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Streamline invoice processing and reduce errors with Accounts Payable automation. Learn how it works, its key benefits, and how it can transform your finance processes.
Manual invoice processing and paper trails are quickly becoming a remnant of the past. As traditional invoice processing falls short of business needs, organisations are turning to Accounts Payable (AP) automation to stay competitive. By replacing time-consuming tasks with smart, automated workflows, finance teams can work faster with greater accuracy and control.
In this article, we will walk you through what AP automation is, why it matters, and why more businesses are making the switch.
What is Accounts Payable (AP) Automation?
AP automation refers to the use of technology to digitalise and streamline the entire accounts payable process. Instead of requiring physical paper invoices, manual data entry and physical approvals, businesses can make use of the AP software to manage the entire process. This results in reduced errors, accelerated processing times, and higher visibility into your liabilities and cash flow.The Hidden Costs of Manual AP
Manual workflows not only slow down operations but can also expose businesses to significant financial and reputational risks. Below are some of the most pressing challenges:
1. Process delays and vendor friction
Non-compliance with AP timelines can strain vendor relationships and damage trust. Delayed invoice approvals and payments often lead to frustration, reduced supplier loyalty, and disrupted supply chains.2. High cost per invoice
Processing an invoice manually can cost businesses more, factoring in labour, data entry, and error resolution. These inefficiencies compound as invoice volumes grow.3. Operational inefficiencies and reporting errors
Manual handling frequently results in data entry mistakes, duplicate entries, and misclassifications. These errors increase operational costs and contribute to inaccurate financial reporting.4. Limited visibility and tracking issues
Difficulty in tracking invoice status across departments can lead to transactional errors. Without real-time insights, it is harder to forecast cash flow or catch anomalies early.5. Late payment penalties
Missed payment deadlines may incur penalties or interest charges, which generally cost 18% per annum or 1.5% per month in Malaysia. These avoidable costs impact cash reserves and may negatively affect vendor credit terms.6. Hidden compliance costs
Delays and inaccuracies in the AP process also drive-up costs for downstream activities namely tax filings, audits, and regulatory reporting. This requires businesses to invest more resources to maintain compliance.How Does AP Automation Work?
AP automation uses technologies like Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to automate invoice processing. Here is a closer look at what it does:1. Invoice capture and processing
With AP automation, invoices are processed into digital data which can be submitted directly through e-Invoicing, a regulatory requirement in Malaysia. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and accelerates the intake process.2. Matching and verification
The AP software will match invoices based on the purchase orders and delivery receipts. It will automatically flag any discrepancies for manual review, helping businesses minimise errors and overpayments.3. Automated approval workflow
Invoices are routed based on predefined rules such as amount thresholds or vendor types, with automated reminders sent to approvers. It will also maintain a clear audit process.4. Payment execution
The AP automation system can schedule and automate the payments to optimise the cash flow. It executes payments using the most efficient method by automatically applying early payment discounts where applicable.5. Reconciliation and reporting
Payments are reconciled against bank statements in real time. The system also generates reports to track spend, monitor vendor performance, and support strategic planning.Benefits of AP Automation
1. Cost savings and higher profitability
Manual invoice processing can be expensive, shifting AP from a value-adding operation to a costly administrative burden. With automation, the cost per invoice will be reduced significantly by minimising the risk of errors and improving financial visibility.2. Stronger financial control with reporting & analytics
Real-time dashboards and analytics provide a clear overview of cash flow, offering timely insights for the business. Easy access to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) leads to better financial decision-making. With early detection of delays and bottlenecks, businesses can plan a more effective financial strategy in the long run.3. Streamlined workflow management
Customisable workflows ensure that invoices are automatically routed to the right approvers in a timely manner. By streamlining approvals and minimising invoice handling, finance teams can speed up processing times and maintain better control over payables.4. Integration capabilities
AP is often seen as a disconnected back-office function, with limited visibility outside the finance team. AP automation changes this, by seamlessly integrating with other Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or accounting systems. Decision makers now have access to real-time data, transforming AP into a more strategic, value-adding function.
5. Go green with paperless AP
By digitising invoices, approvals, and payments, AP automation eliminates the need for paper documents and manual filing. This not only reduces clutter but also supports your organisation’s sustainability goals by minimising consumption.Key Features of a Reliable AP Automation System
Beyond the basics, a robust AP automation solution empowers finance teams with the tools to drive control, compliance, and cost efficiency at scale. These key features show what makes it a worthwhile investment:1. Invoice capture and 3-way matching
The AP automation system utilises Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to extract data from digital or scanned invoices automatically. To validate the data, the system performs automated three-way matching by cross-checking invoices against purchase orders (POs) and goods received notes (GRNs).2. Workflow automation and approval routing
The system automates the approval process, routing invoices according to the predefined rules. Invoices are accurately captured and quickly reviewed, speeding up closing procedures. This not only shortens the time invoices remain outstanding on the books but also helps optimise cash flow without compromising vendor relationships.3. Collaborative vendor management
AP automation software stores and manages vendor information such as payment terms, contact details and compliance requirements, ensuring data accuracy. A trusted solution offers two-way communication tools, allowing for instant clarification and quicker resolution of invoice-related queries. This helps businesses maintain strong, transparent relationships with vendors.4. Seamless ERP Integration
A reliable AP automation system will integrate seamlessly with ERP systems, making it easy for data transfer and synchronisation. This integration allows for better visibility and strategic financial decision-making.
Considerations Before Rolling Out AP Automation
Introducing a new system in your organisation involves intensive resource commitments and may carry inherent risks. To ensure an effective implementation, here are key considerations to keep in mind:1. Initial setup
It requires an investment of cost, time and resources for setting up the software to configure workflows, integrations and provide user training. Businesses must allocate some time to ensure a smooth transition and successful set up.2. Change in workflow
Adapting to new tools may take time, especially for staff who prefer the traditional methods. However, with the right approach, collaborative planning and support, the transition can be smooth and well-integrated into your finance operations. Choosing the right provider ensures your business continues to receive the support and optimisation it needs, even after implementation.3. System compatibility
Some AP automation solutions may not be compatible with the current ERP system or procurement software. To prevent data silos, it is important to find one that integrates seamlessly with your existing systems to ensure you fully benefit from a smoother and faster end-to-end workflow.4. Security and compliance
The AP automation software must adhere to audit standards and local tax laws, as well as your organisation’s security and compliance standards. This includes access controls, audit logs, and data encryption.5. Performance monitoring
It is important to continuously track KPIs and compare them before and after deployment. Evaluate the changes in invoice processing time, approval speed and error reduction. This helps quantify improvements and identify areas that may still need optimisation.Transform from Process to Performance
Now that you know what AP automation is, you may want to consider implementing it into your business. BDO’s AP automation solution offers these tools to transform your finance function and business operations:- Multi-channel invoice capture to improve AP efficiency across paper, email, and electronic formats
- Two-way vendor communication for faster issue resolution and stronger supplier relationships
- Intelligent data extraction to accelerate approval workflows and month-end closing
- Touchless processing powered by Artificial Intelligence to reduce manual handling, errors, and invoicing costs
- Enhanced payment processing while maintaining Service Level Agreement (SLA) compliance to strengthen financial control and reduce risk
Get in touch with us today for an efficient, reliable and bespoke AP automation solution!