• ABOUT
• RESEARCH
• TOOLS/RESOURCES
• EVENTS
• BLOG

Automating Payables for the SME Market

---

Focus Area: Purchase to Pay
Publication Date: 10/06/2014

Automating Payables for the SME Market

How Invoice Automation Platforms are Transforming AP Automation for Small to Medium Enterprises in Today’s Economy

Introduction

Until recently, accounts payable (AP) automation initiatives were largely limited to Fortune 1000 companies, which had the human and capital resources to implement and manage these applications. Today, we are seeing this trend trickle down to small and medium enterprises (SME) - those with annual revenues under $500 million - because of two major factors:

1. Small and medium-sized companies are struggling with manual, paper-driven processes and are realizing that automation can alleviate most of the challenges they face in their day-to-day operations.
    

2. The availability of affordable, easy-to-implement and use technology solutions is driving a renewed interest in AP automation for these smaller organizations.

While numerous AP automation options have been available for many years, SMEs are just now starting to dip their toes in the automation waters. Financially savvy SMEs understand that automating the AP department has tremendous potential to not only deliver tactical benefits around cost containment and productivity enhancements but also strategic advantages around supplier relations and working capital improvements. This report is intended to help executives make provider and technology selection decisions as they evaluate new strategies around automating accounts payable. The report will focus on SME solution providers who have strong capabilities and product strategies to meet the needs of Accounts Payable departments.

Audience

VP-Finance, CFO’s, controllers, A/P managers, purchasing managers, shared services managers, and IT directors at companies who understand basic concepts and opportunities around automation are considering leveraging a APO provider to solve the paper-intensive document management process in their A/P department. This report will be invaluable to individuals who require preliminary provider and product information to identify appropriate solutions for their specific needs.

Objective

The primary objective of this report is to provide an industry overview on building a business case for invoice scan and capture with workflow. PayStream will examine how the need for cost reductions and greater efficiency in today’s economic environment are driving SMEs to automate functions within their current A/P process. PayStream will examine how to select a provider and what are the key questions that need to be asked. This will be followed by profiles of leading solution providers in the SME space. The report will also provide a critical update of PayStream Advisor’s vendor/solution research library. PayStream’s library is a valued source of vendor information for hundreds of finance professionals who are seeking information on potential technology solutions to support their automation and outsourcing efforts. Our reports represent an opportunity for solution providers to present their capabilities and points of competitive differentiation, and enhance PayStream Advisors’ ability to effectively counsel corporate clients on the benefits and strengths of their solution.

Report Sponsorship

 

 

Please contact at (704) 405-5983 for sponsorship opportunities.