You’ve moved to SAP S/4HANA and set up Supplier Information Management (SIM). Your supplier data is centralized, structured, and compliant. But what comes next? While SIM ensures accurate supplier information, true process efficiency requires more than just data management.
Organizations implement a Supplier Information Management system and expect it to solve broader procurement and invoicing challenges. However, supplier data is only useful if it supports automated, intelligent processes. The next step is leveraging SIM to streamline procurement, invoice management, and supplier collaboration.
How to get the most out of SIM
1. From data to actionable insights
SIM provides a structured supplier database, but how is that data being used? Many organizations still rely on manual approvals, invoice matching, and supplier communication, leading to delays and inefficiencies.
- Process automation tools help connect supplier data to real-time actions.
- AI-driven analytics can flag inconsistencies, automate approvals, and improve compliance tracking.
2. Connecting SIM with procurement and AP Automation
A well-maintained supplier database should be the foundation for efficient procurement and accounts payable processes. Consider these enhancements:
- Invoice processing automation: Reduce errors by automatically matching invoices to purchase orders and goods receipts.
- Workflow optimization: Route invoices and approvals based on predefined business rules, eliminating bottlenecks.
- AI-based exception handling: Address invoice mismatches without manual intervention, improving processing speed.
3. Strengthening supplier collaboration
While SIM ensures accurate supplier records, true collaboration requires better tools.
- A supplier self-service portal allows suppliers to update details, track invoice statuses, and resolve issues directly.
- E-invoicing reduces delays by enabling direct invoice submission, eliminating manual processing.
4. Taking the next step with Process Automation
SIM provides structure, but solutions like Tungsten Automation’s Process Director bring real process improvements. With this you can:
- Automate invoice capture and validation using OCR and AI.
- Enable custom workflows tailored to specific business needs.
- Provide real-time reporting and analytics to improve efficiency.
Conclusion: SIM is just the beginning
SAP S/4HANA SIM ensures supplier data is accurate, but the real gains come from integrating automation into procurement and accounts payable. By extending SIM with AP automation, intelligent workflows, and supplier collaboration tools, organizations can reduce errors, accelerate approvals, and simplify operations.
If you’ve implemented SIM, the next step is turning that data into action with process automation—delivering measurable results and noticeable impact.
