TANATEX Chemicals gains control over automated invoice processing with SAP integration

Within TANATEX Chemicals, the need arose to optimise and digitise cost invoices. The existing situation was characterised by:

• Dependence on manual processing
Invoices were largely processed manually, resulting in a time-intensive process and a greater risk of errors or delays in handling.

• Limited consistency across workflows
Invoice processing did not always follow a uniform approach, leading to differences in how invoices were coded, checked and approved.

• Less insight into status and progress
There was a lack of central overview, making it difficult to see at a glance where an invoice stood in the process or what actions were still required.

This made it difficult to work efficiently while retaining full control. For finance teams this often means a tension between speed, accuracy and manageability, a familiar challenge in many organisations.

TANATEX Chemicals implemented AP Automation as the solution for the entire invoice process, integrated with SAP ECC. The approach focused on:

• Automatic invoice recognition
Incoming invoices are digitally scanned and recognised, minimising manual entry and allowing processing to start faster.

• Digital coding and processing
Invoices are structurally coded and processed within one central system, creating consistency in administration and reducing errors.

• Workflow-driven approval
Invoices are automatically routed to the right people for review and approval, based on predefined rules and authorisations.

• Structured routing of invoices
The process from receipt to approval runs through a fixed, standardised flow, so invoices move through the process faster and more predictably.

This did not only make invoice processing more efficient, but above all more manageable. The process is predictable, transparent and less dependent on individual actions, which contributes directly to more control within finance.

The biggest change lies not only in digitisation, but in how the process is steered and managed.

Concrete results at TANATEX Chemicals 

Implementing automated invoice processing with AP Automation led to:

• Less manual processing of cost invoices through automatic recognition and workflow;
• Faster processing thanks to structured routing and approval processes;
• Better consistency in coding and processing of invoices;
• More insight into the status and progress of invoices within the process;
• Successful implementation within roughly three months.

These results contribute directly to more control, less error sensitivity and a more scalable finance process.

1. Less manual work

Invoices are processed automatically through recognition and workflow, reducing manual steps. Finance teams spend less time on operational processing and more on review and exceptions.

2. More control and insight

The workflow provides structure and clarity in the process. Always insight into the status and progress of invoices, enabling better decision making.

“Thanks to automated invoice processing with AP Automation, we have continuous insight into invoice status and processing is more consistent within our SAP environment.”
Eddy Schouten, Manager Finance EMEA at TANATEX Chemicals

3. Better scalability

The process is less dependent on individual actions. Growth in invoice volume can be absorbed without a proportional increase in capacity.

The implementation was completed in a short period and included an intensive phase in the run-up to go-live. Despite time pressure, a working and stable solution was delivered within a few months, without disrupting daily operations.

During the implementation there was close collaboration on communication and ticket handling. Thanks to flexibility on both sides, this led to smooth cooperation and a timely, successful go-live.

The collaboration with ISPnext is experienced positively. The basis is in place: a working solution and a stable process. At the same time, TANATEX Chemicals sees room for optimisation in the collaboration, particularly around support and direct communication alongside the ticketing system.

This case shows that invoice processing is not a supporting process, but a strategic part of control and efficiency. Organisations that set this up well achieve:

• less operational pressure on finance;
• more control and predictability;
• better management of risks.

The AP Automation solution is integrated with SAP ECC, so invoice data is processed in a structured way within the existing financial administration. SAP therefore remains the system of record in the financial process, while AP Automation handles recognition, workflow, coding and approval of invoices.

Thanks to the seamless integration, manual actions are reduced, processing time decreases and users retain full control over the invoice process. Organisations therefore benefit from more efficiency, better data quality and higher compliance.

TANATEX Chemicals is an international organisation specialised in the development and production of textile chemicals. The organisation supports customers worldwide in optimising production processes and improving product quality. With locations and customers spread across the world, an efficient and reliable financial administration plays an important role in day to day operations. That is why TANATEX Chemicals continuously invests in solutions that streamline processes and support the organisation in further growth and digitisation.