Sunrise Ariba Implementation for Procurement Modernization

The goal was to modernize and standardize the procurement function by implementing SAP Ariba integrated with SAP S/4HANA. This initiative aimed to replace legacy systems (SRM, SUS, CLM, EBUY) reaching end-of-support, reduce risk, and enable smart buying. It focused on enhancing supplier collaboration, improving user experience with a mobile-first approach, and laying a scalable foundation for future innovations in procurement, compliance, and analytics.

The project successfully onboarded 270+ suppliers, migrated 78,000+ contracts and 7,000+ POs, and trained 1,400+ users. It replaced legacy systems with a modern, mobile-enabled procurement platform, improving supplier collaboration and user experience using SSO. The integration with SAP S/4HANA and SuccessFactors enhanced workflow efficiency, while GRC/IAG controls strengthened governance. The initiative reduced risk, improved scalability, and aligned with enterprise digital transformation goals.

• Core Platforms: SAP Ariba (Sourcing, Contracts, Buying & Invoicing), SAP S/4HANA
• Integration & Monitoring: SAP BTP – Integration Suite, SAP Cloud Connector, SAP CALM
• Security & Governance: SAP GRC, IAG, SSO
• Analytics & Reporting: SAP SAC, Celonis, BW/4HANA, Datasphere
• Legacy Systems Decommissioned: SRM, SUS, CLM, EBUY, Turbo PI/PO
• Other Tools: IBM Rapid, Process Unity, SuccessFactors, Ecovadis

The project faced high complexity due to legacy system decommissioning, supplier onboarding, and integration with SAP S/4HANA. Managing 5,000+ suppliers, migrating large volumes of contracts and POs, and ensuring compliance across geographies required meticulous planning. Extensive training across geographies, change management, extensive testing, and cross-functional coordination were critical. Despite these challenges, the team delivered a seamless transition through agile execution and strong stakeholder engagement.

The SAP Ariba Implementation project was a strategic initiative to modernize Mead Johnson Nutrition’s procurement function. With legacy systems like SRM, SUS, CLM, and EBUY reaching end-of-support in 2025, the project aimed to reduce operational risk, enhance supplier collaboration, and improve user experience through a mobile-first, cloud-native solution.

The implementation involved integrating SAP Ariba with SAP S/4HANA and decommissioning outdated platforms. Over 270 suppliers were onboarded, 78,000+ contracts and 7,000+ purchase orders were migrated, and 1,400+ users were trained across multiple geographies. The project leveraged SAP Cloud Connector for connectivity (CIG), and SAP CALM for monitoring. Security and governance were strengthened using SAP GRC and IAG, with SSO-enabled access management. Tricentis Tosca Automation is used for testing Ariba end to end scripts. Key innovations included:

• Mobile approvals via Ariba app
• Punch-out and catalog capabilities for suppliers
• AI-first roadmap with GenAI assessment in progress
• 50+ ready-to-use reports and 30+ test scenarios, Tricentis Tosca Automation used for testing
• Seamless integration with SuccessFactors for workflow and org structure alignment

The project aligned with Reckitt’s IT&D strategy by strengthening enterprise foundations, enabling smart procurement, and reducing total cost of ownership. It also supported digital transformation goals by embedding analytics, improving controls, and enhancing cyber resilience.

Executed in parallel with the Sunrise S/4HANA transformation, the Ariba implementation followed a structured timeline from kickoff in July2024 to go-live in February 2025. It included 20+ design sessions, extensive UAT, and change management communications. The result is a future-ready procurement platform that supports global operations, drives efficiency, and enables intelligent decision-making.

The project had a global scope, impacting procurement operations across North America, LATAM, EMEA, and APAC. It involved onboarding suppliers from multiple regions, training users in English and Spanish, and integrating with global platforms like SuccessFactors and SAP S/4HANA. The mobile-first design and cloud-native architecture ensure consistent performance and accessibility worldwide, supporting Reckitt’s global procurement strategy.