Sharing our implementation of automated supplier onboarding using SAP BTP Workflow integrated with PLM 2021 sourcing module. Previously, supplier onboarding took 8-12 days with manual data entry, validation, and approval routing. We built an end-to-end automation that reduced this to 2-3 days while improving data quality.
The solution uses SAP BTP Workflow to orchestrate the entire process from initial supplier registration through master data validation and final approval. Integration with Master Data services ensures consistency across procurement and PLM systems. The workflow automatically validates supplier information against compliance requirements, routes approvals based on supplier category, and creates master records in both sourcing and PLM modules. This eliminated manual handoffs between procurement, quality, and finance teams that previously caused delays and data inconsistencies.
Excellent implementation! The key benefit I see is eliminating manual handoffs between teams. Did you implement any self-service portal for suppliers to submit their information directly? That could further reduce the cycle time. Also wondering about the change management aspect - how did procurement and quality teams adapt to the automated process versus their previous manual workflows?
This is impressive! We’re considering similar automation for our supplier management. How did you handle the validation rules in BTP Workflow? Are they configurable by business users or hard-coded in the workflow definition? Also curious about error handling - what happens when supplier data fails validation checks?
This addresses a major pain point in supplier management. How do you handle partial approvals or rejections? For example, if a supplier is approved for one commodity but needs additional documentation for another. Does your BTP Workflow support conditional routing based on approval outcomes?