Unlock efficiency and growth with payables automation

December 12, 2024

The evolution of payables – From manual to automated

Efficiency is the currency that drives business success. For finance teams, particularly those responsible for managing accounts payable (AP), the pressure to streamline processes and cut costs is rising.

For years, the AP process has been riddled with inefficiencies. Manual processes such as paper invoicing, check writing and manual reconciliations consume valuable time and increase the risk of errors and fraud.

On the other hand, payables automation puts advanced technology to work to automate invoice receipt, capture, routing and approval, changing the way businesses handle their B2B disbursements.

Key benefits of payables automation

1. Efficiency and cost savings

Automation overrides the time-consuming manual tasks that impede your AP team, allowing them to focus on strategic activities. Transforming your AP disbursements from checks to electronic payments can significantly reduce processing costs and enhance overall efficiency.

2. Transparency and control

Automated systems give you real-time visibility into the AP process to track and monitor every transaction. This level of transparency helps you reduce fraud and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

3. Scalability

As your business grows, so does the volume of transactions. Payables automation solutions are designed to scale with your business, handling increased transaction volumes without compromising on efficiency or accuracy.

4. Improved vendor relationships

Fast and accurate payments build better vendor relationships. Automated systems process and pay invoices promptly, leading to negotiated discounts and improved cash flow management. Additionally, offering on-demand self-service via a customer portal can answer most vendor questions. This means fewer phone calls and emails to your AP team and higher levels of vendor satisfaction.

5. Revenue generation

Payables automation won’t just cut costs: It can turn your AP department into a revenue generator. Early payment discounts and optimized cash flow can unlock additional financial benefits for your organization.

Partner for growth

Turning finance costs into revenue is top of mind for CFOs. Finding a provider that offers a comprehensive suite of receivables, payables and revenue optimization tools designed to boost efficiency, create revenue opportunities and give you the confidence and capabilities to grow is paramount for modernizing finance operations.

Automation and innovation are the future of finance. By embracing payables automation, businesses can keep money flowing and achieve unparalleled efficiency, transparency and revenue generation.

About the author
Keith Cowart, Global Market Owner, Automated Finance, FIS
Keith CowartGlobal Market Owner, Automated Finance, FIS

Keith has over 25 years of professional experience in various accounting and finance leadership roles including Accounts Payable, G/L Accounting, and Credit and Collections in large global companies with shared service centers.

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