Accounts Payable Automation Trends: Key Insights and Latest Statistics

Automation is transforming accounts payable (AP) processes, making them more efficient, accurate, and strategic. The Accounts Payable Automation Trends report highlights key advancements, challenges, and opportunities, focusing on AP automation benefits, AI in accounts payable, and the progression from partial to full automation.

Efficiency Gains: The Power of Automated Invoice Processing

Efficiency remains a primary driver for accounts payable automation adoption:

• 52% of AP professionals now spend fewer than 10 hours a week processing invoices, down from 62% in 2023.
• Manual invoice keying has reduced significantly, from 85% in 2023 to 60% in 2024.

However, challenges persist:

• 64% of AP teams report stress caused by inefficient processes.
• 40% highlight strained vendor relationships as a significant issue.

By implementing intelligent invoice management, organisations can improve productivity, strengthen vendor relationships, and enhance operational outcomes.

Partial vs Full AP Automation: The Current Landscape

While AP automation adoption is increasing, many teams remain only partially automated:

• 74% of AP teams are partially automated, an increase from 62% in 2023 and 54% in 2022.
• Only 5% of teams have achieved full automation.

Looking forward:

• 45% of organisations plan to fully automate their AP processes within the next year.
• Another 31% express interest in full automation but lack immediate plans to implement it.

The gap between partial and full AP automation presents an opportunity for businesses to invest in advanced solutions that enhance efficiency and scalability.

AI in Accounts Payable: A Transformative Opportunity

AI in accounts payable is emerging as a transformative technology, though adoption is still in its infancy:

• Only 7% of AP processes currently utilise AI.
• 40% of businesses plan to adopt AI-driven solutions in the next 12 months.

Key applications for AI include:

• Automating invoice payment authorisations (68%).
• Mitigating compliance risks in invoice management (64%).

However, 45% of finance professionals are unsure about how to incorporate AI into their processes. Raising awareness of AI’s role in accounts payable automation will help organisations unlock its full potential.

AP Automation Benefits: Driving Strategic Growth

The benefits of automated invoice processing are both significant and measurable:

• 67% reduction in invoice processing costs, leading to substantial time and resource savings.
• 99% accuracy in data capture, eliminating errors caused by manual entry.
• 80% improvement in productivity, enabling teams to focus on strategic initiatives.

Additionally, 88% of AP professionals believe automation empowers their teams to contribute to higher-value business activities, showcasing the transformative power of accounts payable automation.

AP Automation Challenges: Barriers to Implementation

Despite its advantages, AP automation challenges persist:

• 51% of AP teams struggle with excessive manual data entry.
• 48% experience delays caused by invoice exceptions.
• 34% face difficulties managing paper-based processes.

Other barriers include:

• Lack of user-friendly solutions (22%).
• Difficulty modifying existing processes (11%).

To address these challenges, organisations should adopt adaptable and intuitive solutions like Kefron AP, which simplify workflows and enhance operational visibility.

The Future of Accounts Payable Automation

The future of accounts payable automation is promising, with businesses increasingly prioritising full automation:

• 21% of organisations expect to achieve full automation within 6-12 months.
• 38% anticipate reaching this milestone within 1-3 years.
• Industries handling high invoice volumes, such as retail and manufacturing, are leading this transformation.

With tools like Kefron AP, businesses can modernise their operations, reduce errors, and gain full visibility into their payment processes.

Driving the Transformation of AP Processes

The trends in accounts payable automation reflect a shift towards smarter, more efficient financial operations. From the measurable AP automation benefits of cost reduction and increased productivity to the untapped potential of AI in accounts payable, organisations are on the cusp of a transformation. Overcoming AP automation challenges and advancing from partial to full automation will be essential for long-term success. By embracing intelligent invoice management and prioritising innovation, businesses can future-proof their operations and achieve sustained growth.

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Author: James Kearns
With a background in Management Consultancy, James takes a process driven approach to understand his client’s requirements with a view to maximising automation, to give as much time back as possible to busy finance departments. James has been involved in over 100 Kefron Accounts Payable automation projects and regularly shares industry expertise and advice on successful software implementations online – from building business cases to stakeholder management and everything in between.