How DataServ and NFI Group Optimized AP Automation Together
Key Results:
- Improved AutoVouch™ automation performance
- Reduced AP processing friction
- Established a structured collaboration model
- Delivered targeted system enhancements
- Stabilized and optimized the AP automation environment
- Created a forward-looking optimization roadmap
Key Stats:
- Multiple operating regions, including North America and Europe
- Client since 2020 with ongoing optimizations
- Industry: Global transportation manufacturer
- ERP: Multiple ERPs
Executive Summary
NFI Group, a global leader in transportation manufacturing, partnered with DataServ in 2020 to modernize and standardize accounts payable operations globally across multiple business units and regions. While the long-term goals were clear (standardization, touchless automation, and executive visibility), early alignment of systems and workflows presented challenges.
Rather than treating implementation as a finish line, DataServ remained engaged post-go-live. Through focused support, structured reviews, and ongoing collaboration, DataServ worked with NFI to diagnose issues, incorporate user feedback, and refine automation performance. Today, NFI’s AP automation reflects a stable, optimized partnership focused on measurable improvement.
Outcomes
Turning Early Friction into Action
NFI initially partnered with DataServ to help address cash flow challenges and improve visibility into accounts payable activity. As automation expanded, both teams focused on optimizing AutoVouch™ performance and exception handling to better support real-world invoice scenarios across regions. DataServ conducted detailed system reviews, analyzed automation patterns, and collaborated closely with NFI stakeholders to identify improvement opportunities. The result was a structured, data-driven optimization plan designed to strengthen automation performance and support long-term efficiency gains.
Deep, Ongoing Collaboration
Through cross-team working sessions and regular Executive Value Reviews, both organizations defined clear action categories, DataServ-driven improvements, joint initiatives, and NFI-led process changes. This structured approach strengthened accountability and alignment.
Targeted System Enhancements
Based on user observations and data analysis, DataServ introduced meaningful improvements, including:
- Enhanced AutoVouch™ handling for invoices with mixed two-way and three-way PO lines
- Improved tolerance analysis to reduce low-risk AutoVouch™ failures
- Performance improvements to the AutoVouch™ Exception Form
- Clearer routing controls to prevent cross-region approval errors
Each enhancement addressed a specific pain point raised by NFI users, reinforcing trust in the system and the partnership.
A Clear Path Forward
With foundational issues addressed, NFI and DataServ aligned on next-phase priorities including continued AutoVouch™ tuning, organizational structure improvements, metric standardization, and expanded analytics. The focus has shifted from stabilization to sustained performance improvement and resource optimization.
Business Impact
- Stability: Focused post-go-live support resulted in a more reliable automation environment.
- Trust: Regular engagement strengthened the working relationship between teams.
- Usability: Workflow and exception improvements reduced user friction.
- Visibility: Standardized dashboards provide clearer performance insight.
- Partnership: Optimization continues well beyond implementation.
Thoughts from NFI Group
“DataServ took the time to understand our challenges and stayed engaged until we saw real improvement. The willingness to listen, adjust, and work alongside our team made a meaningful difference.”
—Manuel Luz, Accounts Payable Lead