Automation of document-based business processes in SAP: One-Stop-Shop and BTP

E3 Magazine: Electronic invoice processing is a central topic in finance, so there are many players here. What is the unique selling point of xSuite?

Matthias Lemenkühler, xSuite Group: The core business of xSuite is the automation of document-based business processes in SAP with a focus on incoming invoice processing. We supplement this with related specialist topics such as procurement processes. We thus offer a complete "one-stop store for P2P". What sets us apart is the particularly high functionality of our solutions for the automated acceptance and processing of invoices - in all common formats and, in future, the entire e-invoicing process.

E3: And in the S/4 environment?

Lemenkühler: It is important to us to offer our SAP customers the greatest possible freedom on their path to S/4 Hana. Regardless of whether they are still operating their systems on-prem or are already using solutions from the cloud, such as Capture and Archive from our cloud, we serve the topic of invoice in all variations and for all SAP deployment models. Cloud first is our model for the future. That is why we also provide an invoice processing solution on the SAP BTP, Business Technology Platform.

E3: Can you name a use case where the advantages of xSuite come into play?

Lemenkühler: We offer capture, workflow and archiving from a single source, enabling companies to create integrated, digital invoice processing routes. This is the classic use case. A special use case for our solutions can be found in the public sector. We began integrating our invoice processing into the SAP PSM and PSCD modules a few years ago, which has now given us a veritable customer base in the public sector. Thanks to our technological openness and the fact that we support Rise and Grow, SAP user companies have the greatest possible freedom here. Regardless of what their migration path towards S/4 looks like. And by offering solutions via the Business Technology Platform, SAP BTP, we also support SAP's clean-core strategy for the migration to S/4.

E3: Why can't the described functionality be covered by SAP means?

Lemenkühler: SAP only maps the minimum requirements for many processes, including invoice processing, with standard UI design and workflows. If you need more extensive functions to fulfill individual requirements and want to rely on complete automation, there is no way around a special solution. One in which workflows can be configured individually, processing determination tables exist or AI is used to make value suggestions, for example, and the software contains self-learning functions.

E3: But the SAP world is changing, isn't it?

Lemenkühler: Yes, a paradigm shift is taking place with the release change from ECC to S/4: Keep the core clean! The platform for enhancements and modifications is SAP BTP.

E3: What answers and plans does -xSuite have for the Business Technology Platform?

Lemenkühler: xSuite brings together automated workflow solutions and ERP systems with SAP BTP in real time: With a "clean core" and real-time transparency of harmonized data from orders, invoices and payments, much faster, data-supported decisions are possible. With invoice processing and our Business Partner Portal, we already provide two in-house developments on the BTP. Ideally, we can expand and modify our products very easily with services and tools on BTP. Another advantage of xSuite solutions on BTP is that they can integrate various SAP systems into a single core. The approach keeps processes clear and supports a "clean" SAP system core. In this way, we are supporting SAP's course. The development of further solutions in the P2P environment on BTP is planned.

E3: How are the S/4 conversion and the gentle pressure from SAP towards the public cloud affecting xSuite's business?

Lemenkühler: Future viability is a critical issue in times of - upcoming - S/4 projects, where customers do not yet know which operating model they will rely on. Our invoice processing is just as suitable for SAP S/4 Hana Cloud Public Edi-tion as it is for Cloud Private Edition or on-prem installations. We always follow the SAP strategy and support new technologies such as Fiori and BTP. 

E3: Are existing SAP public cloud customers also interested in xSuite solutions?

Lemenkühler: Definitely, because our portfolio serves SAP BTP in an exemplary manner. As already mentioned in the answers above, our Business Partner Portal maps P2P processes via BTP, with the option of connecting third-party systems. In addition, the Invoice solution on SAP BTP makes any invoice processing scenario possible.