SAP Addresses Covid-19 Induced Supply Chain Disruption
With the increase of the threat of COVID-19 on society, increased precautions for safety and well-being best practices continue to rise in priority across the globe. Businesses across industries are being thrust into challenges they have yet to experience with the introduction of COVID-19 to their risk factors. Some of these challenges include travel restrictions, cancelled events, and weakening supply chain systems.
"Business as usual" has taken on a new form with workforces being forced to evacuate offices and quarantine in their homes, working remotely for their own safety and the well-being of others. SAP states that they are in a unique position to have a significant impact on businesses during this time where supply chain and business travel disruption is a very real threat. SAP announced late last week that they are opening access to SAP Ariba Discovery for the next 90 days (through June 30, 2020) so buyers can share immediate sourcing needs and any suppliers can respond and show their ability to deliver. This will be available to everyone.
There are two different options users can utilize when going through the SAP Ariba Discovery platform. One is for buyers to start sourcing with the goal to overcome global business volatility and increase sustainability for their supply chain during trying times. The second is for suppliers to start helping and ensure business continuity and risk mitigation by utilizing an SAP provided promotion code to respond to users for free. Current customers on this side of the offering can contact SAP to receive a three month extension to their current or expiring subscriptions in order to utilize this limited time offer.
This is meant to assist buyers and suppliers to connect effectively under the recent circumstances and threats that COVID-19 poses globally. The hope with this passageway being opened is that disruptions to business will be minimized (ie: shipment delays, capacity issues, increased consumer demand) and connections will be made to keep business supply chains intact and undisrupted.
Additional SAP Offerings
SAP is also offering TripIt from Concur to individuals from March 13-March 31 for six months. This platform processes travel itineraries for people around the globe, monitors their flights, and alerts them of any changes or delays. In response to increasing schedule changes and cancellations stemming from COVID-19, SAP is offering assistance where they can to travelers. Premium service will be offered as a complimentary service to existing TripIt users for six months.
Although there is uncertainty at this time personally and professionally, consumer demand will remain, if not increase. If your business is seeking assistance with tackling your technology and supply chain requirements during this time, please contact us today.
Read more from SAP's official announcement here.