Why sustainable processes matter more than ever today
Sustainability is no longer just a CSR issue – it has become both a corporate duty and an economic opportunity. Companies are under pressure to reduce their ecological footprint, fulfil regulatory requirements (e.g. ESG reporting obligations) and remain efficient at the same time.
Digital workflows offer a double lever here: They optimise processes AND save resources. In combination with xSuite solutions and ZELMION’s workflow expertise, automated, sustainable processes are created – especially in the areas of invoice processing, purchasing, contract and document management.
1. Paperless as a starting point: Sustainability begins with the document flow
A large proportion of CO₂ emissions in office organisations are directly linked to paper-based processes. The xSuite solutions enable end-to-end digital processing of all relevant documents – from invoice receipt to archiving.
Advantages of xSuite solutions in the context of sustainability:
- Digital invoice receipt: No paper mail, no printing costs
- Automated workflows: Fewer manual activities = less energy consumption
- Audit-proof archive: No physical storage, no folders, no transport
- Cloud-based provision: Operation on energy-efficient infrastructure possible
Example: A medium-sized company processes over 50,000 invoices a year with xSuite – 100% digitally. Result: Over 1.2 tonnes of paper saved per year.
2. Sustainability in procurement: transparency, control and ESG focus
There is enormous potential for sustainability in purchasing – for example through supplier evaluation, transparent processes and more efficient procurement. xSuite offers workflows for this:
- Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) including approval processes
- Supplier management with ESG criteria
- Contract management and term controlling
These processes not only enable more environmentally friendly purchasing, but also better compliance with ESG regulations.
Practical benefits: Companies can automatically identify unsustainable suppliers, suggest alternatives and make decisions based on CO₂-relevant data – integrated into the xSuite workflow.
3. Automated ESG reporting based on structured workflow data
One of the biggest problems in ESG reporting is the fragmentation of data sources. Manual Excel lists, fragmented systems and non-transparent processes make consolidation difficult.
xSuite uses end-to-end workflows to create a structured database that can also be used for ESG reporting – e.g:
- Evaluation of invoices in transit according to sustainability criteria
- Tracking of paperless workflow content
- Archived CO₂-relevant contract content
In conjunction with reporting tools or ServiceNow platform modules, automated ESG key figures and reports can be derived from this – quickly, audit-proof and verifiable.
4. Sustainability meets efficiency: Economic benefits included
The sustainable use of xSuite Workflows not only makes ecological sense – it also saves money:
Sustainable effect
Paperless invoice processing
Automated approvals
Digital archiving
ESG-compliant supplier management
Economic advantage
Savings on printing, dispatch and storage costs
Faster turnaround times, fewer errors
No physical space required, lower operating costs
Risk minimisation, better basis for negotiation
And: Thanks to scalable cloud provision, many of these processes can also be implemented in medium-sized companies with manageable effort – especially in conjunction with an experienced implementation partner like ZELMION.
5. ZELMION + xSuite: digitalisation with foresight
ZELMION supports companies in the DACH region with the introduction and optimisation of xSuite solutions – with a focus on measurable results and sustainable effects. Customers benefit from:
- Comprehensive advice on sustainable processes
- Technical implementation with a focus on automation
- Integration into existing IT architectures (SAP, ECM, ServiceNow, etc.)
- Future-proof strategies for ESG preparation
The goal: A lean, digital and sustainable process ecosystem – customised to the company’s requirements.
6. Conclusion: Sustainability starts in the workflow
Digitalisation can be a powerful lever for greater sustainability – if it is done right. With xSuite’s solutions and ZELMION’s consulting expertise, digital workflows are created that not only save resources, but also lead to greater transparency, efficiency and regulatory security.
Companies that digitise their invoicing and procurement processes are actively contributing to the environment – and gaining a strategic advantage at the same time.
