I-New equipment introduction

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Challenge

To introduce and activate a new machine, or replace an existing machine in the production process was a predominantly manual and time consuming process requiring many paper forms and a myriad of approvals.

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Solution

eBA workflow management was implemented and integrated with the backend SAP ERP to automate the checks and approval process for procuring, installing, and testing the equipment before activating it in live production. Over 60 easy to use and create forms were created that integrate seamlessly with the SAP backend system.

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Time to Implement

> 160 hours

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Result

Approval times were greatly reduced from 7 days to less than 1 day. For instance, the re- occuring bottleneck of not having an approver present on-site was removed through activating the ability to approve online or auto- delegate approving powers. Losing papers during the distribution process was eliminated and there is now complete visibility and auditability of the machine approval process.

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II-AP approvals

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Challenge

The invoice approval and payment process at Bridgestone was a slow-moving manual process prone to errors due to re-entering same data multiple times. Approvers required an SAP end- user license, client SAP GUI installation and training on how to use the SAP system.

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Solution

Invoices are now entered into a simple user-friendly eBA invoice form triggering a set of process flows and approvals based on company rules and once approved, the eBA invoice auto- synchs with SAP for further processing in SAP.

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Time to Implement

40-160 hours

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Result

Significant time and error savings in the invoice-enter and approvals process. SAP end-user license and training costs savings. Reduction of paper- consumption and storage costs.

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Advance request process

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Challenge

To sell and provide after-sales service the company has roughly 1000+ dealer-operated retail branches.Advances are provided to help dealers with the initial investment required to set-up shop. This was a manual process based on a paper form that oftentimes was lost in the process. This was non-compliant with the audit needs and standards of the company.

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Solution

An dealer advance approval form with approval process steps was created in eBA workflow management and integrated with SAP Finance.

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Time to Implement

40-160 hours

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Result

Risk reduction and audit compliance improvement through better control over the advance approval process. Auto- integration with SAP ERP allows for faster advance payments to dealers.

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III-Expense reimbursement

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Challenge

The employee expense reimbursement process at Bridgestone was a manual paper-based process prone to errors and fraud.

 

Solution

An expense reimbursement form with approval process was created in eBA workflow management and integrated with SAP Finance and SAP HR.

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Time to Implement

< 40 hours

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Result

Significant time savings for white collar workers to enter and submit their expenses, faster approvals through process automation and near elimination of fraud. Auto reimbursement through seamless data integration into company’s HR and Finance ERP system of record.

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IV-New equipment introduction

​

Challenge

To introduce and activate a new machine, or replace an existing machine in the production process was a predominantly manual and time consuming process requiring many paper forms and a myriad of approvals.

​

Solution

eBA workflow management was implemented and integrated with the backend SAP ERP to automate the checks and approval process for procuring, installing, and testing the equipment before activating it in live production. Over 60 easy to use and create forms were created that integrate seamlessly with the SAP backend system.

​

Time to Implement

> 160 hours

​

Result

Approval times were greatly reduced from 7 days to less than 1 day. For instance, the re- occuring bottleneck of not having an approver present on-site was removed through activating the ability to approve online or auto- delegate approving powers. Losing papers during the distribution process was eliminated and there is now complete visibility and auditability of the machine approval process.

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