OEM manages the closing process for 27 companies—a process that requires clear structure and coordination. With Implema’s Smart Closings solution, the group takes a first step towards a more unified, digital, and traceable closing process. The result is better oversight, reduced vulnerability, and a stable foundation for further digitalization. “This is an exemplary simple technical solution that creates real business value,” summarizes ERP manager Henrik Brodd.
OEM is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of components for industrial automation, with subsidiaries and sales organizations in several countries. The group’s breadth and geographical spread make the closing process extensive—and dependent on clear structure and well-functioning workflows.
The need for a cohesive closing process
Despite a shared SAP platform, OEM’s companies work with their own Excel lists in the closing process. This creates variation between the companies and limits the possibilities for a unified overview. Accounting manager Sofia Ståhl describes it as everyone doing what they should, but the overview is missing.
When Implema developed Smart Closings, they identified OEM as an organization with the complexity, willingness, and conditions to test a new, digital approach. OEM saw the opportunity to create a more structured and coordinated closing flow.
The solution
Smart Closings is available for both SAP and Dynamics customers. For SAP customers, it is offered in the form of two apps developed in Fiori:
- An administration app where the process owner sets up the closing lists, i.e., their “checklists” for the closing.
- A user app that all users use to see status, mark their tasks. Here, work is done in a structured view, where all companies, activities, and statuses can be followed in real-time.
The approach: close collaboration and clear process
The work to implement Smart Closings was carried out in a small project group with clear agendas, meetings, and ongoing follow-up. Sofia Ståhl describes the process as well-structured and easy to manage.
In addition to the close collaboration between Implema and OEM, a crucial success factor was that the solution was built based on real workflows.
— We could contribute with how the process works in reality—not just how it should work technically, says Henrik Brodd.
The work provided clear insights and a stable base for a more coordinated closing between the companies.
— We got to have a say in a lot, and it became something that works in reality, summarizes Sofia Ståhl.
Result: better control and less dependency on individuals
The implementation of Smart Closings has given OEM a more structured and unified process. The effects are particularly noticeable in three areas:
• A digital and traceable process
Process owners follow the whole in the user app. Each step is timestamped and can be exported.
• A central view of all companies
Controllers get a common real-time view of the closing across the entire group.
• Less dependency on individuals and clearer division of responsibilities
The work becomes more robust and reconciliations easier to follow.
Sofia Ståhl also highlights that the solution is very user-friendly, both in everyday work and in how the checklists are built.
Looking ahead: a modern and cohesive closing process
The next step for OEM is to roll out the solution to all companies and harmonize checklists. Smart Closings also creates conditions for further improvements, such as:
✔ identification of bottlenecks
✔ clearer process responsibility
✔ better quality assurance
✔ future automation of recurring tasks
With Smart Closings, OEM has laid the foundation for a modern, digital, and scalable closing process. They now have a solution that is user-friendly, unified, and built for further development.
— This is an exemplary simple technical solution that creates real business value, concludes Henrik Brodd.
What is Smart Closings?
A digital solution that creates structure, overview, and traceability in the closing process—whether the company works in SAP or Dynamics 365.
Fact box: Smart Closings
How it works
- Common, digital checklists for the entire closing process
- Clear division of responsibilities and real-time status
- Two interfaces:
- Administration app for process owners
- User app for accountants[ME1]
- SAP version based on two Fiori apps
- Dynamics version based on D365 Financial Period Close Workspace
What benefits does it create?
- Unified working method across all companies
- Fewer manual lists and less dependency on individuals
- Better quality and more predictable delivery
- Greater security throughout the process
- Faster reconciliations and easier follow-up
Efficiency potential
- Possibility to reach closing by day 5[ME2]
- Frees up time for analysis and proactive work
- Provides a basis for identifying bottlenecks and automating recurring tasks
Suitable for
Organizations with complex closing flows, many companies, or the need for clearer structure, responsibility, and overview.
Built to develop
Checklists and tasks can be easily managed, adapted, and expanded—and the solution can be scaled to more companies as needs and processes mature.
