SGN Group: Taking AP Automation to the Next Level

For SGN Group, a Finnish family-owned conglomerate operating across five industries, future-proofing financial operations meant finding a partner that could deliver true automation, seamless integration, and a flexible self-service model.  

About SGN Group 

SGN Group operates across consumer trade, agricultural and horticultural trade, leisure equipment, snow, ice and technical equipment, as well as sports trade. Depending on the sector, SGN applies different business models. In some cases selling directly to end customers, both consumers and entrepreneurs, and in others acting as a trusted partner to its network of entrepreneur-driven resellers. 

The challenges that sparked change

SGN Group’s previous accounts payable (AP) automation solution did not fully meet their needs. Limited service levels and lack of flexibility drove the company to search for a new partner who could better support their strategic priorities:

• Increasing automation in invoice processing to minimize manual intervention.
• Implementing a nimble self-service model that empowers users and streamlines operations.
• Leveraging open and flexible integration through OpenAPI, particularly with their existing SAP systems. 

How Semine became the natural partner in SGN’s digital journey  

Following a comprehensive evaluation process, SGN Group selected Semine as their new AP automation provider. The decision was based not only on Semine’s advanced AI capabilities but also on the overall fit with SGN Group’s long-term vision for digital transformation. 

Semine’s AI-driven automation ensures that a large share of invoices can be processed with minimal human intervention, directly addressing SGN’s goal of accelerating automation. At the same time, the self-service model empowers SGN’s finance teams to adjust, manage, and optimize processes independently, reducing reliance on external support and increasing organizational agility. 

Another decisive factor was Semine’s robust OpenAPI framework, which allows SGN Group to integrate seamlessly with their SAP systems. This flexibility ensures that Semine can be embedded smoothly into SGN’s existing IT landscape without disrupting daily operations. It also lays the groundwork for future scalability, making it possible to expand and refine integrations as SGN’s needs evolve. 

READ MORE:  The airline company Norwegian - AI solution SEMINE delivers immediate results in AP

The Journey Together: From First Meeting to Shared Vision    

The engagement was characterized by a close and transparent collaboration. Through multiple meetings, both parties aligned on requirements, expectations, and technical feasibility. Thanks to SGN Group’s strong internal expertise in process development, automation, and system integration, the dialogue quickly translated into concrete solutions and confidence in a smooth implementation. 

“With the Semine AP solution, the SGN Group has achieved a high level of automation in accounting, workflow processes, and re-invoicing.” - Jan Silander, CIO, SGN Group