Interview with Emmanuel DUFORET, Credit Manager Group at Groupe ADP
Emmanuel DUFORET
Head of Customer Risk and Collections
Groupe ADP
CHALLENGES :
ADP faced significant constraints with their existing credit management tool, which was not meeting their operational needs:
- Lack of Flexibility: The previous tool was too rigid, particularly in parameterization and functional administration. ADP's team lacked direct control over the platform.
- Manual Workload: The tool generated excessive manual tasks that negatively impacted productivity.
- Limited Collaboration: It was solely used by the recovery team, lacking integration with other departments such as operations and billing.
- Insufficient Reporting: The absence of comprehensive and actionable reports hindered data-driven decision-making.
- Unoptimized Processes: There were inefficiencies in the workflow, including a lack of integration with clients and weak claim management processes.
Solution
Following a competitive call for tenders and subsequent selection process, ADP adopted My DSO Manager, a digital platform for optimizing credit management and recovery processes. Key highlights of the implementation:
- Comprehensive Platform: My DSO Manager evolved from a recovery tool into a collaborative platform integrating all stakeholders, including operational teams and external clients. The system now centralizes critical client data, facilitating smoother interactions across departments.
- Customization and Flexibility: ADP leveraged My DSO Manager’s customization capabilities to tailor workflows and prioritize tasks. Alerts and insights were configured to enable proactive management of credit risks and recovery.
- Data-Centric Operations: Enhanced data segmentation, analysis, and real-time insights empowered ADP to improve decision-making and operational strategies. Interactive features such as email alerts allowed for dynamic and streamlined communication with clients.
- Implementation Excellence: Despite ADP's complex structure (21 entities initially), the project was delivered in under three months. The solution included six integrated connectors, including payment systems, solvency reports, and digital invoice management (e.g., Corus).
Results
The implementation of My DSO Manager brought measurable benefits to ADP:
- Operational Efficiency: Expanded the active involvement from six recovery team members to over 60 collaborators across departments, significantly increasing productivity. Consolidated operations from multiple tools into a single platform, reducing time spent on manual coordination.
- Improved Cash Flow: Reduced Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) by standardizing client payment behaviors and minimizing outliers. Achieved higher accuracy in cash flow forecasting, with deviations reduced to ±3%.
- Client-Centric Approach: The interactive features allowed clients to self-manage tasks such as document retrieval, payment confirmations, and claims updates. Enhanced client experience by providing real-time visibility and seamless communication.
- Enhanced Data Utilization: Improved reporting and analytics enabled better management of risks, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
- Global Scalability: The solution was scalable, supporting multiple entities and geographies, ensuring future adaptability as ADP expands.