Despite technology being deeply integrated into every aspect of our society, 68% of AP teams still manually input invoice data into their ERP or accounting software.
Needless to say, for these 68% of companies, challenges can feel endless—lost invoices, data entry errors, delayed payments, strained vendor relationships and, most importantly, disgruntled AP team.
AP automation software, therefore, gives you the freedom to move into more strategic work by shifting from manual to a streamlined, efficient accounts payable process.
By automating invoice processing, approvals, and payments, you not only reduce the risk of costly errors but also build better relationships with vendors by paying them on time–every time.
However, while it’s clear that AP automation offers many benefits, how do you go about choosing the best one for your business?
To help you in your journey to procuring the best AP automation solution we’ve analyzed and compared leading solutions based on their features, pricing, ease of use, and customer support. Let’s dive in.
What is AP Automation Software?
Put simply, AP automation software automates the accounts payable process by digitizing paper-based invoices, streamlining approval workflows, and integrating with your existing accounting (or ERP) software.
An automated and streamlined AP process eliminates manual data entry, reduces the risk of human error, and enables real-time tracking of invoice statuses. Key tasks included are invoice capture and data extraction, approval routing and alerts, and electronic payments.
How to Choose the Best AP Automation Software
Most AP automation tools offer similar core functionalities, with some differences, so it’s important to identify which features are crucial for your business.
In general, when researching AP automation software options, focus on these four key factors:
- Ease of use: The best AP automation tools should be user-friendly and intuitive for both finance teams and vendors.
- Integration: Choose a solution that seamlessly integrates with your existing accounting software or ERP system to avoid data silos and streamline workflows.
- Pricing: While cost shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision, it’s important to find a solution that fits your budget while also offering the features your business needs.
- Customer support: Look for a provider that offers reliable customer support, including training resources and responsive assistance when needed.
Based on these criteria, here are the top 10 AP automation software options for 2025.
Best AP Automation Software for 2025
- DOKKA
- Tipalti
- Stampli
- BILL
- AvidExchange
- Yooz
- Airbase
- MineralTree
- Beanworks
- Nanonets
1) DOKKA
DOKKA is an AI-powered AP automation software that combines advanced processing power with best in class user interface, in a package made for Small and Medium sized companies. It cuts down the time spent on data entry, approvals, PO-matching and 3-way matching, making it ideal for finance teams looking to eliminate the grunt work of accounts payable.
DOKKA automates the collection, processing, and archiving of vendor invoices and bills through a centralized system. It gathers invoices from a variety of sources (including email), analyzes them, and creates journal entries for you, so all you need to do is review and click a button to upload the transaction to your ERP.
All of this is packaged within what customers describe as the most intuitive AP system on the market, which can be mastered in just one training session.
Key Features
- AI-driven data extraction: Reduces manual data entry and ensures data accuracy.
- PO-matching: Matches invoices with purchase orders, providing full auditability.
- Approval workflows: Fully customizable to meet specific business needs.
- Cloud storage: Centralized, easy-to-access storage for invoices and supporting documents.
- Integration options: Compatible with NetSuite, SAP Business One, Microsoft Dynamics, Acumatica, Priority, QuickBooks, Xero, and also offers custom API integration.
Differentiation
DOKKA’s accuracy and automation capabilities are unmatched, with its proprietary language and format-agnostic engine overcoming the traditional limitations of standard OCRs.
DOKKA provides its clients with the ability to build custom workflows based on extracted information, in combination with ERP information. The engine includes advanced machine learning that adapts to each company’s specific needs, not only document formats.
This allows precise data extraction and matching, perfectly suited for small and mid market clients, providing a more robust solution than most typical AP automation solutions.
Pricing
The pricing is affordable compared to competitors solutions and tiered based on business needs, specifically the number of invoices processed each month. The pre-requisite to getting a quote is to hop on a 30-minute demo call, to discuss your needs and get a tour of the system as well as a pricing.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Intuitive and user-friendly interface, custom extractions and workflows, strong document management capabilities, reliable ERP integrations, top-rated customer support, usage-based pricing, scalability, robust approval workflow.
- Cons: Mobile app has limited functionality
2) Tipalti
Tipalti is a well-known AP automation platform specializing in global payments, procurement, tax compliance, and end-to-end AP management. Tipalti is a good choice for companies that work with international suppliers and require comprehensive tax and regulatory compliance, particularly large companies.
Tipalti streamlines the AP process from vendor onboarding through to payment. Using a self-service vendor portal, suppliers can input their information, track payment status, and select their preferred payment method, reducing the administrative burden on AP teams. Tipalti also automates tax form collection and compliance checks, simplifying cross-border transactions.
Key Features
- Multi-currency and multi-method payments: Supports payments in 120 different currencies and over 50 payment methods.
