accounts payable automation for smbs · 2018. 9. 4. · accounts payable automation for smbs | 9...

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AUTOMATION FOR SMBs

How Cloud Solutions Make Paperless

eBook: Accounts Payable

eBook Overview........................................................................... 3

Manual AP Processing Is More Painful for SMBs.............. 4

The Cloud O�ers an Ideal Alternative ..................................... 6

Esker’s Solution: End-to-End AP Automation........................ 7

ERP Supported Integrations................................................... 8

External Work�ow Makes Operations Seamless................ 9

The Results Speak for Themselves..................................... 10

About Esker................................................................................ 12

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Accounts Payable Automation for SMBs | 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AUTOMATION FOR SMBs

How Cloud Solutions Make Paperless Processing Easy,


Accounts payable (AP) automation o�ers the kind of

invoice processing speed and accuracy rates to enhanced

perception that only the “big boys” can pull it o�.

The cloud has changed all that.

Where AP automation used to require on-premises software integrated with a big-name ERP system and an even bigger IT investment, cloud technology now makes it possible for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) to capitalize on the

expenses.

This eBook explores why cloud-based AP is perfectly suited for SMBs, and addresses the key considerations before choosing an automated solution.

eBook Overview

Everything Comes at a Higher Cost.

SMBs don’t have the high invoice volumes of large enterprises but the time and manpower needed for manual data entry, approval and storage take their toll. Big businesses can manage by simply adding sta� and easily absorbing the cost. Cash-strapped SMBs, on the other hand, are forced to handle invoices with limited personnel even though their volumes may be growing.

Improving Is Easier Said Than Done.

Unlike bigger businesses, a lot of SMBs run obscure ERP systems or homegrown legacy solutions. The complexity of such a setup can cause SMBs to think their AP infrastructure is beyond help. What’s more, the general lack of visibility due to manual processing

expenses and identify areas of improvement.

There Is Much Less Room for Error.

Businesses who process their invoices manually are proven to experience a higher rate of errors (e.g., duplicate payments, late payments and overpayments). Where larger enterprises typically have enough leverage to withstand the fallout from a damaged supplier relationship or missed early payment discount, the majority of SMBs have no such luxury.

MANUAL AP PROCESSING IS MORE PAINFUL FOR SMBs


Traditional paper-based AP operations hurt businesses of all sizes but the negative e�ects are felt by SMBs to a greater extent. Here are three primary reasons why:

01 02 03

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PAPER INVOICES STILL ACCOUNT FOR 90% OR MORE OF THE TOTAL INVOICE VOLUME FOR THE MAJORITY OF AP DEPARTMENTS.*

* Crowley, L., & Sears, D. (2012). 2012 AP Cloud Study. The Institute of Financial Operations.

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THE CLOUD OFFERS AN IDEAL ALTERNATIVE

Cloud technology makes automation easy and a�ordable for SMBs thanks to a variety of features:

No New Hardware or Software InvestmentsRegardless of format, scanned or electronic invoices are entered into an automated work�ow where Esker’s intelligent image recognition technology accurately extracts data. Captured data is checked against ERP master data and dispatched to the appropriate parties for approval. The invoice is automatically archived in a web portal and linked back into the ERP application and available for as long as needed.

A unique feature of cloud-based AP automation solutions is that work�ow resides outside of the ERP system. This provides users anytime, anywhere

maintain business continuity during IT landscape changes.

Predictable Pricing via Pay-Per-Use ModelCloud automation operates on a pay-per-use pricing model, meaning users only pay for the amount of service used. This not only gives SMBs some much-needed pricing predictability, it o�ers a tremendous level of �exibility for variations in invoice volume and users.

Bene�ts of AP in the Cloud

� Rapid project go-live� 24/7 availability� Immediate scalability� Low risk� Easy access from anywhere� Pay for what you use

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ESKER’S SOLUTION: END-TO-END AP AUTOMATION

Esker’s Accounts Payable automation solution is an on-demand service that complements virtually any ERP application. Capabilities such as dynamic data capture, integrated work�ow and process tracking help SMBs eliminate the challenges associated with manual invoice processing.

