Participating in Online Sourcing Opportunities

Buying organizations use online sourcing events to garner key supplier data and structure bid opportunities to help make more informed purchasing decisions. Sourcing events may comprise Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Open Requests for Quote (competitive bid events such as reverse auctions), or back-and-forth negotiations. Online sourcing has become a critical component of many buying organizations-in some cases their exclusive means of soliciting their supply base.

How To Participate
You may obtain access to online sourcing opportunities using three methods:

  • Register on Ariba Supplier Network. Your registered company profile information is searchable by the hundreds of buying organizations using Ariba's Solutions. Note that when you register, it is crucial that you use the correct categorizations and geographies for goods and services your business provides.
  • Register for Business Opportunities. When you register as a Basic Member on the Ariba Supplier Network, you can view general listings for free. A Premier Membership enables you to respond to specific new business opportunities. Visit supplier.ariba.com for current listings.
  • Receive an invitation to participate in an online sourcing event. Buying organizations may privately invite you to respond to RFIs and RFPs. They will generally ask you to provide your contact information and some qualifying data before you can participate. You can also contact buying organizations directly and inquire about upcoming sourcing events. Click here for a list of buying organizations using Ariba Spend Management Solutions.

Benefits of using Ariba Sourcing Tools to bid on new business:

  • Easy-to-use, web-based interface
  • Free online training
  • Expedited processes
    • Online specification collaboration
    • Online bid response/submission
    • Instantaneous feedback
  • Suppliers can suggest alternatives
    • Create customized line item bundles (generally to offer volume discounts)
    • Emphasize trade-offs
    • Bid with non-price attributes
  • Fair environment
    • Online Q&A drives full disclosure on all supplier questions the buyer has answered
    • Consistent RFX process regardless of buyer
    • In competitive events, all suppliers have the same information about other suppliers

Learn the secrets of winning eSourcing events by purchasing the eSourcing Strategy for Suppliers course. This tutorial teaches you best practices for participating in online reverse auctions.