Quick overview of FUTURA Smart
Welcome to FUTURA. On this page, we give you a brief overview of the advantages and what you can use our FUTURA Smart application for.
What is FUTURA Smart?
FUTURA Smart is a standalone, cloud-based platform for modern sourcing management that integrates seamlessly and natively with SAP. The solution is based on the same business logic as SAP and is therefore 100% SAP-compatible – with a rollout and implementation time of only 4 to 8 weeks.
The platform enables SAP-based purchasing in a completely new quality: It ensures digitally end-to-end, globally networked processes between buyers and suppliers. Smart networking and automation options give procurement the flexibility to efficiently and sustainably take tendering and procurement to the next level of digitalization – with SAP as the digital core.
Everything in S/4HANA – everything in real time
FUTURA Smart is the answer to the requirements of SAP customers who want to consistently digitize their procurement processes as part of their digital core strategy:
SAP Launchpad serves as a single point of entry for all sourcing activities.
Data is accessed directly in S/4HANA – in real time.
FUTURA apps offer simplified user guidance.
Suppliers and service providers can be connected flexibly and efficiently.
The result:
✅ No parallel purchasing processes
✅ No shadow systems
✅ No error-prone data imports and exports
How to get off to a great start with FUTURA Smart
In order for you to be able to use FUTURA Smart quickly and efficiently, only a few steps are required – depending on your mode of operation (stand-alone or with SAP integration):
✅ For SAP integration (with direct connection to S/4HANA)
Check system requirements
Make sure that an up-to-date version of S/4HANA is available and that the SAP Launchpad is deployed.Technical connection
Set up the FUTURA apps in the SAP Launchpad. This is done in close coordination between your IT team and FUTURA.Authorization management
Create user accounts and assign the required roles and authorizations (e.g., purchasers, administrators).Prepare master data
Check and clean up your procurement and supplier data in SAP, if necessary.Integrate suppliers
Integrate your suppliers either via the FUTURA Supplier Network (company name and e-mail address are sufficient) or synchronize them directly from SAP. Suppliers maintain their data independently during registration.Training & Go-Live
Conduct a short, targeted training course for the relevant departments. The productive start is usually possible within about 4 to 8 weeks.
✅ For stand-alone use (without SAP connection)
Apply for
access Apply for a FUTURA Smart account for your company.Authorization management
Create user accounts and assign the appropriate roles and authorizations (e.g. purchasers, administrators).Integrate
Onboard your suppliers via the FUTURA Supplier Network – company name and email address are sufficient. Suppliers maintain their data independently during registration.Start processes
Initiate your first RFQ or RFI directly via the portal.Evaluate results & make decisions
Compare quotations, negotiate and process the results manually. Answers to questionnaires can be conveniently evaluated via an integrated evaluation matrix.
Hint: The platform is out-of-the-box, modularly scalable and designed for rapid implementation, regardless of the chosen operating model.
Harmonize, simplify, accelerate sourcing processes
FUTURA apps bring the entire functional world of FUTURA Smart into the SAP Launchpad: Buyers can thus more easily start and better control tender events from SAP, compare quotations directly, and use negotiations strategically.
Here are some examples of apps that can help you do this:
How the FUTURA apps are arranged in your launchpad and what names they have must be determined individually by the customer. The names used for you may differ from those listed here.
FUTURA BANF Cockpit
Challenge | Solution | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
Quickly and easily search for purchase requisitions, select them and transfer them to a request. | Simple, fast and clear filtering, selection and transfer of requisitions into a request for quotation. Direct assignment of suppliers from SAP, your address book and/or FUTURA Supplier Network. | More certainty that all requisitions will be processed due to the better overview. In addition, time savings and at the same time acceleration through seamless integration instead of time wasters due to system discontinuities. |
FUTURA Monitor for requests for quotation
Challenge | Solution | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
Track or modify requests for quotation and and identify supplier activity. | Complete overviews of all requests, react quickly to activities of your suppliers, receive questions and send replies and messages. | All purchasing and requesting processes at a glance. No matter from which source – one view for everything. Easily modify your requests for quotation and add new suppliers. |
FUTURA monitor for quotations
Challenge | Solution | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
Opening quotations, viewing the price comparison list and negotiating with suppliers. | Define negotiation teams and approvers, open quotations (closed requests for quotation), and evaluate and negotiate with suppliers. Start new rounds of requests for quotation or auctions, approve and issue as well as create purchase orders and/or contracts in SAP. | All quotations at a glance, regardless of the request process. Automated evaluation of quotations in the price comparison list with all the information provided by the supplier. Implementing the best purchasing strategy: Personal negotiation or a new round of a request for quotation. |
Integration of suppliers
With FUTURA Smart, suppliers and service providers are integrated into your business processes in real time without media discontinuity. This gives you a fast line to your suppliers – and vice versa.
Ad-hoc integration – company name and e-mail address are sufficient
Integrate communication with suppliers in an audit-proof manner
High level of acceptance due to cost free use for suppliers
GDPR-compliant and thus reliable data protection
Onboarding
All suppliers invited to a request for quotation will receive their own FUTURA account. Suppliers add their own master data during registration. They can view the request for quotation, edit and submit their quotation and manage their company profile via their company account.
This is what the request for quotation process looks like on the supplier's side:
Receives an invitation to request for quotation by e-mail – access data for the first login, e.g. for quotation processing or order confirmation, will be sent automatically.
Opens the request for quotation in its supplier portal and calculates online or enters the prices
Specifies delivery quantities and delivery times
Adds the entry of a bid deadline
Submit the quotations and you're done!
Communication
All messages exchanged with suppliers are bundled in a central location and can also be viewed transparently by other persons in charge, e.g. in the case of a substitution. This ensures that inquiries are clarified promptly and in a traceable manner in order to receive the best possible quotations.
Do you have questions about FUTURA Smart? You can find many answers to your questions here in this Support Center. If you do not find what you are looking for on these pages, you can count on our support by e-mail and phone free of charge*:
Phone: +49 611 33 460 560 | Phone from the USA: 833 657 1575
(Mon-Fri, from 8:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. – Central European Time)
Email: support@futura-solutions.de
Online: Support Center for purchasers | Support Center for suppliers
(*free of charge: Charges may apply for a metered connection via telephone or Internet.)