Invoice processing is a crucial part of all businesses and organizations, which typically includes the management, tracking, and payment between a seller and the buyer for the services provided. The traditional method is a time-consuming process, this requires entering data manually, printing receipts, verifying, approving, and then processing the invoice. Automated invoice processing can solve this problem by incorporating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning .
What Is the Automated Processing of Invoices? Automated invoice processing system uses technology and software solutions to exceptionally handle data, reduce manual tasks, minimize errors, and enhance efficiency and accuracy. The software that runs these processes should be competent to manage the workflow of automation of invoices, which involves data extraction, integration, and validation with the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.
Need for Automated Invoice Processing for Businesses Technology is going through a continuous transformation to redefine business processes. Automated invoice processing software is one among those that accelerate the company’s payable process. This allows an organization to reduce up to 80% of the company’s procure-to-pay-cycle. In general, the need for automated processing for the organization is as follows -
Time savings and cost efficiency - Employees can concentrate on more strategic and value-added work when automation frees up time spent on manual and repetitive tasks. This may result in more output and faster work completion. Because automated systems minimize errors, require less manual labor, and streamline workflows, they save lots of money. This has the potential to significantly lower operating costs over time.
Consistency and standardization - An automated processing software maintains a consistent workflow despite the employee's absence. Standardization across tasks is ensured by automated processes, which continuously adhere to predetermined rules.
Scalability - Scalability is essential when companies expand or deal with changing workloads. Automated processes can easily handle increased work volumes without requiring a corresponding increase in staff.
Data Security - Automation systems frequently have built-in security measures, which help businesses protect sensitive data. To safeguard data integrity, automated processes can be built with audit trails, access limits, and encryption.
Enhanced decision-making - Statistical data and analytics about the business can be produced within a few minutes, which helps the company make wise decisions. Real-time data insights can be obtained from automated systems. This is especially helpful for fields like reporting and data analysis to help grow the business.
How to Measure Success and ROI of Automated Invoice Processing System
Key Indicator
Description
Processing Time
This measures the time taken to process the receipt and to complete the payment. A decrease in the time measured indicates the effectiveness of the system.
Error Rate
This tracks the errors that might occur while processing invoices, i.e., duplicate payments, false data entry, missed receipts, etc.
Cost per Invoice
This calculates the invoice processing cost, including the software expenses and labor charges. Lowering the cost per invoice significantly indicates the efficiency of the system.
Invoice Approval Time
The time taken for invoices to gain approval reflects the effectiveness of the workflow.
Supplier Satisfaction
Utilize surveys or comments to gauge supplier satisfaction, as prompt and accurate processing impacts commercial partnerships.
Return on Investment (ROI) Calculation
The ROI of the invoice processing automation can be calculated by comparing the benefits, i.e., efficiency gains, savings, time taken for approval, etc.
ROI Formula: (Benefits - Costs) / Costs x 100%
Organizations can assess the efficacy of an automated invoice processing system and establish its total impact on business operations by computing the Return On Investment (ROI) and carefully monitoring the above key performance indicators.
7 Reasons for Switching to Automated Invoice Processing in 2024
Reduced resource utilization - Automated invoice processing cuts down expenses of manually processing invoices, i.e., postal services and paperwork. This also saves the employee time from running around the place to get the invoices ready and approved.
Accuracy - The error rates are almost nullified as the process involves complete automation, i.e., less manual processing and lower error rates. The accuracy also depends upon the data extracted from the source; therefore, an organization should thoroughly check the details before uploading them for invoice processing automation.
Punctuality - On-time payment procedure to ease the workflow between the vendor and the company. Humans tend to miss deadlines due to piled-up tasks, occasions, and holidays but using an automated invoice processing system will ensure that tasks are completed on time.
Improves productivity - Invoice processing automation frees up time for employees to work on other aspects of the business rather than spending time on these tedious tasks. Unnecessary hiring can be avoided because this automated process requires less number of employees to work compared to the manual method.
Build professional relationships - A solid connection and trust between the employees, vendors, and the organization is essential for running a successful business. Incorporating the best-automated invoice processing software significantly impacts maintaining such bonds, as this process eases the workflow by producing valid, verified, and accurate data, thereby preventing false interpretation and fraud.
Better data management - Pilling up invoices can be a tedious way of organizing the data for the future. Therefore managing these data through an automated system will ensure all the documents are categorized and well-organized. This kind of data management will be helpful if the company handles multiple product and service invoices from different vendors.
Introduce transparency in the system - Automated invoice processing software provides transparency, i.e., the date of filing an invoice, the contact details of the vendor, the list of products and services, the cost, and tax information should be visible and accurate so that there is no confusion or error in payment procedures.
Did You Know?
1. Automated invoice processing software has drastically reduced actual keystrokes typed by 95% and improved accuracy rates.
2.A company’s finance team can concentrate on other tasks 85% faster when an automated invoice processing system is in place compared to the traditional invoice processing method.
Did you know? Automated invoice processing software has drastically reduced actual keystrokes typed by 95% and improved accuracy rates. A company’s finance team can concentrate on other tasks 85% faster when an automated invoice processing system is in place compared to the traditional invoice processing method.
How Do You Automate Invoice Processing for Your Business? Implementing automated invoice processing software can revolutionize your business's accounts payable procedures. Upon receiving a supplier's invoice, the system initiates validation, ensuring compliance with company policies. Through scanning and data capture technology, invoices are seamlessly entered into the digital accounting system, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing errors. Relevant information is extracted and mapped into the management system, facilitating integration with the ERP system and proper categorization. The extracted data is transformed into searchable documents for easy reference. Subsequently, invoices are routed through approval workflows, ensuring all necessary authorizations are obtained before payment. This automated invoice processing system streamlines operations, enhances accuracy, and boosts efficiency in managing accounts payable, freeing up valuable time and resources for other business priorities.
Infrrd to Automate the Processing of Invoices for Your Business Infrrd provides the best automated invoice-processing software with end-to-end processing and complete integration with existing systems.
Here’s how you can process your invoices better with Infrrd:
Collect and organize data from the supplier through mail or web portals. Get rid of manual data entry and replace it with an advanced ML OCR. Use intelligent AI-backed systems to match the PO (purchase order) with receipts and invoices. Handle multiple invoice approvals by scheduling them batch-wise.
Book a demo to experience Infrrd’s Intelligent Data Processing Platform and see how the automated invoice processing system works in real-time.