Be Prepared for the Important Questions

Last month, we blogged about the importance of customers asking AP automation vendors the tough questions up front. This time, we’re turning the tables on you, the customer. As vendors, there’s a lot we don’t know about your environment, your aspirations and your organization. We spend a lot of our time (and your time) getting…

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Ask the Tough Questions Up Front

As we roll into 2022, AP Automation is on the minds of financial leaders. It’s one of many digital transformation initiatives that are transforming the way companies conduct business. However, the AP automation landscape can be a bit confusing and a typical evaluation can often take months to complete. The typical evaluation Most customers approach…

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Advantages of Being in the Early Majority for AP Automation

This is the third installment in series of blog posts regarding the Diffusion of Innovation. In the previous blogs, I provided an overview of the concept, discussed the characteristics of buyers in the “early majority” phase, and the penalties associated with being late (crop failure being just one example). Now let’s turn to the advantages.…

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The Importance of Native Integration with an ERP System

A strong accounts payable system is fundamental to maintaining a healthy supply chain. When AP processes are neglected, they endanger the supply chain, undermine supplier relationships, jeopardize supply quality and continuity, and put customers at risk. Given the risks, it’s imperative that IT professionals approach AP automation with stringent requirements regarding integration with the ERP…

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AP Automation and the Total Cost of Ownership

Building a business case for an AP automation solution can be complicated. The typical business case outlines the goals and objectives for the project, the costs associated with implementation and ongoing production, and the savings that are expected both initially and in the long term. Oftentimes, an ROI assessment is performed to understand the project’s…

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The Best Out-of-the-Box AP Automation Solutions

In recent conversations with several prospects, we learned that they are implementing (or just implemented) an “out-of-the-box AP automation solution.” Actually, the vendors involved represented their AP automation solution as being “out-of-the-box.” However, the reality of their implementation turned out quite different. By the end of the first week, the customers learned that extensive customization…

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Best Practices When Implementing AP Automation

Never automate a bad process. This is the opportunity to get it right. Design the process from the ground up using industry best practices. It rarely makes sense to extensively customize an off-the- shelf AP automation solution. Key requirement: Select solutions that are highly configurable. The best solutions provide the ability to selectively turn functionality…

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Warning Signs that You Need an AP Automation Solution

Technology is getting smarter—integrating itself into ERP platforms without needing people to intervene. Instead of “being the app,” your people will be focused on “using the app” to give business leaders the information they need to make smarter, faster decisions.Technology is getting smarter—integrating itself into ERP platforms without needing people to intervene. Instead of “being…

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How AP Automation Solutions Work

AP automation solutions are integrated with your ERP system. Data from dozens of ERP master files are mapped between the two systems, including the chart of accounts, sub- ledger, address book, supplier master, company master, business unit master, purchase order header and detail, PO receipts and user-defined codes. Data are also pushed back to the…

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