Efficiency is everything when it comes to your business’s operations — especially in your accounts payable (AP) process. But if you're managing high volumes of invoices and payments, manually managing AP can be slow, cumbersome, and ineffective. Errors pile up, payments get delayed, and records aren't always up to date.
Wondering how you can turn a clunky process into a streamlined workflow? The answer is simple: ERP integration.
What is an ERP?
An ERP is a software that centralizes your core operations into a single platform. Your ERP serves as a single source of truth, helping your teams share information, reduce silos, and make data-driven decisions across your company.
For your AP team, an ERP system helps streamline tasks, track invoices, and manage vendor payments alongside your AP automation tools.
What is ERP Integration?
ERP integration refers to connecting your ERP system to the other tools or solutions you use. Think of your ERP as the brain of your operations; it holds key information like payment data, purchase orders, and vendor details.
ERP integration allows for instant and easy communication between your systems. And by integrating your ERP with AP automation, you create a stronger, more efficient accounts payable process.
6 Key Benefits of ERP Integration for Accounts Payable
ERP integration offers a variety of benefits, including:
1. Fewer Repetitive Tasks
Repetitive tasks are one of the biggest pain points in AP. Matching invoices to purchase orders, logging data, and tracking down approvals can take hours — or even days. ERP integration automates these processes, so your team can focus on more strategic activities.
Once an invoice is received, an integrated system can automatically match it to a purchase order, flag any discrepancies, initiate the approval process, and ensure all data is logged accurately. This means no more shuffling through papers or waiting on other departments.
2. Real-Time Data
Finding the data you need to make informed decisions can be a slow, frustrating process. Information can be scattered across multiple, unconnected systems, meaning you may have to slog through emails, spreadsheets, or different platforms to find what you’re looking for.
But with ERP integration, all of your accounts payable data is centralized in one place — and all in real time. So whether you’re tracking expenses or managing cash flow, you’ll always have instant access to invoices, payments, and vendor information.
3. Increased Accuracy
Mistakes are inevitable in manual AP entry, especially as your business grows. But through integration and automation, you can experience higher accuracy — and fewer costly mistakes.
Integrating your ERP and AP solution improves your workflow by automating data entry and ensuring that information flows seamlessly between systems. Invoices are automatically checked against purchase orders, payment details are updated in real-time, and discrepancies are flagged for review.
4. Faster Payment Processing
Timely payments are essential to maintaining cash flow and paying your bills. But bottlenecks in your AP process — like manual approvals, lost invoices, or slow data entry — can lead to late payments, unexpected fees, and even damaged vendor relationships.
Integrating your AP and ERP systems speeds up payment processing. Your invoices are automatically matched, approved, and scheduled for payment, so you never miss a due date.
5. Stronger Vendor Relationships
Vendors appreciate timely payments, clear communication, and transparency. Processing invoices quickly, accurately, and consistently builds trust with your vendors and suppliers.
Integrations support these qualities, especially when you combine your AP and ERP solutions. This allows your team to focus on strengthening vendor relationships — which may lead to better terms or early-payment discounts.
6. Better Compliance
Keeping track of every invoice, payment, and approval can be challenging without the right tools. But these things are essential for maintaining compliance with federal regulations, industry standards, and internal policies.
Most ERP systems include features that boost compliance, like error alerts and automated audit trails. With a clear, real-time view of all AP activities, your ERP works overtime to make sure all transactions are in line with external and internal regulations.
Choosing the Right ERP Integration for Your AP Workflow
With so many ERPs on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. The most important thing to consider is which ERP will integrate with your existing systems and workflows — particularly when it comes to your accounts payable process.
Start by looking at your current AP automation solution and identify the gaps or pain points that need addressing. Then, look for an ERP system that not only integrates with your AP software, but also offers the features your team needs, like payment automation or PO matching.
Streamline Your Accounts Payable Process with Nimbello
ERP integration is a game-changer for accounts payable. By streamlining your workflow, ERP integrations give you real-time data access, faster payment processing, and better compliance, all while enhancing relationships with your vendors.
If you’re ready to take your accounts payable process to the next level, Nimbello is here to help you get started. By combining Nimbello’s AP automation solutions with your ERP system, you can turn a slow, manual process into a smooth, efficient operation that keeps your business moving forward.