- Compliance and tax automation: Ensures compliance with U.S. regulations and automates tax document collection.
- Vendor portal: Self-service portal for vendors to manage their profiles and payment preferences.
Differentiation
Tipalti’s global payment and tax compliance features make it ideal for large companies with international operations. Few platforms match its extensive compliance capabilities, making it a strong choice for companies prioritizing accuracy and legal adherence in global transactions.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Robust global payment support, excellent compliance tools with a KPMG-approved tax engine, user-friendly vendor portal
- Cons: Higher cost; feature-rich solution that may be excessive for companies without international AP needs; occasional delays in processing payments
3) Stampli
Stampli is a collaboration-focused AP automation platform that combines AI-driven invoice processing and payments in an easy-to-grasp interface. Stampli’s platform is good for companies looking to centralize communication within the AP process, making it easier for teams to collaborate and resolve discrepancies directly within the platform.
Stampli also automatically captures and extracts data from invoices, assigns it to appropriate workflows, and provides a dedicated communication thread on each invoice for team members to discuss and resolve issues.
Key Features
- Automated invoice processing: Reduces data entry through automated data extraction.
- Centralized communication: Enables team discussions directly within each invoice, simplifying discrepancy resolution.
- Real-time visibility: Provides tracking and analytics for invoice processing times and AP performance.
Differentiation
Stampli’s unique selling point is its focus on collaboration. By embedding communication into each invoice, Stampli eliminates the need for back-and-forth emails and improves transparency, which can significantly reduce approval times. This feature makes it ideal for companies with teams that frequently collaborate on AP tasks.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Easy to use, excellent for collaboration, intuitive interface, customizable workflows
- Cons: Unclear pricing structure
4) BILL
BILL, also known as Bill.com, is an integrated AP and AR automation platform widely used by small businesses.
BILL automates the accounts payable cycle by capturing invoices, routing them for approval, and enabling electronic payments with access to millions of vendors over the BILL network. Users can integrate BILL with various accounting systems, allowing for seamless data transfer and synchronization. BILL’s real-time tracking and reporting tools provide businesses with immediate visibility into outstanding invoices and payment statuses.
Key Features
- Invoice and payment automation: Covers end-to-end AP, from data capture to payment.
- Flexible approval workflows: Customizable to meet different approval requirements.
- Mobile access: Allows users to manage approvals and payments from their mobile devices.
Differentiation
BILL’s ease of use and extensive integrations make it a natural fit for small businesses looking to adopt AP automation without a steep learning curve. Its compatibility with widely used accounting tools benefits companies that need seamless data synchronization. Additionally, BILL’s focus on mobility allows users to manage AP tasks on the go.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Easy setup, user-friendly, mobile-friendly, scalable, cash flow forecasting feature
- Cons: Basic reporting, limited features for large organizations
5) AvidXChange
AvidXchange is a software company that provides automated accounts payable and payment processing solutions for mid-sized businesses, primarily in sectors like real estate, construction, and financial services. With a strong focus on customization, supplier management, and automated payments, AvidXchange is well-suited for businesses with complex AP workflows and multiple vendor relationships.
AvidXchange streamlines the AP process into one comprehensive workflow. Vendors submit invoices digitally, approvals are routed according to custom workflows, and payments are processed securely and quickly through the AvidPay network. The platform’s supplier portal allows vendors to access payment information and update their profiles. AvidXchange integrates with numerous ERPs, providing a scalable and adaptable AP solution for complex organizational needs.
Key Features
- Invoice automation: Automates the capture, processing, and storage of invoices, reducing errors and speeding up the approval process.
- Payment automation: Offers multiple payment methods (ACH, virtual card, and check) to help companies transition from paper checks to electronic payments.
- Supplier network: AvidXchange has a large network of suppliers set up to receive electronic payments, easing the transition to digital payments for clients.
- Custom approval workflows: Highly configurable to meet different business requirements.
- Supplier portal: Allows vendors to access and update payment information.
- Integration options: Compatible with a variety of ERPs and accounting software, including NetSuite, Sage, Acumatica, QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, MRI, and Rent Manager.
Differentiation
AvidXchange is built for scale, offering features and integrations that make it ideal for mid-sized to large enterprises or companies with extensive vendor networks. Its supplier portal provides a level of self-service that benefits companies managing large supplier bases.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Scalable solution, strong supplier management, ideal for real estate businesses due to integrations with MRI and similar real-estate ERPs
- Cons: High implementation costs, typical implementation time of around 45 days, no SAP integration, no mobile app, and may be overly complex for small businesses
6) Yooz
Yooz offers a cloud-based e-invoicing and P2P automation solution designed to streamline invoice processing and payment workflows for businesses of various sizes.
