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2024 Releases: SAP Integrated Software

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2024 Releases: Integrated Products for SAP ECC 6 and S/4HANA

New Releases of the FIS SAP Integrated modules include:

FIS / fci - an advanced OCR application used for reading the key content of invoices, sales orders, payment advice notes, vendor statements. The application uses a machine learning knowledge base to improve recognition rates.

FIS / edc – Electronic Document Centre: An SAP “add-in” technology to accelerate data matching and the posting of invoices, sales orders, payment advice notes and supplier statements into SAP.

FIS / mpm – Master Data and Price Management. An SAP “add-in” technology for simplified maintenance of SAP Master Data with integrated validation checks and workflow solution – allowing data to be exchanged with SAP.

FIS / xee – XML and EDI Engine: A business system integration module that provides connectivity for information exchange between SAP and other ERP Business Systems.

FIS develop a complete suite of SAP integrated products (add-in applications) to provide business process improvements for organisations with SAP S/4HANA or SAP ECC 6. The FIS modules for 2024 releases are documented in the Download Centre.

For Product Roadmaps, FIS customers, please email your request to info@fisuk.co.uk

FIS NEWS LOGO

2023 Releases: SAP Integrated Software

00NewsTags: , , , , ,

2023 Releases: Integrated Products for SAP ECC 6 and S/4HANA

New Releases of the FIS SAP Integrated modules include:

FIS / fci - an advanced OCR application used for reading the key content of invoices, sales orders, payment advice notes, vendor statements. The application uses a machine learning knowledge base to improve recognition rates.

FIS / edc – Electronic Document Centre: An SAP “add-in” technology to accelerate data matching and the posting of invoices, sales orders, payment advice notes and supplier statements into SAP.

FIS / mpm – Master Data and Price Management. An SAP “add-in” technology for simplified maintenance of SAP Master Data with integrated validation checks and workflow solution – allowing data to be exchanged with SAP.

FIS / xee – XML and EDI Engine: A business system integration module that provides connectivity for information exchange between SAP and other ERP Business Systems.

FIS develop a complete suite of SAP integrated products (add-in applications) to provide business process improvements for organisations with SAP S/4HANA or SAP ECC 6. The FIS modules for 2022 releases are documented in the Download Centre.

For Product Roadmaps, FIS customers, please email your request to info@fisuk.co.uk

 

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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.

 

 

FIS NEWS LOGO

2022 Releases: SAP Integrated Software

00NewsTags: , , , , ,

2022 Releases: Integrated Products for SAP ECC 6 + S/4HANA

New Releases of the FIS SAP Integrated modules include:

FIS / fci - an advanced OCR application used for reading the key content of invoices, sales orders, payment advice notes, vendor statements. The application uses a machine learning knowledge base to improve recognition rates.

FIS / edc – Electronic Document Centre: An SAP “add-in” technology to accelerate data matching and the posting of invoices, sales orders, payment advice notes and supplier statements into SAP.

FIS / mpm – Master Data and Price Management. An SAP “add-in” technology for simplified maintenance of SAP Master Data with integrated validation checks and workflow solution – allowing data to be exchanged with SAP.

FIS / xee – XML and EDI Engine: A business system integration module that provides connectivity for information exchange between SAP and other ERP Business Systems.

FIS develop a complete suite of SAP integrated products (add-in applications) to provide business process improvements for organisations with SAP S/4HANA or SAP ECC 6. The FIS modules for 2022 releases are documented in the Download Centre.

For Product Roadmaps, FIS customers, please email your request to info@fisuk.co.uk

 

FIS NEWS LOGO

2021 Releases: SAP Integrated Software

00NewsTags: , , , , ,

2021 Releases: Integrated Products for SAP ECC 6 + S/4HANA

New Releases of the FIS SAP Integrated modules include:

  • FIS / edc – Electronic Document Centre: An SAP “add-in” technology to accelerate data matching and the posting of invoices, sales orders, payment advice notes and supplier statements into SAP ECC 6.
  • FIS / mpm – Master Data and Price Management. An SAP “add-on” technology for simplified maintenance of SAP Master Data with integrated validation checks and workflow solution – allowing data to be exchanged with SAP ECC 6.
  • FIS / xee – XML and EDI Engine: A business system integration module that provides connectivity for information exchange between SAP ECC 6  and other ERP Business Systems.

FIS develop a complete suite of SAP Integrated products to provide business process improvements for organisations with SAP S/4HANA or SAP ECC 6. The FIS modules for SAP S/4HANA are continually being developed and their 2021 releases are documented in the Download Centre.

For Product Roadmaps, FIS customers, please email your request to info@fisuk.co.uk

 

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FIS / mpm – Simplified Master Data and Price Management

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Simplified Master Data and Price Management

FIS / mpm (Master Data and Price Management) aligns specific routes and roles when creating master data in SAP. A staging area with a shadow database ensures the trouble-free exchange of master data with SAP Production.Master Data complexity solved

The FIS / mpm (master data and price management) application has been developed specifically for organisations with SAP ERP who face issues when adding new or maintaining existing master data. The FIS technology also provides functionality to upload large data volumes.

