Accounts payable invoice automation (APIA) tools automate the capture, validation and processing of invoices. These solutions attempt to automatically match invoices to purchase orders (POs) and contracts, or automatically code those invoices that would not have a PO. Payment management, ranging from OK to pay to complete invoice payment, is also included. The expanded scope of APIA includes advanced capabilities, such as automated multiway matching, fraud detection and cash management.
Gartner defines the source-to-pay (S2P) suite market as an integrated set of solutions to source, contract, request, procure, receive and pay for goods and services across an enterprise. These solutions typically are sold as cloud-based software as a service. Source-to-pay suites allow organizations to manage all of their sourcing and procurement activities within a single integrated solution. These solutions are modular in nature allowing customers to activate the functionality that is relevant for their needs. The integrated nature of these solutions allows for data to easily flow across the source-to-pay process providing needed visibility to upstream and downstream documents. An example of this would be the ability to view a purchase order and see the contract that the purchase is related to, the e-sourcing event that led to the contract and downstream documents such as receipts, invoices and payments.
Strategic sourcing application suites are a set of related, integrated solutions that support upstream procurement activities; in other words, the strategic work the procurement team does for planning, assessment and performance management. Strategic sourcing application suites are used primarily by companies with $800 million or more in annual revenue that, typically, have the necessary critical mass of spend. The strategic sourcing application suite delivers four primary capabilities. Most vendors offer these capabilities as separately licensable modules: Spend analysis is a software- and service-based solution for cleansing, enhancing, classifying and analyzing spend data. It features rule-based data cleansing, automated category-level classification, analytics and decision support. Automated spend analysis is used in procurement and sourcing to quantify spend by supplier, category and part, and to identify opportunities for cost reduction and supply base resizing.
Supplier Onboarding software is a specialized digital tool designed to streamline and automate the process of integrating new suppliers into a company's procurement system. This software facilitates the collection, verification, and management of supplier information, ensuring that all necessary documentation, compliance requirements, and contractual agreements are in place before a vendor is fully onboarded. It typically includes features such as automated workflows, document management, compliance checks, and communication tools, which collectively contribute to a more efficient and transparent onboarding process. Additionally, it helps in maintaining a centralized repository of supplier information, making it easier to manage and update records as needed. This not only improves operational efficiency but also strengthens supplier relationships by providing a seamless and professional onboarding experience. Overall, Supplier Onboarding software is an essential component for companies looking to optimize their supply chain management and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.