Page 23 - CMA Journal (Nov-Dec 2024)

E x c lus iv e I nt er v iew

• Public Sector: Organizations such as the Ministry of ICMA: How does SAP support SMEs and public sector
Finance, Higher Education Commission, Auditor General organizations in adopting advanced technologies and
of Pakistan, Controller General of Accounts, Pakistan improving services?
Railways, and National Bank of Pakistan are utilizing Saquib Ahmad: SAP enables SMEs and public sector
various SAP solutions as part of their digital organizations to embrace digital transformation through
transformation initiatives. scalable, cost-e ective solutions:
ICMA: How does SAP S/4HANA, with AI and machine a) GROW with SAP: Designed for mid-sized businesses,
learning, enhance decision-making and streamline this solution provides access to SAP S/4HANA Cloud
ICMA: How is SAP transforming accounting accounting work ows? with pre-con gured best practices, enabling rapid
practices and driving digitalization e orts in Saquib Ahmad: SAP S/4HANA leverages AI and machine deployment, improved e ciency, and a clear path for
Pakistan? learning to automate key nancial processes, enhance growth.
Saquib Ahmad: SAP is revolutionizing accounting accuracy, and provide real-time insights for better b) For the public sector, SAP o ers:
practices in Pakistan with cloud-based and AI-driven decision-making. • SAP Public Sector Management: Helps governments
solutions that enable businesses to modernize their a) Automated Financial Close: The SAP Advanced e ciently manage budgets, resources, and overall
operations. Key o erings include: Financial Closing tool minimizes manual e ort, performance.
• RISE with SAP: A comprehensive enabling faster and more accurate period-end
transformation package integrating SAP closings. • SAP Tax and Revenue Management: Streamlines tax
S/4HANA Cloud, providing automation, collection, enhances compliance, and improves
real-time nancial insights, and compliance b) Smart Reconciliations: SAP Cash Application uses transparency.
support for both SMEs and large enterprises. machine learning to automatically match payments • SAP Citizen Engagement Center: Enhances service
with invoices, improving cash ow visibility.
• GROW with SAP: Tailored for mid-sized delivery through digital platforms and real-time
companies, this solution o ers a fast, scalable c) Predictive Analytics: Embedded AI delivers real-time monitoring.
approach to implementing SAP S/4HANA nancial forecasts and scenario planning for proactive These solutions empower SMEs and public organizations to
Cloud, facilitating the adoption of global best decision-making. leverage advanced technologies without requiring
practices in nancial management. d) Anomaly Detection: Machine learning algorithms signi cant capital investments.
• SAP Concur: Streamlines expense and invoice identify transaction irregularities, strengthening fraud ICMA: What advice would you give to Pakistani
management, ensuring e ciency and prevention. businesses on embracing AI and digital technologies to
compliance with local tax regulations. e) Continuous Accounting: Real-time data validation stay competitive?
These solutions empower businesses in Pakistan and reconciliation reduce the need for Saquib Ahmad: To remain competitive in today’s rapidly
with advanced tools to optimize nancial time-consuming reviews. evolving market, Pakistani businesses should focus on:
operations, enhance transparency, and drive These AI-driven capabilities are available through RISE with a) Adopting Scalable ERP Systems: Start with RISE with
sustainable growth. SAP and GROW with SAP, ensuring businesses of all sizes SAP or GROW with SAP to digitize operations and
ICMA: Can you share examples of SAP’s impact can optimize their nancial operations. integrate AI-driven decision-making.
on industries like cement, automotive, oil & gas, b) Leveraging AI Tools: Utilize SAP S/4HANA’s embedded
and the public sector? ICMA: What challenges do businesses in Pakistan face AI for nancial forecasting, anomaly detection, and
when adopting SAP, and how does SAP help overcome
Saquib Ahmad: SAP is playing a pivotal role in them? intelligent work ows.
transforming key industries in Pakistan by c) Building a Strong Data Strategy: Implement robust
enhancing e ciency, automation, and Saquib Ahmad: Businesses in Pakistan encounter several data governance and analytics with SAP Analytics Cloud
decision-making through its advanced solutions. challenges when adopting SAP, but SAP provides tailored to unlock actionable insights.
solutions to address these hurdles:
• Cement: Companies like Lucky Cement and d) Prioritizing Workforce Training: Upskill teams
DG Khan Cement utilize SAP to optimize supply a) High Initial Costs: RISE with SAP and GROW with SAP through SAP Learning Hub to ensure successful
chains, manage raw materials, and enhance o er exible, subscription-based pricing models, adoption of new technologies.
production planning. reducing upfront investment.
e) Enhancing Customer Experience: Use SAP Customer
• Automotive: Indus Motor Company bene ts b) Implementation Complexities: The SAP Activate Experience (CX) solutions to personalize interactions
from SAP Digital Manufacturing Cloud and SAP Methodology streamlines the implementation process and build long-term customer loyalty.
Vehicle Management System (VMS) to improve with pre-con gured best practices. f) Embracing a Cloud-First Approach: Leverage SAP
production, inventory management, and Business Technology Platform (BTP) for seamless
after-sales services. Other automotive brands c) Skill Shortages: SAP collaborates with local integration, scalability, and continuous innovation.
using SAP solutions include Hyundai, KIA, implementation partners and provides access to the
Suzuki, MG, and Honda. SAP Learning Hub for training and upskilling. By adopting SAP’s AI and cloud-based solutions, Pakistani
• Oil & Gas: Pakistan State Oil (PSO) leverages SAP d) Legacy System Integration: The SAP Business businesses can streamline operations, reduce costs, and
S/4HANA for Oil and Gas to manage complex Technology Platform (BTP) ensures seamless integration strengthen their competitive edge in the global market.
supply chain operations, optimize asset with existing systems for a smooth transition. The Editorial Board thanks Mr. Saquib Ahmad, Country Managing
performance, and ensure compliance with e) Resistance to Change: SAP o ers robust change Director of SAP for Pakistan, Afghanistan Bahrain & Iraq for
energy regulations. Other SAP customers in this management tools and user-friendly interfaces to sparing from his precious time to give exclusive interview for
sector include OGDCL, PARCO, GO Petroleum, facilitate adoption. Chartered Management Accountant Journal.
and Hascol.

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