«The Release Cockpit is now central to our financial processes.»
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How long have you been using the Abacus Business Software, and what prompted the switch?
Sascha Nöthiger: We introduced the Abacus Business Software on 1 July 2025. The switch from a major competitor to Abacus went surprisingly well, and with Customize we had a strong partner at our side. For example, a new chart of accounts was introduced, and the master data for all suppliers and customers was cleaned up.
What do you appreciate most about Abacus?
SN: At Giezendanner Transport AG, high efficiency, transparency and flexibility are essential. What impresses me most about Abacus is its flexibility. At Giezendanner Transport AG, we had not experienced this with an ERP system before. Abacus is the centrepiece of our software landscape, where all system-relevant data comes together.
Which accounts payable functions do you value in particular?
SN: One highlight of accounts payable is the clear overview provided by document approval. I can see exactly how many documents are in circulation and where they may still be pending. We did not have this in our previous software, which made it difficult to keep track of open approvals. Another highlight is document recognition via DeepBox, which allows supplier invoices to be entered in Abacus much more quickly.
“One highlight of accounts payable is the clear overview provided by document approval. I can see exactly how many documents are in circulation and where they may still be pending.”
Sascha Nöthiger, CFO and member of the Executive Board at Giezendanner Transport AG
What were the biggest challenges in the accounts payable process with the previous software?
SN: The biggest challenges were mainly the high administrative workload and limited process efficiency. Manually entering documents was very time-consuming and also increased the risk of errors.
How does the process work today?
SN: Today, the accounts payable process is largely digitalised and automated. Incoming invoices are processed via DeepBox and transferred directly to accounts payable. There, the document is checked by the accounting team and then added directly to the approval process.
Were there any particular challenges during the transition?
SN: Overall, the transition was very positive and well structured. The main challenges were in defining and setting up the recognition fields for the different suppliers.
What role does document approval play in your accounting team’s daily work?
SN: The Release Cockpit is now a central part of our daily financial processes. The respective approval managers can approve accounts payable documents efficiently and adjust them directly where needed. This ensures a structured, transparent and traceable approval process.
How did employees respond to the new product?
SN: Feedback from our employees was consistently very positive. The new solution enables us to work much faster and more efficiently. We have been able to significantly reduce the administrative workload in day-to-day business.
How has the workload in accounting changed since the implementation?
SN: By introducing the Abacus Financial Solutions, we were able to reduce the workload in accounting by around 30 percent. Previously, around 2.8 FTEs were needed; today, it is about 2.0 FTEs.
How do you benefit from integrating your organisational structure, for example with deputies or staff changes?
SN: The integration of the organisational structure has largely eliminated duplication and significantly increased process reliability. Deputy arrangements are used consistently and ensure smooth processes even during absences. Employee changes have also been made much easier, as processes are linked to functions rather than to individual people.
Organisational structure integrated into document approval
The organisational structure in Abacus forms the basis for mapping effective reporting lines within a company. It is used in particular as the basis for managing access rights.
Which functions, apart from document release, would you recommend to other companies?
SN: One highlight is definitely the automatic posting of account transactions in Electronic Banking. In the past, we had to log in to each bank’s e-banking system to retrieve account transactions. Today, with the help of posting rules, we can process 80 percent of all transactions automatically. This makes our work even more efficient and less prone to errors.
About Giezendanner Transport AG
Giezendanner Transport AG is a Swiss family-owned company based in Rothrist and has been active in the transport and logistics industry for more than 90 years. The company offers national and international transport solutions as well as warehouse logistics. Today, the Giezendanner Group employs almost 300 people.
About Sascha Nöthiger
Sascha Nöthiger is CFO and member of the Executive Board of Giezendanner Transport AG and is responsible for Finance, HR, IT, Real Estate and Insurance. In his role, he deals with financial management tasks, personnel management and strategic decisions on a daily basis. He also drives the further development of administrative processes and the digitalisation of the company.