Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Table of contents
1 1 4 5 6
Streamline the P2P process Automate supplier invoicing Automated P2P capabilities Leverage our experience About the author
3 Automate process flow 4 Benefits of invoice automation 5 Automate P2P; realize the benefits
Government regulationsfrom differing rules across countries to the reluctance of national tax authorities to adopt new technologies and agree on standardshave also hindered the extensive deployment of automated invoice processes. This issue continues to be most challenging in Latin America and Asia Pacific regions. In Europe, there is now much more clarity on this subject but there still remains a few localized complexities especially in Eastern Europe. On the whole, however, times are changing. The reality is, P2P automation is a maturing technology. It is seen as a logical and increasingly accepted option for a broad range of organizations in an increasingly global framework. Invoice automation solutions available from e-Invoicing network providers are now able to show e-Invoice compliance for all of North America and the vast majority of European countries. They also are slowly adding capabilities in key Asia Pacific countries and Latin America regions. At the same time, some of the larger, more experienced network providers have been able to leverage years of best-practice lessons to create new-generation tools and technologies. And, more importantly, they are developing the crucial methodologies needed to govern the complex task of supplier enrollment. Previous concerns about interoperability largely have been addressed by some of the larger network providers, providing improved connectivity for suppliers with the emergence of one-tomany networking. Improved integrated invoice automation technology also has alleviated some of the problems associated with system implementation. These include the management of fall-outs and approvals, value-added tax coding, and integration between invoice automation suppliers and ERP systems. More standardized compliance requirements, including more consistent rules on tax and signature information, have brought greater clarity to the regulatory issues surrounding invoice automation. An example of this is the European Community directives on the rules governing archiving and invoice receipts. To take advantage of the more favorable environment that now exists for invoice automation, to maximize ROI, and ensure automation success, companies need to develop formal structured program management and ensure disciplined processes.
Provides a consistent control mechanism and a single governance process whether invoices are received electronically or physically
Discrepancy management
Enables HP to process any supplier invoice format, maximizing the levels of automation possible for clients
To enable invoice automation, the key starting point is electronic data receipt or data translation from paper into electronic format. Program management, continuous improvement, and governance are the keys to the success of the process. Figure 1 shows the automated invoice environment.
Supplier Supplier
Supplier
Supplier
Supplier
e-Invoice data
Firewall/ Server
PERFECT FLOW
Document management system work ow-autopost Approval process, document management, PO matching
Client ERP
Firewall/ Server
Paper invoice/email
HP B2B Gateway-BES
Firewall/ Server
EDI
Project managementBy accessing a turnkey invoice automation solution, organizations can gain a wide range of benefits. A single-source service partner can manage project setup, supplier communications, and coordination. They can integrate differing electronic data receipt technologies, and, at the same time, provide a central point of responsibility for all invoices, regardless of the mechanism by which suppliers provide the invoice. A single-point account management structure also supports a more workable, standardized governance model that eliminates the need for organizations to manage a diverse range of service providers. OperationsIn addition to ensuring high levels of supplier enrollment, a successful invoice automation solution should also measure the various levels of automation gained from differing invoice mechanisms. A robust solution should include documentation, control, reporting, and continuous improvement services designed to maximize efficiency and ROI.
Fall-out managementInvoices that fall out of the automated flow must be addressed in a timely and orderly way. This is similar to how fall-outs are handled in a traditional paper-based system. A formal system is needed to monitor, report, handle, and minimize fall-outs and should be an integral component in any invoice automation project. Ongoing automation reviewTo pursue continuous improvement in the invoice automation effort, the program should incorporate a formal, controlled review process. The review regimen should examine all transaction types to control and reduce fall-outs, increase automation levels, and maximize efficiency and service levels.
Linking suppliers
To forge direct EDI links for supplier self-billing capabilities, finance organizations can now access sophisticated B2B-oriented business exchange systems. These hosted exchange services provide comprehensive integration and automated trading partner processes to companies across the globe. By leveraging a global exchange, finance units can gain EDI and ERS capabilitieswithout the cost and complexity of deploying and operating their own B2B infrastructure.
Enterprises can gain the maximum automation and efficiency from an electronic invoicing environment by partnering with a single, experienced service provider. When selecting an automated invoicing solution, firms should look for a partner capable of providing: Automated invoice creation and deliveryEither directly on their own workflow or ERP system, or through their vendors AP workflow system PO servicesIncluding PO flip, PO creation/delivery, and upfront invoice-to-PO validation to improve data quality and reduce rework e-archivingEnabling electronic invoices with digital signatures to be archived in a secure, compliant storage system Web-based self-service portalWhere firms can quickly and easily access up-to-the-moment invoice tracking and status information Supplier invoice financingOffers suppliers the option of working with a global banking institution to finance the early receipt of invoices before payment terms Dynamic discountingEnables buyers to make an early discounted payment dynamically per supplier or per invoice and overriding established payment terms to optimize working capital
Get connected
hp.com/go/getconnected Get the insider view on tech trends, support alerts, and HP solutions
Copyright 2011-2012 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. 4AA3-6732ENW, Created September 2011; Updated July 2012, Rev. 1 Share with colleagues