In most cases, automation just makes everyone’s life easier. But it’s still an investment (although one that can often pay for itself), so let’s look at why you look deeper into automation.

Implemented well, accounts payable automation:

Saves time. What was previously slow and repetitive work - checking purchase order forms and entering data - is now done almost instantly.

Leads to fewer errors. Whereas humans tend to make mistakes the more manual a task is, computer programs repeat them endlessly without fault.

Digitizes documents by default. Giant storage rooms and paper filing are out. Rather than filling out paper purchase orders then scanning and emailing them around the office, why not go digital right from the start?

Increases productivity. The logical upshot of saving time by not doing boring, manual work, is that your teams have more time for the work they should be doing. That starts with finance, of course, but also includes other teams that don’t know how accounts payable works, and waste time figuring it out.

Makes AP accessible from anywhere. Paper processes usually need to be done in the right place. Documents have to be placed in the right in-tray, and filed in the right cabinet. But digital processes - when they’re cloud-based - can be done from anywhere with an internet connection!

Gives autonomy to other teams. If you choose a well-made, intuitive AP automation tool, these processes become accessible to everyone - not just finance. Other teams can confidently file purchase orders quickly and efficiently, with a system that walks them through step by step. Which means they need a lot less hand-holding than they used to.

Of course, you’ll find plenty more benefits the longer you stick with a good AP software. Which brings us to the next section.

For those new to accounts payable automation, we present a few good options to help you manage the process easier than you’d previously imagined.