How to increase Business Efficiency

Time-Saving Tips optimizing processes and HR operations

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In today's business climate, the focus on how to increase business efficiency remains steadfast. This emphasis on efficiency arises from the necessity to implement reset strategies for growth—a key priority highlighted in the latest Gartner CEO and Senior Business Executive Survey.

This focus on business efficiency is equally crucial for various structural departments, including HR, Finance, Accounting, and Operations. For instance, according to various reports, the most prevalent drivers to increase business efficiency in HR in the next two to three years include identifying cost inefficiencies and embracing digitalization, both accounting for a substantial 33%.

Close behind is the pursuit of operational or productivity efficiencies, capturing 30% of attention. Moreover, prioritizing the improvement of employee experience is paramount, with 30% recognizing it as a key driver for payroll management transformation.

AUTOMATION AGAINST REPETITIVE TASKS

Technology will come hand in hand to help achieve these goals. In 2024 alone, international analysts like IDC predict that the deployment of generative Artificial Intelligence tools will enable businesses to double the productive use of unstructured data by discovering untapped insights and knowledge, thereby driving a 20% growth in sustainable benefits.

Beyond the statistical landscape, the essence of transformation lies in translating these drivers into tangible outcomes. Achieving these goals starts with mastering the fundamentals.

Leading HR technology adding best process services, particularly in areas like Payroll or Expense and Cost Center Management, lay the groundwork for an enhanced employee experience not only in HR but also contribute to overall business success.

But also, identifying repetitive tasks within business processes in core areas and implementing automation can save time, reduce errors and free up resources for more strategic initiatives.

That's something the current CHRO of Fujitsu, Hiroki Hiramatsu, is well aware of. In a recent interview, he mentioned that automation can enhance team efficiency, allowing them to 'devote more time than ever to strategic operations' rather than repetitive and less crucial tasks. Automation also contributes to better decision-making through the utilization of data dynamics.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES TO INCREASE BUSINESS EFFICIENCY?

Global compliance complexity: Managing activities like payrolls, expenses and costs control across can be challenging, particularly in organizations with complex expense approval workflows with multiple countries. Also, it involves navigating diverse tax codes, currencies, and employment laws, adding complexity and increasing the risk of errors.
Data Accuracy and Security: Ensuring the accuracy and security of sensitive employee information is paramount. Protecting data from breaches and maintaining data integrity are ongoing concerns for payroll managers.
Integration Issues: Seamlessly integrating data systems with other HR software or enterprise systems can be challenging, leading to data silos and inefficiencies. Also, integrating expense and cost management systems with financial systems is crucial for accurate financial reporting, and difficulties in integration can impede this process.
Manual Processes: Reliance on manual processes for expense reporting and cost management can lead to errors, inefficiencies, and delays.
Real-time Visibility: Gaining real-time visibility into expenses and costs across different departments or projects is often hindered by disparate systems and inadequate reporting mechanisms.
Receipt Management: Managing and verifying receipts, especially in an environment where paper receipts are still prevalent, can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
Fraud Prevention: Identifying and preventing fraudulent expense claims is an ongoing challenge that requires robust monitoring and preventive measures.

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What are the possible benefits on HR processes?

By adopting solutions geared towards to increase Business Efficiency in areas like Payroll, Expense, and Cost Management, organizations can not only streamline their processes but also unlock a myriad of benefits that positively impact their overall performance.

Enhanced Employee Experience and Engagement. Efficient HR processes directly translate into improved employee experience and engagement. By implementing streamlined procedures for tasks like expense reporting and cost management, organizations can empower employees with seamless access to information, reducing administrative burdens and allowing them to focus on meaningful work.
Improved Decision-Making Through Data Utilization: Efficient HR processes enable better decision-making through the effective utilization of data dynamics. By leveraging insights derived from automated systems, HR professionals can make informed decisions regarding workforce management, talent acquisition, and performance optimization, thereby driving organizational success.
Time Savings and Resource Allocation: Automation of HR processes leads to significant time savings and resource optimization. By eliminating manual interventions and reducing the risk of errors, organizations can reallocate resources towards more strategic endeavors, fostering innovation and driving business growth.
Reduce involvement in Routine Queries: Automated solutions with database management lessen the burden on common departments like HR by reducing their involvement in routine queries.

WHAT OTHER TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS WILL AFFECT BUSINESS EFFICIENCY?

5G Technology Adoption and Internet of Things (IoT) Expansion:

Widespread adoption of 5G networks can significantly improve connectivity and communication, leading to faster data transfer speeds and more reliable connections.
Enhanced connectivity can facilitate real-time collaboration and support the increasing reliance on cloud-based services.
The proliferation of IoT devices can streamline various business processes, from inventory management and logistics to facility monitoring.
IoT data can be leveraged to optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer experiences.

Blockchain Integration:

Blockchain technology may continue to increase business efficiency by improving transparency by improving transparency, security, and traceability in supply chain management, financial transactions, and data sharing.

Edge Computing Solutions:

Edge computing, which brings computation and data storage closer to the location where its needed, is likely to gain prominence. This will enable businesses to process data closer to the source, reducing latency and improving response times.
This can be particularly beneficial for industries requiring real-time data analysis, such as manufacturing and healthcare.

