In the dynamic world of procurement, the management of approval workflows plays a central role. In this article, we delve into this essential process and compare how SAP ERP systems and e-procurement suites shape this area.
We also take a look at how the industry is changing by moving away from a single system that covers every aspect of procurement and instead embracing a best-of-breed approach.
Approval workflows play a crucial role in maintaining financial control, risk management, and regulatory compliance within an organization. By requiring multi-stage approvals for purchases, approval workflows prevent excessive spending, ensure supplier suitability through evaluations, and guarantee compliance with legal standards.
Such processes enhance transparency, accountability, and the strategic alignment of procurement decisions, fostering trust among stakeholders. Furthermore, approvals serve as protection against fraud, promote efficient resource utilization, and strengthen the negotiating position with suppliers.
Essentially, approvals are the pivot of a well-structured and effective procurement, enabling companies to make informed, strategic, and financially responsible purchasing decisions.
The absence of a proper procurement approval process can lead to various costs and disadvantages, including:
For years, SAP ERP systems like S/4HANA, SAP R/3, and ECC have been the cornerstones of enterprise resource planning, including procurement. Their robust capabilities provide a central hub for finance, logistics, and more. When it comes to approval workflows, however, navigating through SAP's complex structures can sometimes be akin to a labyrinthine journey.
In many companies, SAP workflows involve a series of steps, often with multiple stakeholders. The process is typically intricate and sometimes cumbersome. While SAP systems can support a variety of approval scenarios, the setup and customization require significant technical expertise and effort.
In the realm of procurement, e-procurement systems offer a versatile array of functionalities, with approval workflows being just one facet. While it's true that these can be somewhat more intuitive compared to SAP systems, it's important to acknowledge that enhancing workflows isn't the sole primary goal of e-procurement suites. Nevertheless, the approval features of most e-procurement systems are notably more user-friendly compared to traditional SAP systems.
As we look into the future of procurement, a new vision emerges - characterized by interconnectedness and specialization. Instead of relying on a single system that covers every aspect of procurement, the future tends towards a best-of-breed approach. This involves a harmonious compilation of specialized tools, each playing a specific role. One tool orchestrates requisition definition and approvals (e.g., Lhotse), another manages supplier relationships, yet another automates supplier inquiries (e.g., Archlet), and finally, an ESG tool (e.g., Ecovadis) ensures sustainable practices in procurement.
This interconnected approach forms a procurement landscape in which each tool contributes its expertise, fostering a symphony of efficiency and innovation. The future of procurement lies in a unified network of interconnected tools that collectively elevate the entire process.
In contrast to comprehensive e-procurement suites, Lhotse is a specialized add-on rather than an all-encompassing procurement solution. Focused on optimizing requisition and approval workflows, Lhotse seamlessly integrates into existing systems and data. This targeted approach empowers companies to efficiently and effectively optimize these specific processes.
