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Master Data Quality Starting at the Source

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SAP Master Data Quality Improvements Starting at the Source

Master data created in a pre-defined process involving employees with expertise where it is needed. FIS / mpm is deeply integrated with SAP.

Many organisations create master data in their ERP systems on an unscheduled and ad hoc basis. This often leads to errors and is one of the reasons for poor data quality. A direct consequence of this master data creation process is decreasing satisfaction among employees, vendors and customers.

To solve these issues, FIS Information Systems has developed a new way for optimising the process of creating, maintaining and managing master data. FIS have developed an SAP add-in technology that requires no modifications to SAP standard.

Governance – New Master Data and Maintenance

The FIS / mpm (master data and price management) software allows users to create new data with pre-defined forms and workflows. Within the technology a “staging area” is able to:

  • store master data under review
  • import and export data with SAP
  • allow (mass) imports of master data (i.e. from other ERP systems) in various formats
  • make bulk changes to data (i.e. increase material/article prices on a given date).

With FIS / mpm, employees are integrated into a defined maintenance process even if they do not have the authorisation to maintain master data. They do not need to have sufficient knowledge of a specific data record structure.

The FIS / mpm “staging area” uses its own tables and namespace within the SAP environment and is fully integrated with SAP (ECC 6, S/4HANA, Private Cloud etc). Essential tasks are now distributed to individuals or user departments. Missing data is supplemented and inaccurate data is corrected where the expertise is, applying quality control early in the data creation process.

Forms can be created for changing or creating master data, which can be filled in without any knowledge of organisational structures or master data classes. Users enter exactly the data they know and the rest is supplemented automatically or requested from other employees involved by using a workflow.

At the same time, this tool provides numerous options of automatically carrying out enrichments or enhancements. Erroneous entries can be minimized in this way.

Using this method, data can be enriched within the enterprise and without risk. 

Data Quality and Business Processes

Data quality has to be considered during the modelling of business processes. So a data maintenance tool must be capable of being integrated into the business processes to provide a seamless interface to master data creation and change for users.

For this purpose, FIS / mpm can be called via a fast access button for instance. This enables employees to directly access their master data worklists from a specific transaction. The fast access button can also be implemented at other points, i.e. wherever employees get in touch with business processes requiring direct access to generating a master data creation or change request.

Continuous Data Checking and Governance

With FIS / mpm, the data quality is checked at regular intervals during the master data creation/ change process. Defining the responsibilities when dealing with master data is a data governance topic. The FIS / mpm architecture allows for the entry of master data by each person involved in a specific business process and not just by the master data manager. This master data is temporarily stored in the “staging area” tables and submitted to the person responsible for the release.

 

 

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FIS / TradeFlex works with ManoMano

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FIS / TradeFlex Integration with ManoMano

ManoMano is the leading European online marketplace for products relating to DIY, home and gardening. The online marketplace works with more than 3,600 retailers and offers more than. Europe’s largest online e-commerce site for DIY and garden supplies.

Working with our customers Re-In Retail International – the organisation switched to the FIS / TradeFlex hosted software, replacing their existing interfaces that were developed internally. RE-IN Retail already have connections with several marketplaces using the FIS / TradeFlex platform and benefit from standardised processes and SAP integration.

During the migration, orders could continue to be created and processed without restriction. To ensure a successful transition from the in-house developments to FIS / TradeFlex, the orders of the last 40 days were collected by ManoMano and migrated directly into FIS / TradeFlex without being transferred again into the SAP ERP system.

FIS / TradeFlex directly supported all activities for the orders, such as delivery, payment, reversal or returns. Thanks to the migration, Re-In can now also handle the sales processes on ManoMano in a fully automated manner. The connection of further marketplaces such as Cdiscount via FIS / TradeFlex is already planned.

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FIS Announces Sale of Polish Subsidiary

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FIS announces sale of Polish subsidiary 

FIS has sold its nearshore development subsidiary, FIS-SST (Poland),  to German-based management and IT consultancy Q_PERIOR AG.  The nearshore development company, provide an out-sourced software development house with core expertise in Java, Microsoft and ABAP technologies.

In 2008, FIS acquired a majority shareholding in the Polish software development company. At the time of acquisition FIS-SST had a workforce of some 20 employees. During the 14 years of partnership with FIS the organisation has grown and now employs  more than 100 consultants, software developers and project managers.

