Building Supplier Trust with Real-Time Collaboration and Shared KPIs

Supplier trust is vital to any Source to Pay cycle that depends on coordinated activity between buyers and suppliers. SAP procurement teams often encounter delays, mismatches, and miscommunication because their collaboration depends on emails, spreadsheets, and manual status tracking. These methods create uncertainty around purchase order progress, shipment timing, and quality verification. This type of misalignment influences inventory decisions, service levels, and operational timing.

SAP ECC and SAP S/4 HANA users rely on accurate and timely supplier updates. When teams rely on disconnected tools, each step increases the risk of information gaps and delays in follow-ups. Manual processes introduce inconsistencies that reduce trust and complicate collaboration.

The Cherrywork Supplier Collaboration Portal (SCP) provides a unified platform that facilitates transparent interactions between suppliers. Built on SAP Business Technology Platform, it integrates directly with SAP ECC and SAP S/4 HANA. The supplier collaboration software replaces fragmented communication with structured Source-to-Pay interactions, which strengthen trust and improve predictability.

Digital Alignment: The Heart of Transparent Collaboration

Digital alignment supports predictable collaboration because both buyers and suppliers operate with the same information at the same time. Cherrywork SCP establishes this alignment through real-time updates that are instantly reflected across SAP ECC and SAP S/4 HANA systems. This type of consistency is essential for Source to Pay processes because procurement actions often depend on accurate details from earlier stages of the process.

Key supplier interactions that CW SCP connects with SAP records include:

• Purchase order confirmations
• Acknowledgments
• Production updates
• Shipment details

This clarity helps teams avoid guesswork and maintain steady communication.

Cherrywork SCP ensures that suppliers share clear data through structured screens. The portal utilizes guided screens and intelligent application logic to support accurate and error-free transactions. Each interaction, such as PO confirmation or change request submission, is clearly visible to both buyers and suppliers, contributing to stable communication.

Closing the Visibility Gap: Real-Time Process Tracking

Visibility across the full procurement journey

Cherrywork SCP gives SAP users end-to-end visibility from requisition to goods receipt. Supplier updates sync instantly with SAP ECC or SAP S/4HANA, reducing follow-ups and eliminating information gaps.

Tracking purchase order acknowledgment

Suppliers confirm purchase orders directly within the portal. Buyers can view acknowledgments, acceptances, or change requests immediately. This reduces manual confirmation activity and helps teams manage lead times with greater clarity.

Monitoring production and quality status at each stage

Cherrywork SCP allows suppliers to update production readiness, assembly progress, quality checks, and shipping status, helping SAP procurement teams anticipate delivery timelines accurately. It also supports quality inspection booking, with results shared instantly to prevent delays or disputes.

Shipment visibility and goods receipt accuracy

Advanced shipment notifications provide tracking, logistics details, and quantities so buyers can prepare in advance. Goods receipt updates sync instantly with SAP ECC or SAP S/4HANA, ensuring accurate audit trails for both partial and full deliveries. Cherrywork SCP also supports 360° visibility and auto-posting of completely matched invoices.

Metrics That Matter: Shared KPIs to Drive Accountability

Improved monitoring through process-specific dashboards

• Cherrywork SCP includes process-specific dashboards that help SAP users monitor supplier activity through supplier performance metrics in real time.
• Dashboards highlight key procurement metrics such as open purchase orders, pending confirmations, production progress, and work order status.
• Timely insight into ongoing activity supports effective procurement planning.

Real-time dashboard accuracy

• When suppliers update delivery dates or quantities, dashboards adjust instantly, demonstrating clear real-time supplier dashboard benefits.
• Procurement teams avoid outdated data and manual confirmation messages.
• Real-time accuracy strengthens trust because SCP consistently reflects supplier input.

Supplier evaluation and ranking clarity

• Cherrywork SCP enables supplier evaluation based on measurable criteria.
• The portal generates a “Top On-Time Delivery Vendor” ranking using delivery history, adherence to quoted price, and quantity compliance.
• Supplier ratings such as excellent, good, or poor appear during sourcing award decisions.
• These insights remove the need for manual data collection during supplier selection.

Custom KPIs for procurement programs

• SCP supports supplier KPIs for digital procurement by enabling users to build custom KPIs.
• Procurement teams can define KPI names and adjust axis parameters.
• KPI flexibility ensures organizations monitor metrics aligned with operational goals.
• Custom KPI creation enables detailed performance management throughout the year.

Tailored Dashboards & Workflow: A Framework for Transparent Accountability

Configurable dashboards to support procurement objectives

• SAP procurement leaders can adjust dashboard formats to meet specific business needs.
• Visualization preferences, date ranges, KPI filters, and drill-down capabilities support targeted tracking requirements.
• Customization strengthens clarity and transparency in supplier relationship management.

Accelerating procurement approvals  

• Cherrywork SCP includes a flexible workflow feature that enables any purchasing group member to claim pending approval tasks.
• This prevents delays caused by waiting for a designated approver.
• Procurement cycles move faster as workload is distributed efficiently.
• Workflows remain 100% streamlined and standardized through rule-based business process controls.

Handling exceptions through service request management

• Service request management supports the structured resolution of procurement issues.
• Stakeholders can raise requests for PR or PO challenges, production inconsistencies, or technical questions.
• Each request follows a clear resolution path, supporting trust by ensuring concerns are visible and acknowledged.

Know more about the dashboards and KPIs by booking a demo with our technical experts!

Trust Through Process: Supporting Features That Reinforce Confidence

Accurate supplier information

Supplier profile management helps organizations maintain accurate supplier data. This includes certifications, mandatory compliance records, and bank account details. Centralized information eliminates the need for repeated validations and supports smoother sourcing and procurement workflows.

Contractual clarity through digital contract management

Cherrywork SCP allows users to manage contract creation, amendments, versioning, and renewals digitally. Approved contracts support direct PO creation. This structure removes uncertainties and helps maintain alignment between SAP procurement teams and suppliers.

The digital assistant

The digital assistant within CW SCP helps users complete tasks efficiently. SAP teams can request support for goods receipt posting, PR creation, or mass updates for multiple purchase orders. The assistant also retrieves user guides and Q&A material, which reduces dependency on manual navigation

Turning Collaboration into Competitive Advantage with Cherrywork SCP

Cherrywork SCP replaces paperwork and email-based collaboration with structured interactions. Automated workflows reduce manual workload, and accurate communication lowers the likelihood of disputes, supporting stronger relationships.

Key benefits include:

• Real-time visibility across purchase orders, production, inspection, shipment, and goods receipt
• Instant updates from suppliers, ensuring accurate, validated information for buyers.
• Structured workflows and measurable performance insights that reduce delays and improve clarity
• Reliable supplier alignment that fosters long-term, trust-based relationships

Organizations using Cherrywork SCP report up to 40% savings driven by procurement digitalization. Book a demo to experience how Cherrywork SCP, fully integrated with  SAP ECC and SAP S/4HANA, enables transparent collaboration, streamlined workflows, and timely supplier communication!