Advantage of using SAP SRM

Question

Hi,
Could any one please explain the advantages of using SAP SRM over MM module. As per me we can de most of the activities in MM except some vendor related activities (and that even if SUS is used).
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Lalit

Answer 1

Hi Lalit,
All advantages of using SRM and MM module is in Plan-Driven Procurement documentation on service.sap.com/instguides -> SRM.
Generally planning in APO or MRP in an ERP system calculates the quantity and materials required. This requirement can be transffered to the EBP system. Requisitions from SAP Plant Maintanance or Project System are also possible requirements.
The requisitions are passed to EBP. If the data is complete and unique, purchase orders can be created automatically. If the data is missing, the proffesional purchaser has to complete the missing information in Sourcing or via Process Purchase Orders. An option for the professional buyer is to assign un-sourced PO to an RFQ and send it out for bids.
The proffesional purchaser completes the orders, assings source of supply, add or deletes item.
Once the order is complete it is issued automatically to R/3. XML is the upcoming medium, since the data can be automatically integrated in more and more supplier's systes, or You can send orders by e-mail, fax or print them.
Goods receipt is either done in EBP by supplier via an XML confirmation, by employee who requested the item by general goods recipient or in the backend system. Inventory is updated in backend.
The invoice is processed in EBP manually by the requestor or an accountant submitted by the supplier via an XML invoice, possibly from SUS or backend system.
You can also look in Self-Service Procurement documentation on:
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_srm50/helpdata/en/8d/f6a93e08503614e10000000a114084/frameset.htm
Regards,
Marcin Gajewski
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