Demystifying Accounts Payable Automation: Purpose, Benefits, and Insights
In the world of finance and accounting, businesses are always seeking ways to streamline operations, ensure accuracy, and save both time and money. Enter Accounts Payable (AP) Automation. But what exactly is automation in accounts payable? Why is it being rapidly adopted by businesses worldwide, and can you get a glimpse of it in action?
What is Automation in Accounts Payable?
At its core, AP automation is the use of technology to streamline and automate accounts payable processes, reducing manual tasks and human intervention. This not only minimises errors but also ensures a smoother, faster, and more efficient payment process. With the evolving nature of business operations, AP automation has become an essential tool for modern finance departments.
Purpose of AP Automation
The primary aim of AP automation is to bring about a host of benefits that can revolutionise a company's financial operations:
Efficiency & speed: Automation reduces the manual data entry workload, speeding up the invoice approval process.
Accuracy: Minimising human intervention means fewer errors in data input, ensuring the right payments are made at the right time.
Cost savings: Businesses can save substantially, as the costs associated with manual invoice processing are reduced.
Real-time insights: With automation, businesses gain a clearer view of their financial status, enabling better decision-making.
Enhanced supplier relationships: Timely and accurate payments boost the confidence of suppliers, paving the way for better terms and collaboration.
Example of AP Automation
Imagine a medium-sized business that receives hundreds of invoices monthly. Before AP automation, a team of accountants would manually input data from each invoice into their system, a process taking hours or even days, riddled with potential errors.
With AP automation, as soon as an invoice is received, it's automatically scanned, and essential data is extracted. This data is then matched with purchase orders, after which the invoice is sent for approval. Once approved, payments are scheduled, all with minimal human intervention. This entire process, which once took days, can now be completed in mere hours, offering a glimpse into the transformative power of automation.
Exploring Advanced AP Automation Solutions
For businesses looking to delve deeper into the benefits of AP automation, platforms like Pegasus brought to you by Kick provide comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of modern businesses. By harnessing advanced features and integrations, companies can further enhance their AP operations, ensuring they stay ahead in the competitive market.
Why Kick for Pegasus Applications?
As businesses continue to grow and evolve, the demand for efficient, error-free, and cost-effective operations becomes paramount. As a Pegasus Centre of Excellence Partner with nearly four decades of experience delivering Pegasus products and projects, we’re well placed to consult with and support SME customers with their accounting and business software challenges.