Global Life Sciences Organisation Chooses Helixr and Esker For AP Transformation
Esker Partner Helixr Succeeds in Dramatic DPO Reduction
Derby, UK — 2nd April, 2025 — Esker, the global authority in AI-powered business solutions for the Office of the CFO, today announced that its partner Helixr has transformed the Accounts Payable (AP) processes of a global Life Sciences organisation.
Helixr was approached by a global life sciences and pharmaceutical company to optimise its core AP processes across the Group, reaching across the Americas, Europe and the UK, including those with both SAP S4 HANA and non-SAP legal entities. The main objectives were to ensure accuracy, efficiency, compliance and to support the business strategy to expand through further acquisitions.
Embracing the new technology for process optimisation
The client’s finance team and Helixr's subject matter experts evaluated the existing processes, current tools and the technology being used for processing supplier invoices. The team observed that the AP team handled a growing number of transactions every year and processing them manually and keeping track of key performance indicators had become very difficult to manage and was taking lot of time from the finance team.
It was evident that an automated system-based solution was needed to manage future volumes and to have one standardised process across the group.
The team considered several market-leading cloud-based technology products, such as Esker, Yooz, and GEP software, to enhance the efficiency of the AP process. Esker was selected based on its software features, ease of use, and especially due to its integration with different types of ERP systems and accounting software packages.
Esker Accounts Payable allows businesses to eliminate the manual pains of traditional AP invoice processing with AI-driven data capture, automated processing and electronic workflow. It leverages AI-based OCR technology to automate data capture from PDF invoices received via email and scanned paper invoices.
Objectives for automation are:
- Eliminate release on multiple spreadsheets
- Reduce invoice processing time with automation
- Decrease clerical errors
- Days Payable Outstanding at par with peers
- Happier suppliers that are paid on time
- Visibility of invoice process
Challenges with Multiple ERP systems and Manual Data Input and Matching
The AP process was performed using the core ERP: SAP S4 HANA for the manufacturing entities in the Northeast of England, UK, Wisconsin, USA, and Ireland. The same template solution was implemented for the R&D labs in North Carolina, USA, and Northern Wales, UK, which included integrating the Esker solution with accounting software like Sage and QuickBooks.
For invoices, the majority of the invoices are collected by email attachments, such as PDF documents, and the rest are collected manually by post.
Invoice validation was checked against the vendor master manually. For sites with S4 HANA, the system performs PO 3-way matching based on the purchase order, goods receipt, and invoice; for sites with non-S4 HANA, purchase orders and goods receipt transactions are stored in another platform. Hence, the respective AP team members manually matched the invoices against the purchase orders.
Invoice approval and exceptions handling are performed manually through email within the site. For the payment process, depending on the payment method, the payment file will be generated from the ERP either automatically or manually. The same will then be transmitted to banking systems automatically or manually to give the instructions to pay the suppliers.
Enhanced Efficiency: Automation of repetitive tasks has significantly reduced DPO, manual errors and accelerated invoice processing times
Highlights:
- DPO reduced from an average of 260 days to 60 days within 3 months of implementing the Esker AP solution
- Significantly improved cash flow efficiency and visibility
- Average invoice processing time decreased from 60 days to 15 days and is continually improving
- Reduced manual errors
- Fewer supplier queries
- Happier suppliers that are paid on time
“After implementing the Esker Accounts Payable solution, we are more efficient in processing invoices in a timely manner, resulting in fewer supplier queries and happy suppliers being paid on time,” explained the Accounts Payable Process Lead at the Irish Subsidiary.
“The biggest improvement I have seen with Esker is the decrease in clerical errors due to the way Esker can find important details. This is really helpful in reducing the time needed to review invoices after data entry has been completed. Also, the Esker historic document storage is very helpful when you need to locate a historic invoice quickly,” said the Financial Accountant for the US manufacturing site.
Helixr’s Strength
The Finance Operations service within the Finance Transformation practice is designed to help organisations optimise their core financial processes, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. From managing accounts payable and receivable to streamlining period-end close activities and enhancing cash flow visibility, we focus on enabling seamless day-to-day financial operations.
Phani Sabnivisu, Executive Director, Helixr says, “Leveraging industry best practices and advanced AI-driven technologies, using Esker’s solutions, we empower businesses to reduce costs, mitigate risks, and maintain financial health, leaving them free to focus on strategic growth. This is our first Esker implementation and we are thrilled with the dramatic results we have been able to achieve for our client.”
Alistair Nicholas, Managing Director, Esker, adds “We are delighted that our partner Helixr was able to go through the training and implementation of Esker’s Accounts Payable solution to instigate this successful reseller project. This is a perfect example of how we like to work with our partners to introduce Esker into digital transformations within the wider eco-system.”
About Helixr
Experts in Finance Transformation who concentrate on optimising financial processes, leveraging cutting-edge technologies. We aim to enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial data, transitioning from traditional record-to-report, to predictive analytics, driving business value, and staying flexible to navigate external challenges and internal complexities.
www.helixr.com
About Esker
Esker is the global authority in AI-powered business solutions for the Office of the CFO. Leveraging the latest in automation technologies, Esker's Source-to-Pay and Order-to-Cash solutions optimise working capital and cashflow, enhance decision-making, and drive better collaboration and human-to-human relationships with customers, suppliers and employees. Founded in 1985, Esker operates in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific with global headquarters in Lyon, France, and U.S. headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information on Esker and its solutions, visit https://www.esker.co.uk/. Follow Esker on LinkedIn or You Tube and join the conversation on the Esker blog.