SAP Ariba CIG – Deep-Dive Interview Q&A

1. What is SAP Ariba Cloud Integration Gateway (CIG)?

Answer:
CIG is a pre-packaged, SAP-managed integration framework that connects SAP Ariba solutions with SAP ERP / S/4HANA systems using SAP Integration Suite (CPI). It replaces older Ariba Network Integration (ANIS) and reduces custom middleware dependency.

2. How is CIG different from traditional middleware integration?

Answer:

AspectCIGTraditional Middleware
OwnershipSAP-managedCustomer-managed
MappingPre-deliveredCustom
UpgradesAutomaticManual
MonitoringAriba + CPIMiddleware only
MaintenanceLowHigh

3. What systems are involved in a CIG landscape?

Answer:

  • SAP Ariba (Buying, Invoicing, Sourcing, Contracts, etc.)
  • SAP Integration Suite (CPI)
  • SAP ERP / ECC or S/4HANA
  • SAP Ariba Network (for transactional docs)

4. What master data objects are supported via CIG?

Answer:

  • Vendors (Business Partners)
  • Users
  • Company Codes
  • GL Accounts
  • Cost Centers
  • Internal Orders
  • Plants
  • WBS Elements
  • Payment Terms
  • Tax Codes

5. How does vendor master flow from ERP to Ariba?

Answer:

  1. Vendor created/updated in ERP
  2. IDoc (e.g., CREMAS) triggered
  3. Sent to CPI → CIG
  4. Transformed to Ariba format
  5. Vendor updated in Ariba Buying & Invoicing

6. Which IDocs are commonly used in CIG?

Answer:

  • CREMAS – Vendor master
  • GLMAST – GL accounts
  • COSTCENTER_CREATE – Cost centers
  • MATMAS – Material master
  • ORDERS / ARBCIG_ORDERS – Purchase Orders
  • INVOIC – Invoices

7. How are Purchase Orders integrated using CIG?

Answer:

  • PO created in Ariba
  • Sent to CIG → CPI
  • Transformed into ERP-specific IDoc
  • Posted in ERP
  • PO number returned to Ariba

8. What is ARBCIG_ORDERS IDoc?

Answer:
It is a CIG-specific PO IDoc that supports:

  • Lean services
  • Account assignments
  • Split accounting
  • Multi-currency
  • Tax & pricing details

9. How does invoice integration work in CIG?

Answer:

  • Supplier submits invoice via Ariba Network
  • Invoice sent to ERP through CIG
  • ERP posts invoice (MIRO / FB60)
  • Status & payment info sent back to Ariba

10. What are the key CIG configuration steps?

Answer:

  1. Activate CIG project in Ariba
  2. Maintain ERP connection parameters
  3. Configure master data mappings
  4. Set document integration scope
  5. Configure IDoc & RFC settings in ERP
  6. Test via test payloads

11. What is the role of CPI in CIG?

Answer:
CPI:

  • Executes integration flows
  • Handles transformation logic
  • Routes messages between Ariba and ERP
  • Provides monitoring and retries

12. How is error handling done in CIG?

Answer:

  • Ariba CIG Monitor (document-level errors)
  • CPI Message Monitoring
  • ERP IDoc error logs (WE02 / WE05)
  • Application error feedback sent back to Ariba

13. How do you reprocess failed documents?

Answer:

  • Fix data issue in ERP / Ariba
  • Reprocess from:
    • CIG monitoring
    • CPI retry
    • ERP IDoc reprocessing

14. What is the difference between Real-Time and Batch integration?

Answer:

  • Real-Time: PO, Invoice, ASN
  • Batch: Master data (vendors, GL, cost centers)

15. How does CIG support S/4HANA?

Answer:

  • Uses Business Partner model
  • Supports S/4HANA IDocs & APIs
  • Compatible with Central Procurement

16. What security mechanisms are used in CIG?

Answer:

  • Certificate-based authentication
  • HTTPS & OAuth
  • SAP-managed encryption
  • Role-based access control

17. What is the CIG Test Tool?

Answer:
A built-in utility to:

  • Validate connection
  • Send test payloads
  • Verify master & transactional data flow

18. How do you handle custom fields in CIG?

Answer:

  • Limited customization
  • Use extension mappings
  • Custom fields must exist in both ERP & Ariba
  • Avoid heavy customization (SAP best practice)

19. Common CIG interview scenario question

Question:
A PO is stuck in “Failed” status in Ariba. How do you troubleshoot?

Answer:

  1. Check Ariba document error
  2. Review CIG monitoring
  3. Inspect CPI message logs
  4. Check ERP IDoc errors
  5. Fix master data / config issue
  6. Reprocess document

20. Why is CIG preferred over legacy integrations?

Answer:

  • Faster implementation
  • Lower TCO
  • SAP-supported upgrades
  • Standardized best practices
  • Reduced integration risk

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