Automating $42M Cross-Border Payments at Scale

From blackouts to breakthroughs: $42M in payments automated across 350 entities

HCLTech’s innovative solution ensures uninterrupted cross-border payments and compliance for leading technology company

5 min read

Inability to make cross-border payments during blackout periods

During blackout periods, the client’s Oracle Fusion AP module is closed and exchange rates are not available in the software. This prevents the processing of cross-border payments using Oracle's standard payment process. Local payments can still be processed, but global payments to suppliers and tax authorities are blocked, posing significant regulatory and reputational risks. The inability to make timely payments could result in massive penalties and operational disruptions.

The Objective

Enable cross-border payments during blackout periods

Our client aimed to develop an automated solution that enables cross-border payments during blackout periods without relying on exchange rates in Oracle Fusion. The solution needed to be accurate, prevent duplicate payments and support high-volume transactions across multiple legal entities.

The Solution

Host-to-host payment automation

HCLTech partnered with the client to implement an end-to-end automated solution involving multiple systems and teams. Key components of the solution include:

SQL logic to identify invoices due during blackout periods
API integration to create payments in Oracle Fusion without using Oracle’s standard payment process
Generation of bank XML files with accurate debit and credit details
Host-to-host integration testing with banks for automatic payment processing
Accrual entries report generation in open GL to ensure financial accuracy and send to business stake holders automatically through email.
Fixes to prevent duplicate payments by placing invoices on hold and validating payment dates

HCLTech tested the solution across multiple regions and entities, ensuring robustness and scalability.

The Impact

Operational speed, cost efficiency and risk management

The eight-month implementation resulted in significant improvements:

Enabled processing of over 200 tax payments annually during blackout periods
Automated payments totaling $42 million per year
Supported more than 350 legal entities globally
Reduced manual effort and human error
Improved cost efficiency and operational speed
Scalable without significant increase in cost or effort

In short, the solution ensures timely cross-border payments, avoids regulatory and reputational risks and supports the organization's growth and scalability.