FIS-SST  worked as a nearshore partner for several major European IT development projects including expertise in software migration, transitions and business portals across a wide range of industries from healthcare, recruitment services, retail and the automotive sector.

With the sale, FIS strengthens its focus on the SAP core business. FIS focuses on SAP projects and the development of efficiency solutions, promoting digitisation of processes within enterprises.

Q_PERIOR are one of Germany’s leading management consultancies, supporting enterprises in the areas of business and IT.  

 Q_PERIOR has acquired 100% of the shares in FIS-SST as of 9th March 2022.

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Document Options Limited – Invoice Data Reading as a Service

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Document Options Limited offers invoice capture and data collection as a service

Invoice data collection as a service is used by organsiations as an addition to document capture and archiving

Introduction
Document Options Limited (DOL) are an award-winning provider of process automation, document management and document capture services and are a long-standing partner of FIS Information Systems.
Historically, scanning bureaus focus on the business of archiving documents after they have been processed. However, Document Options also provide their customers with a new service to digitise paper invoices and also to extract the key invoice data content at the first stage of the process.
The shift from "late invoice" archiving to "early invoice" archiving has transformed the accounts payable function of many organisations.
Invoice collection as a service
The invoice data collection service is available for all organisations and is not restricted only to organisations with SAP.
By combining expertise in high resolution image capture, OCR invoice reading technology and invoice completion, Document Options provide an unrivalled service for accurate invoice data capture and rapid document throughput.
 
Invoice Reading as a service schematic
Who is it for?
For organisations with who wish to:
  • Out-source the routine tasks of manual data-entry and document scanning as part of their accounts function
  • Improve the quality of their invoice data in their ERP or Financials software
  • Re-engineer their accounts payable function by working with a specialist services organisation at the first part of the invoice classification process

Key Information: Document Options Limited

Complete invoice reading process including:
  • Invoice transportation service from customer site to the DOL base in Crawley
  • High-resolution document capture of paper invoices
  • Capture of emailed invoice attachments
  • Invoice content reading services - i.e. header and line items
  • High accuracy of data capture - by checking for missing fields and data viability
  • Fast turn-around service
  • Working with FIS Information Systems directly to provide unmatched services levels
Working from home and hybrid working
Many customers have adapted to the change in working practices.
With working from home or hybrid working a preferred option - Document Options are able to collect paper invoices and transport them to their UK offices.
In this way customers can still work from home without needing to travel to the office to scan invoices . The task of image capture and invoice data collection could be outsourced to an organisation with Document Option's expertise and experience.

 

 

 
inPoint Archive Document Server

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H&S Information Architects partner FIS with an SAP Certified Document Archive

The InPoint CSS Content Server for SAP Business Solutions provides a secure access to documents processed in SAP ERP (ECC 6 or S/4HANA) and FIS / edc monitors 

HandS SAP Document Archive
Who is the SAP Certified Document Archive for?

For organisations who wish to view invoices (and other documents) securely within FIS / edc and SAP transactions.

Key Benefits:

  • SAP Certified Document Archive software solution working with SAP-Archive Link
  • Displays images in SAP ERP (i.e. MIRO and MIR4 transactions) and FIS / edc (i.e. SAP GUI, Web Dynpro Approval Workflow, Fiori App Approval workflow)
  • Retention time can be set for archived invoices – after this period, the image can be deleted if there is no statutory legal requirement
  • inPoint CSS Server can be expanded to view other documents via Web Interface
  • Administration is available with fundamental SAP expertise
  • Compatible with SAP release for ECC 6 and S/4HANA
  • Presents EDI invoices as a stored PDF image – invoice data simulation
  • Provides security and additional space compared to using a File Server for document storage
  • Professional Services from an SAP certified partner

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FIS / FIS EDC Machine Learning

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Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Introduction and Developments

Find out how FIS and SAP are creating new machine learning technologies to solve real business problems

Neural Network and machine learning

SAP Business Technology Platform

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are now being used by organisations of all sizes and across a diverse range of industries. Intelligent technologies support the digital transformation of companies and are becoming more important. 

SAP provides basic functionalities for the development of modern Artificial Intelligence solutions with the SAP Business Technology Platform. The portfolio includes numerous innovative technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and Blockchain.