Yooz uses AI and machine learning to automatically capture data from invoices, categorize it, and validate it against existing records. The platform then routes invoices through custom workflows based on criteria such as department, amount, or priority.
Yooz also integrates with a wide range of ERP and accounting software, enabling companies to optimize financial operations without changing core systems. The platform includes tools for tracking payment status, auditing, and generating reports, creating a complete end-to-end solution.
Key Features
- P2P automation: Creation and monitoring of purchase orders and delivery status.
- Customizable approval workflows: Adaptable workflows based on specific business rules.
- Integration options: Compatible with over 250 platforms, including SAP, NetSuite, QuickBooks, Acumatica, Tekion, and others.
- Real-time reporting: Provides insights into AP processing times and outstanding liabilities.
- Payment automation: Supports multiple payment methods to simplify vendor payments.
Differentiation
Yooz’s strong focus on data capture and rapid setup make it an excellent choice for companies seeking efficiency gains without a long implementation period. Its competitive pricing model also makes it accessible for smaller companies with tighter budgets.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: All-in-one P2P solution, free trial, quick setup (ready within an hour), robust integrations, transparent pricing, and good customer support
- Cons: Limited scalability for large enterprises, basic reporting tools, and OCR technology for data extraction with limited functionality
7) Airbase
Airbase is an AP automation and spend management platform that enables finance teams to control all aspects of company spending, including invoices, corporate cards, and expense reimbursement. This makes it particularly valuable for companies seeking a holistic view of expenses in addition to AP automation.
Airbase automates invoice capture and approval routing, then consolidates AP with corporate card transactions and employee expenses. The platform provides virtual card issuance, ideal for managing subscription and SaaS expenses, while tracking all spending through a single dashboard. Airbase’s integrations with major ERPs further ensure data integrity and synchronization across financial systems.
Key Features
- Invoice processing: Streamlined routing and approval processes.
- Spend management: Real-time visibility into spending categories with budgeting controls.
- Virtual and physical cards: Issues virtual cards to employees, improving expense tracking.
- Consolidated expense reporting: Combines AP, credit card, and reimbursement data.
- Integration Options: Works with 70+ ERPs, including NetSuite, Sage, QuickBooks, and corporate cards.
Differentiation
Airbase combines AP automation with spend management, giving finance teams more control over all types of spending, not just invoices. It’s a good choice for companies that need visibility across various expense types and want to minimize financial leaks.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Comprehensive spend management, real-time budget controls, scalable solution.
- Cons: Not a good fit for small businesses, higher price point for full features.
8) MineralTree
MineralTree is a robust AP automation solution designed for mid-sized to large organizations. It automates everything from invoice capture to payment, providing flexibility in payment options and supporting a range of ERP integrations.
MineralTree automates the AP workflow by capturing invoice data with AI, routing it for approval, and enabling secure electronic payments through ACH, checks, and virtual cards. MineralTree’s deep integration with ERP and accounting software ensures data consistency, while its payment processing options help organizations save on payment costs.
Key Features
- Multi-payment options: Supports payments via ACH, checks, and virtual cards.
- Invoice capture and approval workflows: Customizable workflows with audit trails.
- Integration options: Integrates with 100+ ERPs, such as Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, Sage, QuickBooks, and Xero.
- Fraud prevention: Incorporates security features to minimize payment fraud.
- Reporting and analytics: Provides insights into payment performance and liabilities, with KPIs such as invoice aging, payment mix, and rebates earned.
Differentiation
MineralTree’s support for various payment methods and ERP compatibility makes it ideal for larger organizations with diverse AP needs. Its emphasis on payment security and fraud prevention also makes it appealing to finance teams prioritizing risk management.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Flexible payment options, effective security features, good customer support, scalability, no user fees, transaction fees, or workflow configuration fees
- Cons: Complex setup for smaller teams
9) Beanworks AP
Beanworks (now part of Quadient) is an AP automation platform that digitizes and streamlines the entire invoice-to-payment process. It allows small and mid-sized companies to manage invoices, approvals, and payments in one centralized platform.
Beanworks captures and routes invoices for approval, provides an easy way to schedule and track payments, and integrates with ERP systems to keep data in sync. Its platform reduces errors and enhances visibility over AP processes, making it easier to manage cash flow and improve vendor relationships through timely payments. The platform provides centralized document storage and real-time reporting, allowing finance teams to easily access invoices and monitor processing times.
Key Features
- Invoice capture and routing: Reduces manual entry and speeds up approval.
- Document management: Centralized storage for all AP-related documents.
- Customizable workflows: Allows flexibility in approval paths based on user roles.
- Integration Options: Compatible with ERP systems like Sage and QuickBooks.
- User-friendly interface: Designed for ease of use, especially for smaller teams.
