A supplier IBAN change…
Although it may seem like a simple update, in many organizations this process quickly becomes far more complex and risky than expected. Typically, the information first reaches the procurement team, is then forwarded to accounting, and finally entered into SAP. At this point, the process is often considered complete. In practice, however, things rarely work that smoothly.
For example:
- The procurement team sends the updated IBAN information to accounting via email.
- Accounting enters the data into SAP, but the approval process is unclear.
- The supplier’s old IBAN may still remain active in another system.
- When the payment date arrives, the error is noticed but by then, it is already too late.
In this blog post, we focus on:
- Common issues in supplier master data and IBAN update processes
- The financial risks caused by manually managed workflows
- Why automated approval flows integrated with SAP systems are critical
- How JetSRM transforms supplier master data processes into a reliable corporate control mechanism
Why Is the Supplier IBAN Change Process Problematic?
When a supplier’s IBAN changes, the traditional process usually works as follows:
- Procurement receives the update
- The information is forwarded to accounting
- Accounting manually records the change in SAP
- The task is considered complete
Because this process is often dependent on individuals rather than systems:
- Incorrect data entry can occur
- Process tracking becomes difficult
- Missing approvals can lead to payment errors
And when financial data such as IBAN information is involved, these errors can hardly be considered “minor.”
Supplier Master Data Management and Approval Processes in SAP
SAP systems enable centralized management of supplier master data. Creating, modifying, or reviewing supplier records can be handled through standard SAP processes.
However, in standard SAP workflows, changes are often subject to manual approvals after the master data has already been entered. This creates a significant risk for data quality and compliance.
Other solutions within the SAP ecosystem may offer approval workflows for certain fields, but in many cases, internal approval processes still rely heavily on manual intervention.
The Drawbacks of Manually Updating Supplier Master Data
Manually managed supplier creation and update processes:
- Increase operational workload
- Make process tracking more difficult
- Place responsibility on individuals
- Lead to payment errors and data inconsistencies
To illustrate with an example:
A supplier notifies the company of an IBAN change. The update is entered into SAP, but a payment scheduled with the old IBAN is still pending. If there is no system-based control mechanism, this goes unnoticed and the payment is sent to the wrong account.
At this point, the issue is no longer just a “data error” — it becomes a direct financial risk.
How Can Supplier Master Data Updates Be Managed Efficiently with JetSRM?
1) Defined and Traceable Approval Workflows
JetSRM removes dependency on individuals by connecting supplier master data management to clearly defined and fully traceable approval workflows. As a result:
- Every change is automatically recorded
- Approval history is always transparent
- Unauthorized data entry is prevented
2) Full Control from Supplier Request to Final Approval
In JetSRM, every change is linked to a predefined approval flow:
- The supplier submits the request through the system
- Procurement provides approval
- Accounting approves the change
- After final approval, the record is automatically transferred to SAP
Thanks to this automation, when a supplier requests an IBAN change, the request is created directly in JetSRM. Until procurement and accounting approvals are completed, not a single record is written to SAP.
The Core Value Delivered by JetSRM
1.Processes Are Brought Under Control
Each step is clearly defined, making it possible to track when, why, and by whom a change was made.
2.Operational Dependencies Are Reduced
Instead of relying on individuals or email chains, processes are managed through a clear and structured digital workflow.
3.Data Accuracy Becomes Systematic
Through system integrations, supplier master data in SAP is updated accurately and consistently.
4.Procurement Focuses on Assurance, Not Follow-Ups
JetSRM not only accelerates the process but turns it into a secure, corporate-grade workflow.
In Summary;
Even seemingly simple situations such as a supplier IBAN change can pose serious risks for organizations.
Standard SAP processes may be sufficient on their own, but without a transparent, traceable, and approval-based workflow, the process cannot truly be considered complete.
With JetSRM, you not only accelerate this process but also transform it into a robust and reliable corporate control mechanism.