The platform provides application developers with comprehensive functions and a wide development environment they can use to enhance, integrate and quickly create innovative applications themselves without any infrastructure maintenance tasks.

Your benefits by implementing intelligent SAP Technologies

  • Smooth integration of AI applications
  • Easy adjustment, enhancement, optimisation and automation of processes
  • Simplified and faster work flows
  • Data-driven services can be provided immediately
  • Detailed forecasts and, consequently, faster decision making on a strong data basis
  • Creation of new data-based business models
  • Improved adaptability to market changes
  • Increased competitiveness and efficiency
  • Directly measurable added value through cost reduction and time saving

Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence means the capacity of machines and systems to imitate human actions in order to simulate intelligent behaviour. It is either the fulfilment of specific tasks, such as advertising personalisation (applied AI), or more comprehensive activities, where entire systems or devices completely imitate human behaviour (general AI).

Contrary to many opinions, Machine Learning (ML) is not the same as AI. Machine Learning is part of Artificial Intelligence focusing on algorithms and mathematic models.

This intelligence is “trained” in such a way that it can solve any occurring problems by itself by developing the appropriate AI algorithms. The bigger the dataset and the number of sources, the more successful AI technology will be.

Machine Learning is essentially a sub-division of Artificial Intelligence. It is about imparting knowledge to machines or computers. To this end, a neural network or models need to be trained with data, such as texts or images.

The respective data can be unstructured financial data from the SAP system for instance. From the mass of training data, the system extracts characteristic features to enable a direct recognition and assignment of the data imported in the future based on these features.

Overview of SAP intelligent technologies

  • Conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI or CI) includes the entirety of intelligent technologies standing behind automated message transmission and voice-activated applications. They enable human-like interactions between computers and humans. As a result, users will be guided and supported in their daily business.
  • Intelligent Robotic Process Automation (IRPA) is the combination of RPA, ML and AI. Tasks, such as the processing of messages and orders or the execution of data transfers, are assigned to digital robots or “bots”. These bots efficiently implement time-consuming and repeating processes.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) means the networking of devices, machines and installations with and through the Internet. Sensor data transferred in real time increase the transparency of business processes. Decisions based on this data will be made proactively and more quickly.
  • Machine Learning (ML)  IT systems (machine learning models) are trained on the basis of existing datasets and algorithms enabling them to identify patterns and rules and use them to develop results by themselves. In this way, business decisions are optimized or even made automatically.

FIS Machine Learning Applications and Development

Usually, self-learning technologies, such as ML, become relevant if applications cannot be optimised or developed in a rules-based way. The FIS professionals work every day on testing and further developing innovations by using ML, RPA and bots. FIS, for instance, enhances its own products through the use of machine learning or further develops customer-specific ideas and proposals.

FIS strategy has always been to put the customer requirements at the centre of our thinking. That is why FIS offers both SAP applications and our own self-developed optimisation applications, with teams of experts who will work with you to find technology solutions for your specific challenges.

As an example, within our SAP integrated invoice processing solution, FIS / edc (invoice monitor), the two main technology components use machine learning technologies to automate the invoice throughputs with less human intervention.

In the FIS OCR data reading application (FIS / fci), the embedded machine learning technology is able to extract the key content from an invoice in the same way that an individual would recognise the data (i.e. data in the vicinity of key words and prefixes) and then later stores the key data in a knowledge base for subsequent invoices from the same supplier.

In the SAP integrated invoice processing module (FIS / edc), machine learning can be used to create automatic account assignments and direct FI invoices to the correct individuals or groups based on the experience of previous postings.

 

 
FIS EDC invoice processing diagram

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OCR invoice data collection technologies and functionality

Advanced technologies work together ensuring that invoice data is collected automatically and accurately. The invoice reader uses validation and viability checks prior to the data export to SAP or Financials.

