Author: Sarah Jones
For businesses relying on manual invoice processing, it can take several days or even weeks to capture invoice data, obtain approvals and complete payment. With accounts payable automation software, organisations can significantly reduce processing times by automatically capturing invoice information, routing invoices through digital approval workflows and integrating with finance systems.
The time it takes to process an invoice varies depending on the size of the organisation, the number of approval stages involved and whether the process is manual or automated.
For businesses relying on manual invoice processing, it can take several days or even weeks to capture invoice data, obtain approvals and complete payment. With accounts payable automation software, organisations can significantly reduce processing times by automatically capturing invoice information, routing invoices through digital approval workflows and integrating with finance systems.
A faster invoice processing cycle helps finance teams improve cash flow visibility, reduce administrative workload, avoid late payments and gain greater control over the accounts payable process.
The average time required to process an invoice depends on the systems and processes an organisation has in place.
Typical invoice processing times include:
| Invoice processing method | Typical processing time |
|---|---|
| Manual paper-based processing | Several days to weeks |
| Email and spreadsheet-based processing | Several days depending on approvals |
| Digital invoice workflows | Around 3–7 days |
| Automated accounts payable processing | Often reduced to a few days or less |
Manual processes often create delays because invoices need to be manually entered, checked, approved and matched against purchase orders before payment can be released.
Many organisations such as BSW Timber, experience delays in their accounts payable process due to:
These challenges not only slow down payments but can also increase administrative costs and make it harder for finance teams to maintain accurate records.
Accounts payable automation software helps businesses streamline the entire invoice lifecycle, from invoice receipt through to approval and payment.
Instead of manually processing every invoice, automation technology can:
Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) and OCR technology can extract key information such as supplier details, invoice numbers, dates and amounts, reducing the need for manual data entry.
Invoices can automatically be routed to the correct people for approval based on predefined rules, reducing delays caused by emails and manual chasing.
Finance teams can see where invoices are in the approval process, identify bottlenecks and respond quickly to supplier queries.
By connecting document management and accounts payable automation software with existing finance systems, businesses can reduce duplication and improve accuracy.
The graphic to the right is best practice to aim for in terms of having efficient, secure document based processes. →
To improve invoice processes, organisations should consider:
Moving away from paper-based invoice handling
Automating invoice capture and data extraction
Creating digital approval workflows
Integrating accounts payable software with ERP systems
Using dashboards to monitor invoice status and exceptions
Establishing clear approval processes
By automating repetitive tasks, finance teams can spend less time managing invoices and more time focusing on strategic activities.
Manual invoice processing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on invoice volumes, approval requirements and the efficiency of internal processes. Delays commonly occur when invoices require manual data entry, multiple approvals or follow-up with suppliers.
The fastest way to process invoices is through accounts payable automation software. Automated solutions capture invoice data, route invoices through approval workflows and integrate with finance systems, reducing manual effort and speeding up payment processes.
Common causes of accounts payable delays include manual invoice entry, approval bottlenecks, missing purchase order information, disconnected systems and poor visibility into invoice status.
Accounts payable automation is the use of technology to streamline invoice processing, approval and payment workflows. It replaces manual tasks with automated data capture, digital approvals and integrations with finance or ERP systems.
DocuWare helps organisations automate accounts payable processes by capturing invoices digitally, extracting important data, managing approval workflows and securely storing documents in a central repository.
With DocuWare, finance teams can reduce manual administration, improve invoice visibility and create a faster, more efficient accounts payable process.
Slow invoice approvals and manual administration can place unnecessary pressure on finance teams. DocTech helps organisations streamline accounts payable processes using DocuWare document management and workflow automation.
From intelligent invoice capture and automated approvals to ERP integrations and secure digital archiving, DocTech helps businesses create a faster, more efficient way to manage invoices.
Discover how DocTech can help automate your accounts payable process.
To speed up the time it takes to process invoices, organisations need to stop using outdated processes because they are familiar or there's an aversion to change. Associated problems with manual and paper processes will not go away but they're likely to get worse.
Invoice software simplifies the invoicing process, reduces errors, and helps businesses maintain better control over their finances.
Additionally, it speeds up inter-company invoicing by automating invoice processing, approval workflows, and data entry, reducing manual errors and delays. It ensures faster approvals and payments, improving overall efficiency.
Our Clients Irwin M&E implemented automated invoice processing and they say:
"DocTech have provided an easy to use and fully secure system that has removed the 'blame culture' and made searching for invoices redundant. Staff are now able to process information faster and more efficiently, our control over invoices has significantly improved and suppliers are paid on time."
If you'd like to achieve the same then we'd love to help. A chat with our team about your challenges is all it takes to start.
With our solutions in place, the question will no longer be 'how long does it take to process an invoice?' but 'how can we use this extra time accounts payable automation has given us.'
Call on 0161 647 7040 or book a time in our diary.
info@doctech.co.uk
0161 647 7040