Zebra Technologies-a $500M manufacturer and distributor of thermal bar code label printers- needed an integrated solution for managing receivables, collections, and deductions. By implementing Emagia Cash Inflow Manger, Zebra eliminated multiple paper-based systems and adopted a single, highly automated, accounts receivables management solution, resulting in greater operational efficiency and increased cash flow.
The Challenge
Like many companies that implemented ERP systems in the late 1990s, Zebra Technologies quickly discovered significant weaknesses in the functionality in vital areas of financial management such as Receivables, Collections, and Disputes. Working around its manufacturing-oriented BaaN ERP system, Zebra's IT staff began using Microsoft Access and Excel to develop ad-hoc systems to cater to the needs of the finance department. This led to multiple disconnected systems that addressed only the very basic needs of the credit and collections staff. Disjointed and inconsistent processes caused inefficiencies within the finance organization both in managing current operations and in its ability to support Zebra's growth.
"It was clear that we needed to get a better handle on our accounts receivables processes in order to get a more accurate picture of our cash inflow situation," said Randy Whitchurch, CFO, Zebra Technologies. "The challenge was procuring a system that would allow us to deploy financial applications over the web while seamlessly integrating with our existing BaaN ERP infrastructure"
The solution had to be web-based and collaborative in nature to support Zebra's business workflow involving staff spread across multiple geographies. The solution also needed comprehensive functionality in receivables portfolio management, collections management, and disputes management. Finally, the solution had to seamlessly integrate to and synchronize with Zebra's existing BaaN financial system.
The Emagia Solution
Emagia software helps manage receivables portfolios, streamline collections processes, automate dispute resolutions, and perform accurate cash forecasting. Emagia Cash Inflow Manager offered Zebra a collaborative web-based applications platform for comprehensive financial flows management:
Collaborative Finance Platform- Emagia integrates with existing financial systems to facilitate a collaborative workflow environment for the accounts receivables staff to interact with customers, sales, customer service, and other departments to efficiently increase cash inflow.
End-to-End Receivables Management Functionality- Emagia includes robust functionality in all areas of receivables such as portfolio analysis, collections management, dispute resolution, and customer care.
BaaN ERP Integration - Emagia provides BaaN expertise and standard adapters for integration with the BaaN ERP system. Additionally, Emagia has developed interfaces that provide real-time access to cash receipts and adjustments information, which provide dynamic and real-time access into the most current state of a customer's accounts receivables portfolio.
Leading edge Web-based Technologies - Emagia Solutions are built using leading-edge web-based technologies that transform the entire receivables process from paper-oriented and outdated to electronic and real time.
The Bottom-line Impact
Emagia's implementation strategy-a phased roll-out of software modules to maximize efficiency in multiple areas of accounts receivables functions-provided Zebra with a fast ROI. The roll-out process was designed to deliver immediate 'quick hit' benefits while setting the stage for longer term benefits.
"Emagia's team did an outstanding job implementing the solution, and they were very supportive and responsive," noted Theresa Williams, Project Manager, Zebra Technologies. "The structured nature of the implementation really minimized the demands placed on our IT resources both in terms of the day-to-day project management and the integration with our ERP system."
In the initial phase of the implementation, Emagia's Collections Management module was installed to enhance collections strategies, reduce Days Sales Outstanding, and provide complete customer-account visibility to collectors. Zebra is currently using Emagia to process collections on approximately 15,000 new invoices per month.
"Emagia maximizes the performance of our accounts receivables staff so they can collect cash faster," commented Todd Naughton, VP and Corporate Controller, Zebra Technologies. "Managers can more predictably and accurately forecast our cash inflows thanks to Emagia's real-time analytics and dynamic reporting."
The second phase of the implementation was aimed at using Emagia's Deductions Management module to optimize the efficiency of the dispute resolution process and provide complete dispute management visibility. Zebra is currently using Emagia to process approximately 400 new disputes per month, and has gained the ability to identify and eliminate the root causes of payment disputes
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