The Situation

The Procurement & Finance functions were disengaged with a project which entailed installing a case management and ERP system. This prevented the project progressing at the pace desired preventing key strategic deliverables being met.

The Task

They saw a huge issue with a poor match ratio on the automated 3-way invoice matching process which was blamed on poor operational practices at warehouse sites and subsequently exasperated by the new system.

 

The Action / Approach

I reviewed the current process of invoice matching collaborating with 3rd party IT companies and internal experts. The root cause of the poor match rate was in fact mainly caused by a part manual process operated by Finance, incorrect prices, suppliers sending invoices in too early. Poor goods receipting disciplines was evident but to a small degree.

The Result

  • These issues were shared which made everything more transparent, resulting in better cross-functional working with issues being addressed at the true root cause including price updates, supplier communication, and extra data checking processes.
  • Warehouses also reviewed their own process and made commitments to complete booking-in at set times.

Focus In On: Responsible for Project and Programme Delivery

New Areas of Value:

Increased credibility with and confidence from across the business

Improvements around:

Weak project prioritisation, approval, compliance and sponsorship

Relevant Business Perspectives

Relevant Industries

Practice