In the days before the internet, AP departments dealt solely with paper and all transactions were manual – right? Well, not quite. In those days the new kid on the block was EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) which for the most part relied on VANs (Value Added Networks) to transmit data – such as purchase orders and invoices – between suppliers.
Over the last few years there’s been a shift towards creating a centralised P2P function, connecting AR, AP and Procurement in a way which would have been unthinkable until relatively recently. It’s a journey which has had mixed results along the way.
By James Tucker, Global Director of Marketing, Financial Solutions, Ariba Inc.
In recent decades, companies have devoted significant time and resources to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their accounts payable (AP) organisation. And in the current economic environment where cash is king and companies are looking for any and all ways to free up and maximise it, many are stepping up their efforts. But what do they need to succeed?
Relevant stakeholders – Projects with broad-based support are more likely to be approved than those that lack it. No matter where the AP function sits organisationally (i.e. part of shared services or part of the finance department), the ultimate success of an ePayables project will depend on support from relevant stakeholders. This may include procurement, finance/treasury, IT, line of business and last but certainly not least suppliers.