Can you explain the purpose of bills of exchange in the SAP FI and FICO modules?

In SAP's Financial Accounting (FI) and Financials and Controlling (FICO) modules, bills of exchange play a significant role in managing financial transactions, particularly in the context of accounts payable and receivable. Here's an explanation of the purpose of bills of exchange in these modules:

Accounts Payable (AP):
Bills of exchange are used as a payment instrument in accounts payable processes. When a company receives goods or services from a vendor, it may agree to pay the vendor at a later date. In some cases, instead of making a direct payment, the company may issue a bill of exchange to the vendor, promising to pay a specified amount at a future date.
In SAP FI and FICO modules, the creation and management of bills of exchange within accounts payable involve recording the relevant details of the bill, such as the due date, amount, vendor information, and any associated bank details.
Bills of exchange are typically treated as negotiable instruments, meaning they can be transferred or endorsed to a third party, allowing the vendor to receive payment from a different entity (e.g., a bank) before the due date.
Accounts Receivable (AR):
Conversely, bills of exchange can also be received from customers as a form of payment in accounts receivable processes. When a customer owes money to a company for goods or services provided, the customer may issue a bill of exchange as a promise to pay the company at a later date.