Accounts payable teams have been asked to do more with the same headcount for years. What has changed recently is the expectation around how invoices get handled. Finance leaders increasingly want invoices to flow from receipt to payment with as little manual touching as possible. That approach is often called touchless invoice processing, and it is quickly becoming the standard way to run a modern payables function.
This post looks at what is driving the shift, what "touchless" really means in practice, and how i2B supports AP teams that want to get there.
What is driving the move to accounts payable automation?
Several developments are pushing businesses in the same direction.
- Digital invoicing is spreading. Governments and trading partners are moving towards structured electronic invoices, which makes paper and PDF-by-email workflows harder to justify.
- Finance teams are under pressure to do more with less. Time spent keying invoice data is time not spent on analysis, supplier relationships or cash planning.
- Suppliers expect visibility. They want to know when an invoice has been received, approved and scheduled for payment, without having to phone or email to find out.
- Cloud software has lowered the barrier. SaaS platforms mean teams can adopt automation without large infrastructure projects, and can scale as volumes change.
None of this is about replacing people. It is about removing repetitive work so skilled staff can focus on exceptions and decisions that need judgement.
What does touchless invoice processing actually mean?
A touchless invoice is one that moves through the process without anyone having to re-key or chase it. In practice that usually looks like this:
- The invoice arrives in a structured, digital form.
- The invoice is linked to the purchase order it relates to.
- The details are checked against what was ordered and received.
- Invoices that match are routed for approval, or approved automatically within agreed rules.
- Approved invoices pass to your ERP for payment.
Not every invoice will be fully touchless, and that is fine. The goal is for the clean majority to flow through on their own, so your team spends its time on the minority that genuinely need attention.
How i2B supports accounts payable automation
i2B is a purchase-to-pay platform, so invoicing is connected to the rest of the buying process rather than sitting on its own. That connection is what makes automation practical.
Start from the purchase order. When orders are raised in i2B, the information needed to check an invoice already exists in the same system. Our purchase to pay solution brings requisitions, orders and invoices together so there is one trail from request to payment.
Give suppliers a clear way to send invoices. Through the supplier portal, suppliers can see their orders and submit invoices against them. That reduces queries and cuts down on invoices that arrive without the right reference. You can read more about our approach to AP automation.
Keep approvals moving. Invoices are routed to the right approvers, so they are not sitting in someone's inbox. Everyone involved can see where an invoice is in the process.
Connect to your finance system. i2B works alongside your existing accounting or ERP system so approved invoices carry through without being typed in again. See how this works on our ERP integration page.
Get suppliers ready to trade. Smooth invoicing starts with accurate supplier records, which is why we also support supplier onboarding.
Where should an AP team start?
You do not need to automate everything at once. A sensible way to begin is:
- Look at where invoices currently get stuck, and for how long.
- Make sure invoices can be linked to purchase orders wherever possible.
- Agree clear approval rules so routing does not depend on individuals.
- Give suppliers one consistent way to submit invoices and check their status.
Small, steady improvements tend to build confidence, and the time saved can be reinvested in the next step.
Ready to see it in action?
If you would like to see how i2B can help your team reduce manual invoice handling, get in touch for a free demo. Know another company that could benefit? Our referral programme rewards you with a $500 USD Amazon Gift Card when a company you refer becomes a new i2B client.
Frequently asked questions
What is accounts payable automation?
Accounts payable automation uses software to handle the repetitive parts of paying suppliers, such as capturing invoices, matching them to purchase orders, routing them for approval and passing them to your finance system. It reduces manual keying and chasing.
What is touchless invoice processing?
Touchless invoice processing means an invoice moves from receipt to approval and payment without manual re-keying or intervention. Invoices that match the order flow through automatically, and only exceptions need human attention.
Does automating invoices replace my AP team?
No. Automation removes repetitive tasks so your team can focus on exceptions, supplier queries and financial control, where human judgement matters most.
How does i2B help with accounts payable automation?
i2B connects requisitions, purchase orders and invoices in one purchase-to-pay platform. Suppliers submit invoices through a portal, approvals are routed to the right people, and approved invoices connect to your ERP or accounting system.
Can i2B work with our existing ERP or accounting system?
Yes. i2B is designed to work alongside your existing finance systems so that approved invoices carry through without being re-entered. Contact us to discuss your specific setup.