Locally or centrally received paper invoices

are scanned and immediately entered

into an automated work�ow.

RECEIVE & SCAN EXTRACT VERIFY & MANAGE ARCHIVE FOLLOW

All relevant vendor invoice data is found

and extracted; the corresponding

document is then created in the ERP

application.

Invoices are routed to the correct work�ow path, either straight-

through for integration in the ERP or for user validation to handle

exceptions.

Invoice data is integrated in the ERP

system while a copy of the original is attached

and available to any authorized user.

Invoices are made 100% visible and

traceable in every stage, enhancing reporting

and monitoring capabilities.

Here’s How It Works:

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ESKER ACCOMODATES THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF SMBs

Here is a list of our ERP supported integrations:

The applications listed are only a sample of Esker’s ERP supported integrations and do not re�ect its entirety.

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EXTERNAL WORKFLOW MAKES OPERATIONS SEAMLESS

Solutions that function inside the ERP environment are generally in�exible, limited in access and prone to complexity. With Esker, SMBs can avoid the extra costs and hassles by unifying their AP operations (even in a multi-ERP environment) with data recognition, validation and work�ow

outside the ERP system.

Fax

E-mail Web

www

Paper & Scan

ERP system

ERP serverand/or other

archiving database

Vendor Invoice

Capture

Read

Validate

Bene�ts of External AP Work�ow

� Invoices can be accessed 24/7 year-round anywhere in the world.

� , which helps enhance user acceptance.

� Any designated individual can approve invoices (including non-ERP users).

� Business continuity is maintained by stabilizing AP operations during change.

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THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

Esker has helped a multitude of SMBs streamline AP processing through the use of cloud automation. Below are highlights from one of our most recent success stories.

How Esker Helped:

Reduced workload. Unlike before, when one full-time employee was dedicated to performing manual tasks, managing invoices is now

Optimized scalability. Even as the business continues to demand more payables and transactions, AP automation has allowed Austin Powder to avoid adding sta� or infrastructure.

Minimized complexity. Esker was able to seamlessly integrate with

amount of time, money and hassle.

Standardized processes. Austin Powder leveraged Esker’s on-demand

shared services model.

Founded in 1833, Austin Powder manufactures commercial

explosives that are primarily used for construction, mining,

quarrying and seismic exploration.

SMB, with under 500 employees.

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OUR MAIN GOAL WAS TO KEEP GROWING WITHOUT ADDING INFRASTRUCTURE OR STAFF, AND ESKER HELPED US ACCOMPLISH THAT. THE GREAT THING ABOUT ESKER IS, YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A GIGANTIC COMPANY TO BENEFIT.

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Esker is a worldwide leader in on-demand and on-premises document process automation solutions, helping organizations of all sizes Quit Paper™ and improve how their critical business information is processed and exchanged.

Founded in 1985, Esker has more than 80,000 customers and millions of licensed users worldwide. Esker’s operates in North America,

global headquarters in Lyon, France, and U.S. headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin.

Who We Are

Whiteboard Video

Automation

White Paper Overcoming the Challenges of Vendor Invoice Processing

Guidebook7 Steps to Easily Transform Accounts Payable from Manual to Touchless

Plus, be sure to check out the Esker Blog , your connection to everything newsworthy in the world of automation.

Want to Learn More?

U.S. Headquarters: Madison, Wisconsin

World Headquarters: Lyon, France

ABOUT ESKER

7

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For more information or detailed product specification, please call or visit us at

79 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand Tel. 0800 4 XEROX (0800 493769)

http://www.fuj ixerox.co.nz

Fuji Xerox New Zealand Limited

accounts payable automation for smbs · 2018. 9. 4. · accounts payable automation for smbs | 9...

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