Introduction
The video highlights some of the advanced technologies that are applied to the task of automated invoice data collection.
The technologies ensure that invoices are correctly classified and the data quality is maintained, prior to transfer to SAP / ERP.
The technologies significantly reduce the workload of the accounts payable team.
Who is it for?
For organisations with SAP ERP (ECC 6 or S/4 HANA) who wish to:
  • Replace time consuming tasks such as manual data-entry when processing invoices
  • Improve the invoice data quality in SAP  by utilising tables from SAP for company code identification, PO validation, current tax values, and supplier identification
  • Make savings by reducing invoice processing costs, making a significant improvement in data quality
  • Reduce the workload for the accounts payable team
  • Reduce the payment times for vendors by processing invoices in a timely manner
Key Information:
Functions of OCR Reader and Integrated Invoice Processing
 

Emailed invoices are automatically forwarded to FIS / fci (the invoice data collection component) and then archived for retrieval in SAP / ERP. Therefore, no need for manual tasks such as printing, scanning and keying-in invoice data

Multiple OCR engines are employed. The data from all engines is compared to support data quality.
Invoice classification is confirmed against standard tables in SAP / ERP to highlight potential errors in the invoice data.
"Fuzzy logic" is used for comparing invoice data (i.e. supplier recognition) with reference data to compensate for inexact data on the invoice or within the SAP master data.
Freeform recognition technology automatically searches for data in the vicinity of keywords to collect the key invoice data from day-one.
Machine learning. An intelligent knowledge base is used to collect the key invoice data. The knowledge-base uses machine learning by analysing the co-ordinates of previous successfully read invoices from each supplier.
 

 
schematic diagram working from home with FIS

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Automated invoice data collection from day one

Advanced OCR technologies are employed to accurately collect the key data from invoices and other financial documents. The invoice data is checked for viability prior to posting into SAP or other ERP/Financials. As most invoices are processed without manual data-entry, workload is reduced, financial savings are generated and data accuracy improved. 

Introduction
By introducing technology to automate invoice data collection and check for potential errors, the invoice reading process becomes more efficient and the quality of the key invoice data is improved.
Accounts Payable Teams will benefit from  reduced workload as the number of data-entry tasks and reduced and the pre-SAP/ERP classification of invoices is eliminated.
Who is it for?
For organisations who wish to
  • Automate invoice data collection and reduce the workload of their accounts payable team
  • Remove labour intensive and expensive stages of invoice classification by eliminating the need for bar-code label additions to invoices
  • Make savings by capturing invoice data at the first stage (early invoicing) rather than scanning invoices (or using a bureau service) retrospectively
  • Support the accounts payable team working from home by recommending that suppliers send invoices electronically via email attachments
  • Improve data quality by installing technologies with validation and viability checks
Automating invoice data collection and reducing manual data-entry
The FIS invoice reading technology is designed to model the way in which a human would inspect an invoice – reviewing the key invoice data (using multiple OCR engines) and searching for the data in the vicinity of key words and phrases.
Data is validated and against SAP/ERP tables where applicable. 
The data from each supplier is stored automatically in a knowledge-base that gains experience with each supplier invoice.
Tasks that are replaced include
  • Significant reduction in workload as data-entry tasks by the accounts payable team are automated
  • No requirement for bar-code labels to be added to each invoice
  • No requirement for emailed invoices to be printed or scanned
  • No retrospective scanning of invoices or using a bureau service for "late archiving"
  • No need for manual invoice classification into categories such as company codes, currencies, invoice type (PO or PO-exempt)
Remote and hybrid working

Invoice processing remote working

The invoice data collection is an ideal technology for accounts teams that work remotely. The technology works automatically with emailed invoices where they can be forwarded directly into the OCR  technology, FIS / FCI, for automated invoice data collection.

 

 

 
FIS EDC invoice processing diagram

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Make savings by automating invoice postings in SAP

FIS invoice processing technology automates data-entry, freeing up accounts payable resource. Invoices are processed in any layout, in different languages and currencies. The invoice processing  technology assists with supporting colleagues working from home.

Introduction

FIS develops software that computerizes repetitive digital tasks that are normally carried out by people. The technology combines emulating how humans read computer screens and collecting data to automate tasks in the future.

The invoice processing technology reduces accounts payable workload and generates financial savings for organisations.

  • Reducing overall workload and manual data-entry tasks
  • Posting a high percentage of invoices automatically into SAP (no touch processing)
  • Automatically forwarding FI (PO- exempt) invoices to individuals or groups
  • Providing a familiar SAP environment for invoice queries and approval workflow

Automated invoice data collection 

FIS have developed one of the most effective technologies used for collecting key supplier invoice data from a scanned or emailed attachment. By introducing technologies into the invoice data collection process there is less manual keying and improved invoice data quality. Key invoice data can now be read from invoices with different formats, languages or currencies.