The FIS technology is an "SAP centric" application that runs on SAP standards (i.e. with familiar SAP GUIs, Fiori and NetWeaver interfaces).

FIS / mpm is an add-in application, deeply integrated into SAP standard with releases for both either SAP ECC 6 and SAP S/4HANA.

The technology functions by using a staging area using tables in a shadow database. The technology eliminates the need for file exchanges and data mapping between SAP and non-integrated software.

One of the primary functions of the application is to address the issue of master data governance. FIS / mpm provides a clear method of controlling master data updates for all participants in pre-defined roles. SAP master data team members are called on at the final stage only, releasing the new data into SAP Production. The software reduces the workload of SAP master data managers from routine tasks.

Staging area and shadow database

Maintaining and storing big datasets is very time-consuming and cost-intensive. Due to the multitude of materials, it is particularly important  to automate the data creation and maintenance processes. 

The FIS / mpm shadow database is used as a "holding area" to store the data that needs addressing. The data is imported and copied from from SAP Production. No modifications to SAP standard are required.

Master Data Management Diagram

Central to the  application is the staging area. These data tables are created, modified, enhanced, checked within FIS / mpm prior to the master data being transferred to SAP ERP.

Identifying Most Common Processing Issues

FIS / mpm fundamentally addresses the most common issues when creating master data in SAP.

  • Inefficient use of email as a workflow tool
  • Working with complex and bespoke Excel spreadsheets with multiple worksheets that are difficult to maintain
  • Processing data that includes detailed data completion notes
  • In-house solutions that required bespoke coding
  • SAP master data team called upon for assistance on basic tasks
  • Working with external applications that exchange files with SAP standard - which can cause issues with table synchronisation with SAP upgrades and enhancement packs
  • No governance with the process of creating and checking data prior to transferring into SAP

Governance

Issues with non-defined roles mean that employees that may have the most expertise of the data (i.e. for vendors, customers, materials, prices etc.) may not be aware of the stringent data requirements of SAP. In practice this usually results in data omissions and invalid fields.

Secondly, the SAP data custodians may have the knowledge of the strict master data stipulations of SAP but may have less knowledge of the initial data that is being added or maintained.

FIS / mpm reduces the time taken by senior master data teams correcting minor errors from initiators.

Schematic of SAP add-in technology with file options

 

Roles and processes defined

In an effort to resolve the most common issues, FIS / mpm defines typical roles (Initiators, enrichers, SAP key-users, SAP power-users etc.) and workflow procedures for SAP ERP master data. This means that data is reviewed by the correct people and in a stringent process and workflow and therefore controlling way master data is created and maintained.

FIS / mpm addresses the core issues by defining the common tasks within the process and then providing a methodology controlled by the SAP master data team.

  • FIS / mpm provides an easy-to-use interface at source for the data initiators - significantly reducing the number of fields for completion, identifying mandatory fields and provides drop down choice selections for data import
  • Bulk uploads can created from FIS / mpm by defining Excel worksheets with clearly labelled tables
  • The FIS / mpm Web Dynpro workflow module allows  data checking by a supervisor
  • The FIS / mpm application validates fields for feasibility and completeness prior to advancing the data to the SAP supervisors
  • The FIS / mpm staging area is a workplace that provides a checking area before releasing of master data into SAP.

Complete and up-to-date data with the FIS / mpm Analysis Tool

Keeping the data integrity the system correct and up-to-date is a big challenge for enterprises. Checking and comparing all data is very time-consuming and is therefore rarely carried out regularly. This is where the analysis tool from FIS /mpm comes in.

The analysis tool checks the entire dataset either at defined points in time or manually initiated using pre-defined criteria. In this way, for example, the address data of customers is regularly checked for completeness.

For incorrect data records, a data maintenance process can then be started with FIS / mpm. This automatically forwards the incomplete or incorrect data records to the appropriate person responsible for processing.

The fields can also be filled automatically if, for example, the information in another field is identical or indicates the content of the field. In this way, the completeness and correctness of all data records can be permanently improved without much manual effort.

Summary

For organisations who wish to save time and effort when creating new or maintaining existing master data within SAP.

For organisations who wish to create clear roles and governance for master data changes and additions.

