Accounts Payable Automation: What is it?
Account Payable Automation or AP automation is a process in which all accounts payable processes are digitally handled using tech instead of manually. It involves steps like coding, reconciliation, receiving invoices, payments and routing for approval. Most people use the term “touchless” processing since AP automation eliminates the need for manual data input throughout the process.
AP automation offers analytic tools and dashboards in its software that help manage the accounts payable process and determine problems in the system. Also, auditing and searching for information are easier since all accounts payable are digitalised.
Reason for Automating Accounts Payable
There are plenty of reasons for automating accounts payable. Some companies automate AP to rapidly get back their return on investments. By automating accounts payable, you can reduce the processing costs. You will require fewer people; hence, you can scale your accounts payable as your business grows. Some of the tools that AP automation offers can help tightly manage payments and cash flow. In terms of payment, AP automation can increase the chances of you capturing supplier payment discounts thanks to the faster and smoother payment process.
Benefits of AP Automation
Accounts payable automation is one of the most important tools that can help your business stay ahead of the competition. It offers both strategic and operational leverage in financial management.
Improve Financial Accuracy
It reduces the likelihood of errors that result from manual entry processes. This improves and maintains higher consistency levels in financial data management.
Enhance Efficiency
It reduces manual intervention, hence improving the workflow. In return, your company will experience timely payments, more value-added tasks, better resource allocation and faster approval cycles.
Improve Financial Visibility
AP automation provides transparency of the entire payment process in real time. It also offers a consolidated view of the transactions and financial obligations to empower financial leaders and encourage proactive decision-making.
In a Nutshell
AP automation will greatly impact your departments, including accounts payable, procurement, IT and data management departments. This will help you save a lot of time (by removing manual entry), increase productivity and improve control.
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