SAP integrated invoice matching and posting 

As an integrated add-in to standard SAP, the invoice monitor technology enables invoices to be posted automatically. Parked invoices can be directed to designated approvers or groups.

The invoice monitor, FIS / edc, complements SAP ERP, creating new functions for the accounts payable team and approvers. The invoice monitor referencing real-time SAP data and enables incoming invoices to be identified as either payable or parked.

In addition workflows are incorporated into the invoice monitor to manage approvals. Additional functions are aimed at invoice assignments and complex invoice coding tasks.

In combination, FIS offer an enhanced process that releases accounts payable teams from routine tasks and reduces workload. A high proportion of invoices are posted to SAP without any manual intervention. 

Functions of OCR Reader and Integrated Invoice Processing

Key Benefits

Reduced Effort for AP Team and Machine Learning. Invoice content is collected automatically from day-one, so manual data-entry tasks are reduced. In time, the  data collection technology "learns" the zones where the key data on an invoice resides for each supplier in a "knowledge database".  This means that key data is read automatically from the electronic invoice.

Invoices (MM) that agree with the original PO and Goods Receipt Note (GRN) in SAP could be posted automatically. PO exempt invoices (FI) can be assigned to accounts and forwarded automatically to individuals or departments.
Improved data quality. In the invoice data extraction component, invoice data is checked against SAP tables for vendor, company code and PO recognition. Net, tax and gross values are calculated to ensure that the data has been read correctly. Furthermore, the document can be classified (invoice, credit-note.. etc.) and assigned to the correct company code automatically.
Rapid adoption. As with all FIS add-in technologies, FIS / edc complements and works with standard SAP ERP (SAP ECC 6 or S/4HANA) presenting data from SAP transactions and new FIS transactions to assist with invoice queries.
Accounts Payable teams work within standard SAP GUI display formats and approvers use FIS / edc approval workflows running on SAP Web Dynpro and Fiori App standards. By developing proprietary technologies using SAP platforms means that FIS applications are easy to adopt for organisations already familiar with standard SAP.
Deep integration with SAP standard. FIS / edc harnesses the intrinsic power of SAP with no modifications to SAP standard being necessary. The processing technology presents information in real-time from the SAP database. SAP add-ins are easier to maintain when SAP upgrades and enhancement packs are introduced.

Invoice processing remote working

Flexible  / Hybrid working
Many FIS customers have adapted to the change in working practices of working fully or partially from home. Firstly, most customers have worked with their suppliers to further increased the proportion of invoices received via email - and reduced the volume received in paper format.
In this way, invoices are read automatically and manual completions, if required, can be actioned remotely. FIS / edc is also able to accommodate electronic invoices (EDI) and checks their credentials before posting.
Adopting an electronic method of invoice recognition means that organisations are not unduly hindered by the accounts payable team working from home.

 

 
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FIS SST case study 5 – Automotive B2B

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FIS - Nearshore Application Development Services (Poland)

Case Study: Automotive Retail Platform.

How FIS SST nearshoring services assisted on-line automotive retailer Auto Online, to create a platform to facilitate B2B transactions

cars on a forecourt

Introduction

Initially, retailer Auto Online were considering developing a new vehicle valuation tool by working with IT contractors. However, because the roadmap of the solution planned several new enhancements and additional functions, a nearshoring application development team  from FIS SST were selected.

Auto Online opted for a long term partnership with FIS SST that ensured continuity. FIS SST and also provided the the retailer the advantage of a resource with a wider range of technology competencies.

Challenges

The new Auto Online portal had to be built to facilitate a dynamic market with over 4,000 vehicle transactions per day.

Project management of the tasks between the  business requirements and the nearshoring application development team was based on SCRUM methodology. It was Auto Online's preference was to develop each module using Microsoft  .NET technologies. The new application was to be available in three languages - English, German and Polish.

The first solution, ‘Fleet Online’ , created a web application for marketing pre-owned fleet cars and lease returns. FIS SST provided the application development as well as the technical support.

The B2B model was then extended to include:

  • ‘Trace Online’ – to display the procurement process of vehicles
  • ‘Easy Online’ - a web-based auction software for commercial car buyers and retailers
  • ‘Value Online’ – a desktop application that identifies the location of vehicles

The web-applications were also integrated with backend systems from insurance company PZU.