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Automation Solutions for SAP
Solutions for Touchless Accounts Payable

Introduction

A significant shift is beginning to shake traditional AP operations, especially for SAP clients. While invoice imaging and workflow are considered mature technologies, their adoption is not. PayStream’s research indicates that solutions that streamline the invoice receipt-to-pay cycle have only reached 45% adoption at Global 2000-sized North American companies. As a result, a large portion of the SAP user community is still relying on paper-based invoice processes. Until now, the biggest stumbling block to removing paper from the finance department was getting the project started. Today; however, finance managers struggle with a new problem – where to get started. Due to the explosion of options - from invoice imaging, automated data capture, approval workflow, eProcurement, electronic invoice portals, supplier collaboration, PO compliance, discounting and payment – automation decisions are complex. To make matters worse, new technology companies and solutions continue to enter into the ePayables automation arena. PayStream’s research suggests that the explosion of options together with a lack of clarity about solutions choices is slowing the adoption rate.

Audience

This report is aimed at finance and IT directors at SAP organizations who seek to understand the significant competitive advantage of improving their payables department. The goal of every finance department is to provide information for managers to make investments and budget decisions. With limited or no visibility into accruals, companies often have delayed and inaccurate closes through the understatement of expenses and overstatement of income. This report is targeted to individuals who require product information to identify appropriate solutions for their Purchase-to-Pay automation needs. The report will focus on SAP-specific solutions that leverage SAP capabilities and have seamless integration with SAP. It will highlight the advantages of "true" SAP solutions that maximize the clients SAP investment. PayStream will discuss the different levels of certification and what it means to the end user.

Objective

The primary objective of this report is to bring awareness to potential buyers and increase their ability to distinguish between technology options, automation providers, and the solutions that they offer. This report is designed to provide senior finance and IT managers with a "Consumer Reports" type review of available options, case studies and metrics supporting the value drivers of invoice automation specifically for SAP.

Report Scope

The report will review technology companies in the ePayables arena, including invoice automation and payments. The Figure below represents a map of the key features these solution providers offer as part of their products/services. This report is aimed at the growing number of organizations that are seeking appropriate solutions that can automate all payables functions.

Figure 1
Major Components of Payables Automation