Case Study: Grainger achieves maximized req-to-check efficiency with SAP Ariba

Grainger and Flint Hills Resources Maximizing Req-to-Check Efficiency through Ariba Business Commerce

W.W. Grainger, a leading North American distributor of MRO products, and Flint Hills Resources (FHR), a major refinery and chemicals company, partnered to modernize and automate procurement. Grainger wanted to expand e-commerce capabilities and fully automate the req-to-check process for customers; FHR sought to replace a limited EDI system, improve P2P visibility and control, and achieve a near zero-touch order-to-payment cycle to reduce costs and hidden transaction inefficiencies.

Both companies implemented Ariba solutions—Grainger via the Ariba Network, PunchOut and hosted catalog services, and FHR with Ariba PO and Invoice Automation—integrating systems and coordinating closely during rollout. The collaboration delivered stronger supplier relationships, faster, more accurate order-to-cash cycles, and major efficiency gains: near‑99% touchless invoicing, 36,000 POs and 204,000 touchless invoices processed annually, 229 sellers on the network, and significant time and cost savings (about two hours saved per buyer per day).

Grainger

Andre Rego

Senior Manager, eCommerce Strategy and Planning