(Supply & Demand Chain Executive, 4 January 2012) In Brief: Technology products distributor Tech Data will automate its invoicing process in Europe through an e-Invoicing network. Our View: From paperless payroll to e-invoicing and e-payables, factors leading to successful solution implementation include commitment from senior management and effective communication to cross-functional business partners on the [...]
Read more(Spend Matters, 5 December 2011) In Brief: About 15% of the world’s invoices are currently transmitted electronically, and, as this map shows, uptake varies significantly across the globe. Our View: While many companies in our network pay a large number of their invoices electronically, few are satisfied with the number of electronic invoices that are [...]
Read more(Business Finance Magazine, 28 November 2011) In Brief: Improving cost and speed metrics is not the only reason more companies are investing in accounts payable (AP) process improvements. Other key benefits include fewer data errors, reduced risk of being viewed as a slow payer, less back-and-forth with suppliers, and an increased use of cash discounts. [...]
Read more(Image & Data Manager, 13 October 2011) In Brief: A survey of more than 250 global executives has found an 11% increase in the number of shared services centers per company since 2009. The report also shows a decline in centers located in mature economies but an increase in Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
Read more(Reuters, 28 September 2011) In Brief: A survey has found that the majority of companies fail to realize the desired costs savings after implementing lean manufacturing principles such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Value Stream Mapping. In Addition, as many as 60% of companies do not expect to sustain one-half of the savings they do [...]
Read more(Industry Week, 6 September 2011) In Brief: Companies struggling to effectively implement lean Six Sigma improvement methodologies are advised to go back to the basic principles. These include ensuring the customer sees added value, eliminating waste and variation, and pursuing continuous cycles of learning. Our View: Applying lean and Six Sigma to finance processes can [...]
Read more(ZDNet, 6 September 2011) In Brief: Shared services models are gaining wider acceptance beyond human resources as more companies look to “consolidate their internal processes under a single management and governance system for increased transparency and employee satisfaction,” says German corporate software provider SAP. Our View: At most companies, Shared Services operate separately for each [...]
Read more(moneycontrol.com, 25 August 2011) In Brief: A recent survey of global business and IT service providers found 59% expecting greater demand from global companies for shared services delivery models this year and 51% expecting more demand for internal process improvement. Our View: At most companies, Shared Services operate separately for each function or with each [...]
Read more(Industry Week, 9 February 2011) In Brief: George Koenigsacker, one of the earliest American converts to the lean production system, discusses the importance of creating a receptive culture, which is the most difficult—but crucial—part of sustaining the effort. Our View: When adopted wholeheartedly, lean and Six Sigma principles offer operating cost-efficiencies and team productivity gains [...]
Read more(21st Century Supply Chain blog, 2 December 2010) The high cost of ERP support and maintenance is preempting some companies from upgrading. Our View: An ERP systems upgrade may address escalating support costs, shifting regulatory requirements and software incompatibility. However, gains are hard to quantify and are often counterbalanced by the inherent risks of a [...]
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