Cybersecurity Innovations:

As cyber threats evolve, advancements in cybersecurity technologies will be crucial for protecting sensitive business data and maintaining operational integrity.
AI-driven cybersecurity tools may become more sophisticated in detecting and preventing cyber attacks.

Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Applications:

AR and VR technologies may find new applications in business, such as virtual meetings, employee training, and remote collaboration, contributing to increased efficiency.

Sustainable Technologies:

Businesses may increasingly adopt eco-friendly technologies to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact, such as energy-efficient systems and green supply chain practices.

THE KEYS TO INCREASE BUSINESS EFFICIENCY

Leveraging AI

with unstructured data can lead to a 20% growth

Automation saves time

reduce errors and frees resources.

Improved customer experience

thanks to streamlined processes and database automation.

LEADING HR TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS EFFICIENCY

As previously discussed, HR departments encounter a multitude of challenges, ranging from talent acquisition to day-to-day operations management. Attracting and retaining top talent while efficiently handling tasks such as monthly payroll present significant hurdles for HR executives.

It is therefore imperative for HR departments to leverage technology, including payroll solutions, automated administration platforms, and systems for controlling travel expenditures. These technologies empower HR teams to realign their focus towards strategic objectives, particularly in talent acquisition and development.

SPS solutions for HR go beyond payroll to address specific needs of HR teams, including comprehensive travel and expenditure administration, contract management, and onboarding and training processes. All of these solutions ensure a seamless HR experience.

Sanofi Success Case: A Paradigm of Business Efficiency

A prime example of the benefits derived from efficient database management and business solutions is the case of Sanofi. For over 25 years, Sanofi has utilized SPS's SAP Payroll Factory to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for its employees in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Furthermore, since 2022, Sanofi has fully outsourced its payroll to SPS.

Challenge: Sanofi's decision to transition its payroll end-to-end to SPS was driven by the consistent high quality and deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry's complex collective bargaining and operational requirements. This enduring partnership, which began in 1997, has weathered organizational changes, acquisitions, and dynamic market conditions.
Solution: In 2022, Sanofi took a strategic step by entrusting SPS with its BPO service for payroll accounting. This decision aligned with Sanofi's focus on talent acquisition, digital transformation, and the need to streamline administrative processes. The transition project, which lasted four months, resulted in smooth processes and satisfied stakeholders from July 1, 2022, onward.
The success of Sanofi's payroll system lies in the collaboration with SPS. The SAP Payroll Factory provided a flexible HR IT environment that accommodated Sanofi's evolving requirements. The continuous improvement process, use of standards, and a sophisticated internal control system have enabled Sanofi to navigate challenges and maintain the efficiency of its payroll accounting.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the Sanofi success case exemplifies the tangible benefits that organizations can achieve through efficient database management and strategic business solutions. By embracing these practices, businesses can not only enhance their customer experience, optimize employee interactions, and save time but also position themselves for sustained growth in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Success Case: Revolutionizing Medical Operations for Enhanced Business Efficiency

In the dynamic landscape of advancing healthcare technologies, the success story of the diabetes unit of a prominent medical technology company serves as a beacon of how to increase business efficiency, aligning seamlessly with the overarching theme of strategic database management in 2024.

Challenge: Faced with an unexpected surge in demand for a groundbreaking medical equipment piece in 2015, our client encountered processing difficulties and prolonged delivery times, resulting in heightened customer dissatisfaction. Anticipating a further increase in demand and cognizant of the challenges within the German healthcare system, the company recognized the need for a strategic overhaul.
Solution: SPS then assisted the company by initiating a meticulous on-site analysis of existing processes. Recognizing the necessity for streamlining them, SPS recommended outsourcing the standard back-office processes to their specialized staff. This marked a departure from traditional structures and paved the way for increased efficiency.
Conclusion: In light of the current business climate, where efficiency is paramount for growth, the medical technology company's restructuring aligned perfectly with the goal of increase business efficiency. The emphasis on identifying cost inefficiencies, embracing digitalization, and improving overall operational and productivity efficiencies mirrors the core elements of the successful reorganization.

Efficient streamlined processes became the cornerstone of this restructuring, not only within the diabetes unit but across other core areas. By entrusting specific processes to SPS, the medical company not only achieved streamlined operations but also unlocked new capacities for innovation and strategic initiatives.

PRACTICAL TIPS TO INCREASE BUSINESS EFFICIENCY IN 2024: A SUMMARY

Master the Fundamentals

Prioritize efficient database management and streamlined processes, especially in core areas like Payroll, Database Management, and Expense and Cost Center Management.

Embrace Automation

Identify repetitive tasks within business processes and implement automation. This saves time, reduces errors, and allows resources to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Address Business Efficiency Challenges

Tackle challenges such as global compliance complexity, data accuracy, integration issues, reliance on manual processes, real-time visibility, receipt management, and fraud prevention.

Utilize Technology Trends

Stay abreast of technological trends like 5G technology adoption, IoT expansion, blockchain integration, edge computing solutions, cybersecurity innovations, augmented and virtual reality applications, and sustainable technologies.

Reduce Involvement in Routine Queries

Automated solutions with efficient database management lessen the burden on common departments by reducing their involvement in routine queries. It will help to save valuable time, redirecting resources towards strategic initiatives.

By incorporating these actionable takeaways, businesses can not only address current challenges but also position themselves for enhanced efficiency, improved customer experiences, and sustained growth in the competitive landscape of 2024.

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