Hi,
Document automation basically is a one of the latest solutions offering by SAP Ariba that allows buyers to integrate their ERP with Ariba network for transacting PO's, Invoices and other supporting documents/features.
Document Automation can be PO Automation or Invoice Automation or both.
PO Automation:
Purchase orders are delivered from ERPs to suppliers through Ariba Network. Suppliers can view the POs
online or select a preferred delivery method such as cXML, EDI, email, or fax. Purchase order changes and
cancellations can also be delivered to suppliers.
Invoice Automation:
Suppliers can submit PO invoices online through the Ariba Network user interface. They can flip a purchase
order received on the network in order to create a PO invoice.
Suppliers can also submit non-PO invoices online through the Ariba Network interface.
They can also load invoices using EDI or cXML.
So in simple terms your SAP ERP is now able to communicate with Ariba Network for key documents with document automation. Document Scanning e.g. OCR options are additional services and should not be confused with the document automation terminology.
Cheers!!
Vilas