Gartner defines the accounts payable applications market as cloud-based applications that enable corporate controllers and their teams to automatically manage supplier invoice processing, facilitate payments and support supplier master data management across one or more ERP applications. Organizations use accounts payable applications to improve their supplier invoice processing, payments and supplier master data management activities. They allow organizations to efficiently and confidently pay supplier invoices. These applications are modular cloud-based tools that customers can configure to deliver standard processes and integrate with one or more ERP applications. Additionally, they integrate with other operational tools, such as source-to-pay suites, partner networks, banks and payment service providers, while creating flexibility for suppliers to deliver supplier invoices. An example would be the collection and processing of supplier invoices using a digital mailroom, whereby data (structured and unstructured) is extracted from scanned documents and validated prior to approval for payment.
E-invoicing compliance applications software enables compliant delivery and receipt of invoices between suppliers, buyers, and tax authorities. These solutions automate invoice creation, transmission, validation, reporting, and archiving, and are typically delivered as cloud-based platforms to ensure organizations meet evolving global e-invoicing and transactional tax reporting mandates. They seamlessly integrate with an organization’s internal systems—such as ERP, billing, accounts payable, document management, and payment gateways—while also connecting to external networks. This integration ensures compliant exchange of invoices across suppliers, buyers and tax authorities. By implementing these solutions, organizations achieve accurate invoice processing, reduce the risk of non-compliance penalties, and meet real-time or continuous tax reporting obligations. Ultimately, they enable efficient global operations and smoother cross-border transactions, benefiting roles such as CIOs, CFOs, procurement leaders, compliance officers, and accounts payable owners.