Differentiation
Beanworks is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a popular choice among smaller finance teams who need reliable AP automation without excessive complexity. Its centralized document storage also provides visibility and easy access to all AP records.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Simple setup, easy to use, good for document management, excellent customer service
- Cons: Limited options and functionalities, may not be suitable for larger enterprises
10) Nanonets
Nanonets is an AI-driven document processing tool that extracts and classifies data from documents, including invoices and receipts, for use in accounts payable automation and other workflows.
Using machine learning models, Nanonets automatically recognizes and captures key data fields, enabling companies to reduce manual data entry and improve accuracy. The platform allows users to train custom models tailored to their document types, enhancing the precision of extracted data. Nanonets integrates with various software systems, ensuring a seamless flow of data into existing business processes, and supports real-time processing for faster and more efficient data management.
Key Features
- AI-driven data capture: Reduces data entry workload with high-accuracy extraction.
- Customizable workflows: Allows businesses to set rules for document routing and approvals.
- Integration options: Works with popular ERP and accounting platforms, CRMs, and workplace apps.
- Real-time reporting: Tracks document status and processing times.
Differentiation
Nanonets focuses specifically on high-accuracy AI data capture, making it ideal for businesses with high volumes of invoices that require minimal manual intervention. Its simplicity and affordability make it an attractive choice for businesses primarily seeking data capture without advanced payment or supplier management features.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Good customer support, easy to use, 99% accurate data extraction, easy to integrate
- Cons: Limited features for larger organizations, lacks advanced reporting, expensive Pro plan
What is Accounts Payable Workflow?
The accounts payable process, or AP workflow, covers the entire lifecycle of an invoice—from receiving a bill to processing the payment and archiving it.
Traditionally, AP processes required extensive manual work, with paper invoices and physical checks, often making them slow, error-prone, and prone to delays that could strain vendor relationships. This outdated approach underscores why transitioning to automation is so critical today.
AP automation software can digitize paper-based invoices, streamline the approval process with customizable routing and automated alerts for overdue payments, and integrate with existing accounting systems for seamless payment processing.
Adopting automated AP workflows empowers finance teams to manage payables more effectively, ensuring timely payments and fostering stronger financial management. That is why modernizing these workflows is essential for businesses seeking greater efficiency, fewer errors, better team collaboration and improved vendor relations.
Key Features of AP Automation Software
Let’s explore the core features that define top-tier AP automation tools and see how these functionalities simplify the payment lifecycle, improve accuracy, and ensure compliance.
- Automated invoice processing
Automating the capture and validation of invoices significantly reduces workloads, streamlines the processing cycle, and speeds up turnaround times for AP teams.
- Invoice scanning and data extraction
AP automation software uses OCR (optical character recognition) technology to scan invoices and extract key data, such as invoice numbers, dates, and amounts. Automating data extraction reduces the need for manual entry, speeding up processing and minimizing errors.
- Invoice routing and approval
Automated workflows route invoices to the appropriate team members for approval based on pre-set rules and thresholds. This streamlines approvals, reduces bottlenecks, and keeps payments on schedule.
- Automated 3-way matching
By automatically matching invoices with purchase orders and receipts, AP automation software helps prevent duplicate or incorrect payments and reduces the risk of fraud. Ensuring that invoices align with purchase records enhances the accuracy and security of the payment process.
- Electronic payment options
Built-in digital payment options, such as ACH transfers, credit cards, and checks, help ensure on-time payments, reduce manual effort, and minimize common payment errors.
- Integration with accounting systems
Integrating AP automation software with popular accounting systems, such as ERPs, enables smooth data flow across platforms, enhances accuracy, and provides a unified view of financial data.
- Real-time tracking
Real-time visibility into the status of each invoice allows AP teams to monitor invoice progress through the approval process and view payment statuses. This keeps teams proactive, enabling them to quickly resolve issues and efficiently manage the AP process.
- Customizable workflows
Customizable dashboards and workflows allow AP teams to tailor approval processes for different vendors or invoice types, ensuring each invoice is managed appropriately. These custom workflows simplify complex processes and help ensure specific requirements are consistently met.
- Integrated payments
Many AP automation tools include built-in payment options that enable businesses to complete the entire payment cycle within a single platform, reducing reliance on separate systems and minimizing errors.
- Vendor management
AP tools often include features to manage vendor information, such as payment terms, contact details, and purchase history. Organized vendor data strengthens vendor relationships, simplifies future transactions, and improves record accuracy.
- Reporting and analytics
Comprehensive reporting and analytics tools provide insights into AP performance metrics, such as processing times, costs, and vendor reliability. Finance teams can leverage these insights to identify trends, enhance workflows, and make data-driven decisions to reduce expenses.
