The "SAP Certified Application Associate - SAP Ariba Sourcing" exam validates that the candidate possesses the fundamental and core knowledge required of the SAP Ariba Sourcing Associate Application Consultant profile. This certification proves that the candidate has an overall understanding and necessary technical skills to participate as a member of a project team in a mentored role. This certification exam is recommended as an entry level qualification to participate in SAP Ariba Sourcing design and implementation projects. Please note that this version of the exam takes part in the Stay Current with SAP Global Certification program. Once you pass this version of the exam, make sure that you participate in the subsequent stay current process. You will be required to take the bi-annual Stay Current Assessment for all subsequent SAP Ariba Sourcing releases via the SAP Learning Hub to maintain your SAP Ariba Sourcing application associate certification status and badge. In order to participate in the Stay Current program and access the Stay Current enablement and assessment, you will need at minimum an SAP Learning Hub, edition for Procurement and Networks subscription.

SAP Ariba Sourcing is the most widely used software as a service (SaaS) solution for sourcing and procurement, trusted by over 295,000 buyers and 6.7 suppliers globally. With its end-to-end process management capability and integration with SAP S/4 HANA, it streamlines every sourcing activity from defining product specifications and requesting proposals to managing contracts. 
SAP Ariba Sourcing primarily handles the following sourcing tasks:: 

Strategy formulation and opportunity assessment.
Negotiation and sourcing. 
Evaluation of suppliers and contract management. 

There are several benefits of using SAP Ariba Sourcing for your business. Here we have summarized a few for you: 

Strategic Sourcing: You can comfortably manage your sourcing activities with SAP Ariba sourcing process flow throughout the complete sourcing lifecycle. Full visibility and analysis of your spend management in real-time will help you with data-driven decision-making.  

Prioritizing Opportunities: Ariba Sourcing is compatible with any spend management tools letting you identify the most value-adding opportunities for your business. You can enter into agreements of varying timeframes and products and get the flexibility of purchasing from different sources. 

Data-driven sourcing: You will always have access to all the information you need in real-time. You will easily maintain compliance with procurement and coordinate across different regions and departments.
 
Documentation and reporting: The solution can help you document and report your sourcing activities. For example, you can easily track your savings in different stages, such as forecasted, negotiated, and actual. Historical data is also accessible at your fingertips.
 
Free access to SAP Ariba Discovery: As a buyer, you will get free access to SAP Ariba Discovery, a separate tool to find new suppliers from outside your network. It facilitates smooth communication with new suppliers making it easy for you to get them on board. 

Support services: As an Ariba Sourcing subscriber, you will enjoy Level 1 and Level 2 customer support and all necessary coaching and guidance to adapt to the platform quickly. The company also facilitates your online business deals through event day management services. 

In summary, the tool is designed to give you speed, flexibility, and efficiency improvement throughout your sourcing process. In addition, you will promptly identify risk areas and eliminate them with access to the Ariba supplier network and real-time communication tools.