As more and more companies deploy their business continuity plans and adjust their daily operations to accommodate an entirely remote workforce, leaders are focusing on how to maintain processes that are mission critical to keeping the lights on.
Accounts payable (AP) tops that list, as businesses literally can’t function without processing payments. But many companies still rely on manual, paper-based AP processes, which can make it difficult to ensure they run smoothly in case of an emergency.
Fortunately, automating your accounts payable processes can help keep a business moving by ensuring your accounting department’s continued ability to approve invoices and make payments securely and efficiently at any time, from any location.
It’s not too late to bolster your business continuity plan with AP automation software. In fact, here are six ways you can do just that:
1. Provide a Central Hub for Payment-Related Files
Activating your business continuity plan likely means that you can’t be in the office, sifting through file cabinets. You’ll want to be able to quickly access any payment-related file with the click of a button.
AP automation provides a cloud-based, central repository, so you don’t have to rely on those file cabinets. And because it’s in the cloud, all approved parties can access it from anywhere.
2. Invoice Automation with Anywhere, Anytime Access
In a manual process, reviewing and approving invoices can take days and include many different approvers. Waiting on approvals slows down the payment process, which could lead to late payments.
And the level of difficulty multiplies if you’re not in the office.
With AP automation, you don’t have to be in a specific place to approve invoices and make payments. All you need is internet access, and you can view and approve from your phone or laptop.
3. Create Customized, Automated AP Workflows
AP automation allows you to create custom workflows with both rules and restrictions. These eliminate the hassle of constantly reaching out to different individuals for approvals every month and provide you with control and visibility over the process.
And in case someone is out of the office or unable to work, your AP team can reroute approvals so business continues as usual. As an added benefit, all historical actions and comments are recorded, so the new approver can step in without missing a beat or a detail.
4. Sophisticated Reporting in Just a Few Clicks
In a manual process, the AP department would spend a lot of time pulling piles of paper out of file cabinets to get an overall picture of the company’s finances.
Fortunately, AP automation simplifies the process by providing comprehensive search and reporting tools. This makes it quicker and easier to gain data to make strategic business decisions when you’re under pressure and don’t have access to usual resources.
5. Get Rid of Paper Checks with Electronic Payments
If you’re still leveraging paper checks as a payment form, you may run into trouble during times of crisis. AvidXchange’s recent poll determined that only 54% of companies felt their finance departments were equipped to pay bills from home. However, with solutions that provide e-payment options, you can continue paying suppliers even in times where person-to-person delivery of physical checks isn’t feasible.
6. Service Teams Improve Supplier Relationships
The best automation solutions combine dedicated service teams along with software to take on the tedious tasks of keeping up with supplier payment preferences.
And in today’s environment, this becomes especially appealing. You’ll have a trusted AP ally who will continue to maintain contact with your suppliers to see how, if at all, their acceptance conditions are evolving, making sure they are receiving your payments and processing them.
AP Automation is a Necessity for Business Continuity
After COVID-19, many business leaders are beginning to see automation as a business necessity. If you are reading this, then you likely recognize the benefits of AP automation, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, you must make the decision that will be of the most benefit to your company.
Download our ebook to learn more about how AP automation can bolster your company’s business continuity plan today![vc_text_separator title=”Download the eBook” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-book” i_color=”black” i_background_style=”rounded” i_background_color=”custom” color=”black” add_icon=”true” i_custom_background_color=”#e3fc21″]