdminSearches for deleted projects and workspaces.Team Member
Event AdministratorSourcingManages all aspects of projects and sourcing events; automatically also part of the Sourcing Agent group.User
Integration AdminGeneral / AdminConfigures integration events and external system connections.Team Member
Internal UserGeneral / AdminAccesses tools internally, performs contract tasks, but cannot create new contract workspaces.Team Member
Junior Sourcing AgentSourcingCan create and view projects but not publish, administer events, or run reports.User
Project AdministratorGeneral / AdminManages project workspaces and assigns project ownership.User
Project Email Templates AdminGeneral / AdminManages email notification templates at a system level.Team Member
Project Mass Edit AdminGeneral / AdminUses mass edit and replace user features for projects.User
Senior AnalystGeneral / AdminRuns reports and can use specific fields in reports.Team Member
Sourcing AgentSourcingCreates, publishes, and views projects, but cannot run reports or manage suppliers.User
Sourcing ApproverSourcingApproves sourcing projects and manages buyers’ projects, but cannot run reports.User
Sourcing ManagerSourcingViews projects, runs reports, but cannot create projects or manage suppliers.Team Member
Supplier ManagerSourcingManages suppliers and customers during projects but cannot run reports or publish projects.Team Member for Sourcing
Supplier/Customer AgentGeneral / AdminManages suppliers during project creation but cannot publish or administer events.User for Supplier Management
Supplier/Customer User AgentGeneral / AdminManages supplier/customer users but cannot create new organizations.Team Member
Surrogate BiddersSourcingCan view all projects and surrogate bid but cannot create or edit events.Team Member
Template CreatorGeneral / AdminCreates, copies, and edits templates but cannot edit other users’ templates.Team Member
TranslatorGeneral / AdminProvides translations but cannot create, edit, or manage events.Team Member
SAP Ariba Roles and Responsibilities

SAP Ariba Roles and Responsibilities

1. Administrative Roles

  • Customer Administrator and Customer User Admin: Manage overall administrative tasks such as data handling, user assignments, and customization. They have full control over configuring, creating, and managing users and settings.

2. Sourcing and Procurement Roles

  • Commodity Manager, Sourcing Agent, Sourcing Approver, and Sourcing Manager: Focus on sourcing projects, managing suppliers, and handling procurement tasks.

3. Support and Specialized Roles

  • Project Administrator and Template Creator: Manage templates and projects, ensuring customization and system efficiency.
  • Translator and Surrogate Bidders: Provide additional support by translating content and supporting bid processes.

Customization and Management

Roles like Customization Administrator and Customer Dashboard Admin focus on customizing dashboards and managing the overall experience for the team. They have specific control over elements like theme switching, dashboard arrangement, and user experience customization.