Beyond the Inbox: The Human Side of AP Automation
AP automation streamlines manual tasks and boosts strategic focus, but successful implementation requires a human-centered approach to overcome change resistance and preserve team morale. In Rahhika Ojha’s latest article on ERP Today, she spotlights the human impact of Accounts Payable (AP) automation, featuring insights from Rahul Jairaj, Business Analyst at CloudPaths. Jairaj explains how manual AP processes—like chasing approvals and managing email floods—waste valuable time and wear down finance teams. One organization reported spending 50% of AP time just chasing bills. With NetSuite automation, tasks like invoice entry and routing are streamlined, freeing teams to focus on higher-value work. Beyond efficiency, automation brings strategic and emotional benefits. For companies pursuing SOX compliance, it offers precise audit trails. For employees, it restores purpose. One AP leader said, “This is what I was meant to do,” after automation replaced endless email chasing. The real challenge, however, isn’t technology—it’s adoption. Teams often fear being replaced.
Key takeaways for ERP professionals:
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Use OCR to extract invoice data from emails automatically.
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Replace manual chasing with rule-based approval matrices.
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Rely on native NetSuite apps like SquareWorks for seamless integration and reliability.
Automation isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a catalyst for transforming the role and morale of AP teams.
