Spain From separated to integrated

The implementation of standard, Europe-wide payment mechanisms is proceeding apace: the SEPA (Single Euro Payment Area) direct debit scheme is due to be introduced on 1 November 2009.

Businesses that deploy SAP ERP software and wish to take advantage of standardised, accelerated payment transactions need to adapt their ERP systems in line with the new requirements.

To this end, TDS offers mid-size companies with standard SAP installations a complete package of services: for a flat fee of €3,000, TDS’s SAP specialists analyse the customer’s existing ERP software, and perform modifications to support the new European credit transfer scheme.

The Neckarsulm-based IT service provider also helps adapt the customer’s software to process SEPA data, configure systems used to generate electronic bank statements, and implement support for SEPA direct debit transactions.

Fit for the future with SEPA
The introduction of SEPA functionality for more efficient payment transactions is a key strategic decision for businesses, because SEPA credit transfers are gradually to become the standard not only for payments between European countries, but also within them.

SEPA makes it easier for small and mid-size enterprises, in particular, to gain access to new procurement and sales markets elsewhere in Europe. At the same time, it helps them save time and money. For example, from 2012, transactions must be completed within one day, rather than the current five. This will not increase costs, because the fees will be adjusted in line with domestic rates.

A one-stop service
Underlying the functionality is a new, XML-based data format. Support for SEPA credit transfers can be implemented in SAP ERP software from release 4.6C, while release 4.7 or higher is required for SEPA direct debits.

The package offered by TDS includes the following services: analysis of the SAP solution by the IT service provider’s specialists, presentation of recommendations for the subsequent project, and taking care of customising, testing and go-live.

Customers can select from a range of additional, optional services from TDS, such as the installation of support packages and modification of master data.

More information on TDS’s SEPA package is available at www.tds.de/hr (German only).