Automating ERP Material Bookings with AI: Speeding Up Inventory Management

Every business relies on efficient processes to keep things running smoothly, and when it comes to managing delivery notes, this can often be more of a headache than anyone anticipates. The simple act of pulling information from delivery notes—whether it’s product SKUs, quantities, or shipment dates—quickly becomes an overwhelming task when multiplied across hundreds or even thousands of documents. It’s a classic case of a repetitive, manual task taking up valuable time and resources.

But here’s the thing: this doesn’t have to be the way forward. AI, with its increasing role in business automation, is transforming how companies deal with these kinds of dreary tasks. It’s doing more than just cutting down on time; it’s completely reshaping the way businesses handle data entry, turning what used to be hours of work into a streamlined, error-free process.

Why Manual Delivery Note Processing is Holding Businesses Back

Think about this: manually processing delivery notes involves reading through each document, identifying the relevant fields, and entering that information into an internal system. Sounds manageable when you’re dealing with a few notes a day, right? But what happens when those few notes turn into hundreds or even thousands each month?

Not only does this scale increase the time needed to process each note, but it also amplifies the risk of human error. A misplaced number here, a missed SKU there, and suddenly the data in your ERP system is inaccurate. These small mistakes can snowball into inventory mismanagement, delayed shipments, or frustrated customers. Simply put, manual entry is not only slow but also error-prone.

AI – The Game-Changer

Artificial Intelligence is quickly becoming the go-to tool for businesses looking to optimize their workflows and cut down on manual tasks. AI-powered solutions for document extraction offer a smart, intuitive way to handle data from delivery notes, taking what used to be a time-consuming process and turning it into a fully automated workflow.

Here’s how it works. First, the business sets up a customized process template that tells the AI which information to look for—SKUs, quantities, dates, and anything else relevant to the business. The beauty of AI is in its adaptability. No two businesses are exactly alike, and AI allows for that flexibility by letting users tailor their process templates to fit their specific needs.

Once the process template is in place, the system does the rest. All the user has to do is upload their delivery notes, and the AI process each document, pulling out the relevant information in a matter of seconds. No more manual entry, no more errors. The extracted data is ready to be  integrated directly into ERP systems, such as SAP, in a format that suits the business.

From Tedious to Efficient: The Real Impact of AI Automation

So what does all this mean for businesses on the ground? Let’s put it in real terms. Automating delivery note processing with AI doesn't just save a few hours here and there—it can overhaul the entire workflow, allowing companies to operate on a whole new level of efficiency. Imagine slashing the time spent on delivery note management by a third while also eliminating the risk of manual errors. The result? A leaner, faster process that can keep up with the increasing demands of modern business without requiring additional manpower.

But it's not just about speed. According to Forbes Advisor survey, a significant 64% of businesses believe that AI will help increase their overall productivity. This demonstrates the growing confidence in AI’s potential to transform business operations. The data AI pulls is accurate, which means companies can trust that their internal systems are running on reliable information. In industries where precise data is crucial—whether for inventory management, logistics, or customer orders—this kind of accuracy is a game-changer.

The Future of Delivery Note Management

What’s exciting about AI-driven solutions is how adaptable they are. It’s not just a fix for today’s problems; it’s a system that can scale and grow with a business. As operations expand, AI can handle increasing volumes of delivery notes without breaking a sweat. Whether a company deals with 100 documents or 10,000, the process remains the same: fast, reliable, and efficient.

This kind of future-proof flexibility is exactly what businesses need in an era where growth is rapid, and demands are high. By embracing AI now, companies can not only solve their current headaches but also set themselves up for success as they continue to scale.

The manual way of processing delivery notes belongs in the past. AI has made it possible to transform this cumbersome task into an effortless, automated workflow that saves time, and reduces errors. For businesses that want to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market, leveraging AI for internal processes isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity.

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This video shows how enterprises can automatically book Delivery Notes in SAP