An alternative to:
  • Complex forms and Excel sheets for participants with data expertise moving backwards and forwards between parties
  • Using Email as a workflow – no clear governance on processes – process unlikely to capture all necessary data comprehensively
  • Tasking SAP experts with minor data management issues
  • Inefficient methods of data management handling in SAP
Key technologies and benefits:
  • Versions available for SAP ECC 6,  SAP S/4HANA, SAP Private Cloud
  • Flexible Data Imports including data from Excel, SAP ERP, Financial Accounts Systems and other ERP systems
  • Web Dynpro workflow – allows participants with minimal SAP expertise create new and maintain master data
  • Ability to ensure clear governance of roles and responsibilities – from initiation to final SAP release
  • Allows bulk upload of master data (Excel) as well as single records
  • Provides intelligent data validation checks prior to transfer into the FIS / mpm staging area
  • FIS / mpm staging area provides final checking of data before release into SAP ERP
  • Automatic reports to show the success of data transfers into SAP ERP
  • Timed events to release data from FIS / mpm staging area into SAP ERP
FIS / mpm components

FIS / mpm is currently available in English, German and French with further versions available on request. Releases available for SAP ECC 6 and SAP S/4HANA

  • Article master, purchasing info records and source list
  • Vendor master
  • Customer master
  • Bill of materials
  • Document Maintenance
  • Conditions
  • Sales Functions

 

 

 

 

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SAP – Business Process Optimisation

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SAP Business Process Automation

Business process optimisations can be created by running proprietary add-in technologies from FIS. No modifications to SAP standard are required. All FIS products have releases that optimise business processes in both SAP ECC6 and SAP S/4HANA.

SAP - Business process automation software. ERP enterprise resources planning system concept on virtual screen.

FIS Information Systems add-value to our clients by creating technologies that enable business process optimisations in SAP. FIS have a 30 year history as an SAP GOLD partner and are recognised as the leading developer of SAP add-in applications.

FIS create proprietary applications that run on SAP standards such as Fiori Apps, SAP Web Dynpro and SAP GUIs. This ensures that adoption rates are quick for employees already familiar with SAP.

Digitised Business Process Improvements: One of the key tasks for every company today is to automate business processes and minimising manual tasks where appropriate. Those organisations who enhance processes effectively are also able to improve data quality as well as generating cost savings.

FIS software simplifies tasks by bringing together information and documentation required for decisioning in one location.

Managing the processes is made easier with a dashboard overview of the current status and tools to highlight bottlenecks and pressure points.

  • Processing times are shorter
  • Idle times are identified
  • Errors are recognised and corrected
  • Processes are recorded and made transparent

Automation saving time and money: FIS develop a comprehensive range of SAP add-in technologies. These deeply integrated technologies to SAP ERP standard (SAP ECC and SAP S/4HANA) create additional functionality to automate business processes in SAP, therefore enabling financial savings and providing more effective tools for SAP users.  The applications run on the existing SAP ERP IT infrastructure.

FIS Business Process Optimisation Technologies include:

Automated Invoice Data Reader (FIS / fci): FIS / fci (free-form collection and integration) is a technology that reduces time consuming task of manual data-entry when processing invoices. The software automatically extracts the key content of documents imported such as an email attachment or from a scanned image.

FIS / fci incorporates "free-form recognition" technology, multiple-OCR engines, "fuzzy" matching of data, an intelligent machine-learning knowledge database - to read invoice data automatically from day-one.

Automated Invoice Posting and Workflow (FIS / edc): FIS / edc (electronic document centre) is an SAP add-in product to improve invoice processing in SAP. Typically the integrated technology is utilised to automate first-time match rates for invoices. In addition, routing of invoices is configured so that invoices can be  approved via FIS workflow applications running on SAP Web-Dynpro or Fiori apps.

FIS / edc works with real-time SAP data with enhanced tools for processing invoices prior to exporting to SAP.

diagram showing S/4HANA infrastructure in memory processing for business process optimisation

Automated Matching of Vendor Statement or Payment Advice Notes: The technology is utilised to automate the comparison of incoming statements (from vendors or customers) with balances in SAP ERP.

FIS / edc (statement monitor) is an SAP add-in product that reduces the number of documents reviewed by the accounts team - highlighting "exceptions" compared to vendor/customer data on SAP ERP.

Automated Processing of Orders  FIS / edc (sales order monitor) converts an inbound customer order into an SAP sales order with or without a reference (e.g. quotation).

The supply chain process such as order confirmation, shipping notification, goods issue and billing documents can be triggered immediately.  Customer orders that do not pass the “plausibility checks” successfully are highlighted and post-processed in the monitor.  

  • Automatic posting of customer orders (OCR or EDI data records)
  • Overview of all purchase orders received
  • OCR image or EDI data visualisation as PDF form
  • Full integration in SAP with all order processing functionalities
  • Quick error analysis with intelligent message log
  • Direct communication due to integrated email system
  • Post-processing option in the split screen display with direct access to scanned and archived customer orders.

SAP Master Data and Price Management: FIS / mpm  is a simplified SAP centred application add-in that is utilised by all employees tasked with master data maintenance of materials, price and conditions, vendors, customers and bill of materials.

The FIS / mpm add-in has built-in duplication checks and defined roles for initiators and master data custodians.  FIS / mpm is an SAP add-in product that runs on SAP standards such as SAP GUI and SAP Web Dynpro.

Cross Company Electronic Transactions: FIS / xee provides organisations with a tool for electronic data exchange between SAP, internal systems, and import/export with external suppliers and customers.