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SAP Ariba Central Invoice Management

SAP CIM brings easy and fast invoice management to the SAP Public Cloud. Transparent workflow, less manual work, and a reliable process from receipt to payment.

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Solutions Enterprise Applications Automation of incoming invoice processing

Automation of invoice processing directly in SAP Public Cloud

SAP Ariba Central Invoice Management (CIM) is a modern solution designed primarily for the SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud environment, enabling companies to manage the processing of received invoices entirely digitally. With CIM, you get a unified workflow for receiving, approving, and accounting for invoices directly in the cloud, without the need for complex integration of other systems. The solution delivers greater efficiency, significantly reduces errors, and ensures a transparent audit trail throughout the entire process—from document receipt to payment.

A major advantage of CIM is its native integration with SAP Public Cloud. This means that deployment and subsequent operation are simpler, faster, and less demanding to manage than with traditional on-premise solutions. Companies can thus benefit from the advantages of the cloud—easy scaling, constant updates, and full readiness for legislative changes, including e-invoicing.

Unlike SAP Vendor Invoice Management (VIM), which is based on the on-premise world and is typically associated with OpenText components, CIM was designed as a cloud-first solution. It does not require extensive customization or the installation of external modules and is fully operated in the SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud environment. While VIM is suitable for companies with complex or hybrid scenarios and remains the ideal choice for customers using SAP on-premise, CIM represents a modern path for companies that have transitioned to a purely cloud-based SAP environment. 

Thanks to this division, organizations can now choose the solution that best suits their infrastructure and strategy. So if you are building on SAP Public Cloud, CIM is the most effective way to automate the processing of incoming invoices. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a robust solution for on-premise or private cloud, we recommend considering SAP Invoice Management by Opentext.

Benefits

  • Faster approvals and shorter payment cycles
  • Lower operating costs thanks to process automation
  • Full control over cash flow and liabilities
  • Transparent workflow and easy invoice tracking
  • Elimination of errors and minimization of manual intervention
  • Clear reporting and real-time audit trail

Seamless integration

CIM is a native part of SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud. You don't need external modules; invoice processing runs in a single environment and without complicated maintenance.


Digital processing

From invoice receipt to posting, CIM eliminates paper, manual intervention, and duplication, enabling accounting teams to work more efficiently.

Cost and cash flow management

Thanks to automated workflow, you always have an overview of your liabilities, can take advantage of discounts for timely payments, and better plan your cash flow.

Reporting and audit trail

Managers and auditors have access to up-to-date invoice data in real time, which facilitates control, compliance, and internal reporting.

How invoice processing works in SAP CIM

Invoice processing in SAP Ariba Central Invoice Management is fully digital and takes place directly in the SAP Public Cloud environment. Invoices can arrive in various formats – as e-invoices, PDFs sent by email, or via EDI. The system automatically registers them, extracts the necessary data, and assigns them to a predefined workflow. Accountants or approvers receive invoices directly in their SAP environment, where they can easily check, approve, or post them.

CIM also continuously evaluates the status of each invoice, ensures a transparent audit trail, and provides managers with real-time visibility. Thanks to the cloud-first approach, there is no need to manage any external components – the entire process, from receipt to payment, takes place directly in the SAP Public Cloud.

A strong foundation for your digital transformation

Implementing SAP Ariba Central Invoice Management (CIM) is not just a matter of technical deployment. It is a change that fundamentally affects financial processes, accounts payable management, and the daily work of accounting teams. Thanks to our experience, we can help you ensure that invoice automation is beneficial not only from a technical standpoint, but also from a business perspective.

Our expertise covers the entire solution lifecycle – from design and implementation to service and further development:
  • SAP CIM implementation for SAP Public Cloud – fast and efficient deployment using proven methodology.
  • Analysis and optimization of financial processes – we identify bottlenecks and suggest how to make the best use of CIM.
  • Integration with OCR, e-signatures, and DMS – extension with automatic data mining, digital signatures, or document management.
  • Takeover of solutions from other suppliers – audit, stabilization, and further development of CIM even during ongoing operations.
  • User training and support – so that CFOs, accountants, and IT teams can fully utilize the potential of the solution.
Whether you are deploying SAP Public Cloud for the first time or looking for ways to better automate invoicing, we are ready to ensure that CIM delivers real results – from savings to higher quality financial management.

 
Foto autora, Miroslav Pospíšil

Miroslav Pospíšil

Team Leader Vendor Invoice Management

Frequent questions (FAQ):

What is the difference between SAP CIM and SAP VIM?

SAP VIM by OpenText is a robust solution for on-premise or hybrid environments (ERP and S/4HANA Private Cloud), while SAP Ariba CIM is a cloud-native application designed exclusively for SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud. CIM is easier to implement, does not require OpenText components, and is fully operated on SAP BTP.

How long does CIM implementation take?

Thanks to the standardized cloud environment, deployment is faster than with VIM. It usually takes between 2–4 months, depending on the volume of invoices and the necessary integrations.

What invoice formats does CIM support?

CIM handles e-invoices, PDFs sent by email, and documents received via EDI. It supports the processing of both structured and unstructured invoices.

Is it possible to connect CIM to OCR?

Yes. CIM natively uses its own OCR for mining.

For which companies is CIM suitable?

Primarily for companies that have migrated to SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud and want to digitize and automate the process of accounting for received invoices. Typically, these are medium-sized and large organizations with a high volume of transactions.

Does CIM support legislative requirements for e-invoicing?

Yes. The solution is ready for current and future legislation in the field of e-invoicing and provides a transparent audit trail.

Want to know more about SAP CIM?

Automating invoice processing in SAP Public Cloud doesn't have to be complicated. With SAP Ariba Central Invoice Management, you get fast, transparent processes that save time and money.

Request a consultation on SAP CIM
Check out other invoice automation systems

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