Situation

Metropolitan Water District had been processing paper invoices by manually sorting and routing them for entry into Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS). Overwhelmed by paper and labor-intensive inefficiencies, MWD sought an automated, image-based solution to overcome its business challenges and limitations. Key objectives included:

  • Eliminate reliance on and storage of paper invoices and supporting documentation;
  • Reduce manual data entry, which was time consuming and affected timely payments;
  • Automate manual exception processing to decrease overall processing time;
  • Introduce systemic routing for supplier maintenance and information requests;
  • Leverage a single content repository;
  • Enable authorized users to access invoices directly from within E-Business Suite;
  • Enhance the solution to streamline line-pairing, taxes, and freight.

The combination of Oracle WebCenter’s AP Automation technology with AST’s experienced and knowledgeable staff set Metropolitan on the best path for success in efficiently processing 100% of its invoices. The customizations we sought were accurately built by AST to meet our workflow, batching, and reporting requirements. We know the resulting cost savings and efficiencies will be substantial.

Joyce Wedseltoft Project Manager, MWD
Let’s Create Progress Together!

The combination of Oracle WebCenter’s AP Automation technology with AST’s experienced and knowledgeable staff set Metropolitan on the best path for success in efficiently processing 100% of its invoices. The customizations we sought were accurately built by AST to meet our workflow, batching, and reporting requirements. We know the resulting cost savings and efficiencies will be substantial.

Joyce Wedseltoft Project Manager, MWD

Solutions & Benefits

MWD invested in Oracle’s industry-leading AP Automation technology, Oracle WebCenter, to increase efficiencies and improve system workflows. AST delivered exceptional implementation services and industry best-practices to ensure that MWD achieved its goals of invoice automation and elimination of paper reliance.
AST’s implementation has provided MWD with the following business process improvements:

  • Manual data entry is substantially decreased.
  • Invoices are routed for approval or supplier maintenance using inherent AP workflows.
  • Management is now able to oversee the process and ensure minimal payment delays.
  • Invoice images stored in a central repository appear as links in EBS for quick viewing access throughout the invoice life-cycle.
  • Broad WebCenter reporting capabilities enable management to analyze process effectiveness and facilitate improved decision-making.
Industry: Utilities

Solution Components:

  • Oracle WebCenter Content
  • Oracle WebCenter Imaging
  • Oracle WebCenter Enterprise Capture
  • Oracle WebCenter Forms Recognition
  • Oracle E-Business Suite
  • Oracle Application Adapters
  • Oracle SOA/BPM Suite
  • Oracle WebLogic Server
  • Oracle Database Server
why ast poster why ast poster

Why AST?


In partnership with AST, Metropolitan has realized an increased efficiency in processing times and exception resolutions. The implementation has improved visibility, eliminated processing bottlenecks, and increased early payment discounts.