SAP Concur

SAP ERP systems can be connected via a standard SAP interface via integration with SAP Concur solutions. The interface is based on an HTTPS connection and communicates with SAP Concur via the REST API. A direct connection and interfaces via middleware are possible. This web service interface is an asynchronous connection in which the request and connection setup are always initiated via the ERP system.

In principle, any other ERP system can be connected. In addition to various import options, SAP Concur also has standardised export options, which can be used using flat file technology via an SFTP server. Alternatively, third party systems can also be integrated via web services and the available API information.

SAP Concur fulfils the criteria and requirements of electronic document storage. Captured document images are time-stamped and fulfil the principle of immutability. They are therefore considered audit-proof. In any case, it is advisable to clarify the authorisation of electronic receipt storage with the relevant competent authority. Experience shows that physical receipts for domestic travel and expense expenses usually no longer need to be stored.

Normally, VAT is calculated in SAP Concur and transferred to the ERP system for posting. The calculation and reclaim of domestic and foreign taxes can be outsourced to service providers. Several such providers can be connected directly to your Concur entity so that tax aspects can be outsourced and tax reclaim optimised.

The connection between credit card and lodge card providers and SAP Concur is made via standardised interfaces. The larger card institutes are familiar with such a connection to SAP Concur, although not all providers can be connected in all countries of the world. On the one hand, the integration of company cards increases data quality thanks to pre-recorded expense information such as amount, date, exchange rate and more. On the other hand, all travel and expense data is summarised in a reporting tool. Both company cards that are paid by employees themselves (individually paid) and are therefore relevant for payment, as well as cards paid by the company (company paid) that do not require reimbursement to employees, can be mapped.

Generally, the reimbursement currency is defined per employee or company. Expenses are converted into the respective payment currency in SAP Concur based on the master data and the location of an expense. By default, Concur calculates using the daily exchange rates of the Oanda platform. However, other exchange rates can also be loaded into the system if required.

The SAP Concur cloud solution is available free of charge as a mobile application for both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices. The app supports almost all functionalities that are available in the synchronised browser version. The app is particularly useful for taking photos of expense receipts with receipt recognition and recording kilometres travelled with a private vehicle using Google Maps integration.

In addition to standard expense types, customer-specific expense types can also be defined. Fixed values, maximum amounts, calculations or other checking rules can be defined in accordance with company guidelines. Furthermore, SAP Concur supports customers in some countries with legally prescribed per diems (e.g. additional meal expenses in Germany) with an automated calculation of the correct daily rates and ensures ongoing updates of the defined rates.