SAP dominates the enterprise software space, largely due to the control and visibility it brings to global organizations. SAP ERPs, like SAP ECC and SAP S/4HANA, integrate business processes and provide a centralized system for managing data and automating workflows, enabling better-informed decisions, reduced operational costs, and enhanced performance.
However, SAP ERPs aren’t the right option for every scenario, especially procurement, which often involves employees unfamiliar with SAP’s complex interface and extensive configuration requirements. That’s why many businesses integrate a third-party procurement solution with their SAP ERP.
In this article, we examine procurement and accounts payable invoice software in greater detail and explain why you should consider integrating a procurement solution with SAP.
We’ll cover:
- What is SAP eProcurement integration, and what can it do for your business?
- The features you should expect from the best SAP-integrated procurement system.
- The strengths and weaknesses of five procurement platforms with SAP integration capabilities.
What is a SAP eProcurement Integration?
SAP procurement integration connects an external procurement platform with SAP ECC or SAP S/4HANA, bridging the gap between procurement processes and ERP systems. The integration enables data exchange and process alignment between the two systems, increasing operational efficiency.
The integration process typically involves connecting the procurement platform and SAP using standard connectors, APIs, or the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). The connection allows for real-time or near real-time data synchronization, ensuring that information is consistently up-to-date across both systems.
One of the primary benefits of SAP procurement integration is the automation of manual tasks. Procurement platforms like Vroozi can automate procurement functions like purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and invoice management. Automation reduces the need for manual data entry, minimizes errors, and saves significant time and resources.
Another key advantage of SAP procurement integration is enhanced visibility. Consolidating procurement data from various sources into a single, integrated system gives organizations a comprehensive view of their spending, supplier performance management, and procurement activities.
Just as important, the best procurement software provides a user-friendly interface for employees to quickly initiate purchase requests, track approvals, and monitor orders. The data is centralized via the SAP integration, but employees don’t have to be trained to use SAP’s complex user interfaces. The superior user experience leads to higher adoption rates and increased productivity across the organization.
Features to Look for in a SAP Procurement Integration
The procurement software market has proliferated over the last few years. As a result, you have no shortage of options. However, as with every other type of software, procurement offerings vary in quality and capabilities.
When evaluating procurement solutions for integration with SAP, there are several key features to consider:
- An integrated supplier marketplace that allows users to access a wide range of supplier catalogs directly within the platform.
- Procurement automation capabilities, including automated purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and other processes.
- Configurable approval processes to ensure that purchases and payments are appropriately vetted and authorized.
- Accounts payable invoice automation to streamline invoice processing and payment.
- Integration based on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) for secure and scalable connections to SAP systems.
Vroozi
Vroozi is a procure-to-pay (P2P) solution that simplifies and automates the entire procurement cycle. Focusing on user-friendly interfaces and AI-powered automation, Vroozi offers a comprehensive platform that streamlines purchasing, enhances spend analytics, and ensures compliance with supplier contracts and procurement policies.
Vroozi leverages SAP BTP to provide a secure and reliable integration with SAP systems, including SAP ECC and SAP S/4HANA. The integration enables real-time procurement data and document synchronization, ensuring cross-platform consistency.
Key features include:
- Supplier marketplace with a consumer eCommerce experience
- Purchase request and purchase order automation
- Customizable order and invoice approval processes
- AI-powered invoice automation with universal invoice capture and three-way matching
- Comprehensive spend analytics and reporting capabilities
- Mobile-friendly interfaces
- A supplier portal for enhanced supplier collaboration and stronger supplier relationships
SAP Ariba
SAP Ariba includes features for supplier management, sourcing, contract management, and spend analysis, aiming to provide an all-encompassing toolset for procurement professionals. As an SAP product, it has excellent integration with other SAP software.
However, its complex interface and challenging integration with non-SAP software may make an SAP Ariba alternative a better option for your business.
Key features include:
- Guided buying
- End-to-end procurement process management
- Procurement workflow automation
- Invoice and payment management
- Streamlined integration of suppliers in the SAP Business Network
Kissflow Procurement Cloud
Kissflow Procurement Cloud is a solution designed for businesses seeking streamlined procurement processes. It provides comprehensive tools for requisition, purchase order management, vendor management, and invoice processing. Kissflow is known for its user-friendly interface and customizable workflows.
However, it is relatively expensive for smaller businesses, and procurement professionals who want to go beyond the platform’s basic features have a steep learning curve.
Key features include:
- Customizable procurement workflows
- Requisition and purchase order management
- Vendor management and collaboration
- Invoice processing and payment management
JAGGAER ONE
Jaggaer One is a robust, enterprise-focused procurement solution offering comprehensive end-to-end functionalities. It is designed to provide a unified platform for optimizing source-to-pay procurement processes, providing extensive features for supplier management, sourcing, procurement, and spend analytics.
Jaggaer integrates with SAP ECC and SAP S/4HANA, but users have reported challenges integrating with existing business systems. JAGGAER software targets large enterprise organizations; small and medium businesses may find it excessively complex for their needs.
Key features include:
- Supplier management and collaboration
- Sourcing and procurement management
- Contract management
- Spend analysis and reporting
Oracle Fusion Cloud Procurement
Oracle Fusion Cloud Procurement provides robust capabilities for supplier management, sourcing, procurement contracts, and spend management, ensuring an efficient procurement lifecycle. It integrates seamlessly with Oracle’s suite of applications, offering a unified platform for procurement operations.
Although Oracle does offer some SAP integration capabilities, businesses may need custom development work to achieve their integration objectives.
Key features include:
- Supplier qualification and management
- Sourcing and contract management
- Procurement transaction automation
- Spend analysis and compliance tracking
Is Vroozi the Best Procurement Integration for Your Business?
Integrating a procurement platform with SAP ECC or SAP S/4HANA can significantly enhance your organization’s procurement processes, driving efficiency, cost savings, and strategic value.
Although several procurement platforms offer SAP integration, Vroozi stands out for its user-friendly interface, mobile accessibility, robust functionality, and powerful integration with various SAP ERP systems via SAP BTP.
To determine if Vroozi is the best SAP procurement integration for your business, experience a live app demo or request a personalized walkthrough from one of our team members.
