10 best accounts payable (AP) automation software for procurement

Despite groundbreaking technological advances in the past few years—from self-driving cars to 3D-printed food—outdated processes continue to be the biggest hurdle for over 60% of AP pros. Luckily, accounts payable automation software has gotten a facelift, thanks to new features like automated workflows, invoice capture and data extraction, payment automation, and so much more. 

Navigating the evolving AP automation landscape can be challenging, so we've compiled a list of the best AP automation software based on customer reviews and unique features. This article serves as your guide to understanding the pros, cons, and pricing of leading platforms.

Best AP automation software at a glance

To help you compare your options, the following table rounds up our top picks for accounts payable automation solutions on the market today. Please note that these are not listed in any specific order.

Zip

Zip is the industry's first unified Intake-to-Procure platform, meaning it has the unique ability to manage the entire procurement cycle from the initial purchase request through to final payment. While many competitors focus primarily on either procurement intake or the AP automation and payment processing stages, Zip bridges the two for greater visibility and control over business spend. 

While Zip prides itself on its end-to-end capabilities, businesses already heavily invested in separate procurement and AP systems might not see an instant benefit in consolidating them into a new platform. But even for these businesses, the unified approach offers long-term value by streamlining processes and providing a clearer picture of your spending.

Key features:

• Unified Intake-to-Procure platform: Unlike many competitors that offer separate solutions for procurement intake and AP automation, Zip provides a single, integrated platform that provides early spend visibility, seamless data flow, and a comprehensive audit trail. 
• Focus on intake management: By streamlining intake with customizable forms and intelligent workflows, Zip ensures all necessary information and approvals are gathered before a purchase order is even created. This proactive approach can significantly reduce downstream issues and delays in the AP process.  
• Customizable approval workflows: Zip offers highly flexible and customizable approval workflows that can be tailored to specific business needs and organizational structures. This allows for complex, multi-level approvals based on various criteria such as amount, department, or vendor, ensuring compliance and internal controls.  
• AI-powered features: Zip AI enhances various aspects of the platform, like intelligent invoice data capture with multi-language OCR, automated PO matching, and AI-driven insights and recommendations for spend management.  
  

G2 rating: 4.6 stars

NetSuite

NetSuite's popular cloud ERP platform includes an AP automation solution that's built right in. Because it's part of a larger system that also handles things like financials, purchasing, and vendor info, it aims to give businesses more visibility, control, and efficiency throughout their entire procure-to-pay process—all within one system.

However, because it's a comprehensive platform, some businesses might find it has more features (and potentially more complexity and cost) than they initially need just for AP automation. On the bright side, this also means that as your business grows and your needs evolve beyond basic AP, NetSuite offers a wider range of integrated capabilities readily available without having to implement and connect separate, new systems down the line.

Key features:

• Unified ERP platform: NetSuite's AP automation tool is a component of its broader cloud-based ERP system. This means AP processes are integrated with other key business functions like general ledger, CRM, and supply chain management.
• Native integration with procurement: The platform includes built-in procurement capabilities, like purchase order creation and matching, to help streamline the process from initial order to final payment within the same system.

• Customizable workflows: NetSuite allows for the configuration of approval processes for invoices and payments. These workflows can often be tailored to match specific organizational structures and internal control requirements.
• Comprehensive vendor management: The system provides tools for managing vendor information, including tracking details, purchase history, and payment terms. 
• Scalable: As a cloud-based platform, NetSuite is designed to accommodate business growth and increasing transaction volumes. The system's infrastructure can typically adapt to handle larger amounts of data and users as needed.

G2 rating: 4.1 stars

Ivalua

Ivalua offers an adaptable platform for automating your accounts payable processes, and what often sets it apart is its ability to be configured to your specific needs. Beyond AP automation, Ivalua stands out for its e-purchasing and contract management capabilities, offering businesses a more unified approach to the entire buying and paying cycle.

It's worth noting that Ivalua might not be the go-to choice for companies dealing with highly intricate or non-standard procurement scenarios, as some users have found its customization for exceptionally complex buying processes challenging. Some reviews have also mentioned that the customer service and technical support could be improved. 

Key features:

• Highly adaptable platform: Ivalua's no-code/low-code platform allows for heavy customization to match unique and evolving business processes—no coding experience required. 
• Comprehensive contract lifecycle management (CLM) integrated with source-to-pay: Ivalua offers a complete CLM module deeply integrated with the broader source-to-pay suite. This allows for seamless connection between contract terms and procurement activities.
• Supplier collaboration tools: Ivalua provides a dedicated supplier portal with various features designed to foster deep collaboration with suppliers. This includes shared workspaces, performance management tools, and direct communication channels.
• Focus on direct materials management: While also strong in indirect procurement, Ivalua is often noted for its capabilities in managing direct materials.

G2 rating: 4.3 stars

Nanonets

Nanonets offers a streamlined approach to AP automation, primarily leveraging its AI-powered document processing capabilities. You can essentially feed your invoices—whether scanned, emailed, or in various digital formats—into the platform, and its intelligent AI will automatically extract key data like vendor names, invoice numbers, amounts, and line items. From there, Nanonets allows you to build custom workflows for approvals and routing, so invoices are reviewed and processed according to your company's specific rules.

Nanonets’ more focused approach to AI-powered invoice processing makes it well-suited for small-to-medium businesses dealing with a high volume of invoices, but companies with extremely complex procurement needs may need to look elsewhere for highly specialized features beyond core AP automation. That said, many users find this AI-driven solution relatively easy to implement and manage without a large IT overhead. 

Key features:

• Intelligent document processing (IDP) focus: Nanonets' core technology centers around understanding the context and structure of documents, aiming to go beyond basic optical character recognition (OCR).
• AI-powered data extraction: Nanonets emphasizes its AI's ability to achieve high accuracy in extracting data from invoices and other financial documents with a relatively small initial training dataset.
• No-code/low-code customization: The platform offers a user interface that allows for creating and modifying data extraction rules and workflows with minimal to no coding required.
• Developer-friendly API: For more advanced users and integrations, Nanonets offers a comprehensive API for custom development and deeper connectivity with other systems.

G2 rating: 4.8 stars

Airbase

Airbase offers a way to handle your accounts payable as part of a bigger picture of managing all your company's spending. Instead of just focusing on invoices, Airbase brings together bill payments with corporate cards and employee expense reports in one system. For AP specifically, you can upload or email invoices, set up approval workflows that can be the same ones you use for card spending or expense claims, and then pay suppliers electronically. The idea is to have all your non-payroll spending visible and controlled in a single place, making it easier to track where your money is going.

If you're looking for a very specialized or complex AP automation tool with features beyond core bill payment, or if you don't currently use or plan to use corporate cards and expense management within the same platform, some of Airbase's unique advantages might not be as relevant. 

Key features:

• Unified spend management: Airbase combines virtual and physical corporate cards with AP automation and expense management in a single interface, eliminating the need to juggle multiple systems.
• Integrated approval workflows: The platform allows for the creation of unified approval workflows that can be applied consistently across all spending types, from card requests to expense reports.
• Real-time visibility across all spend: By having all spending data in one place, Airbase offers a comprehensive, real-time view of where money is going.
• Automated accounting: Airbase automates the syncing of transaction data from cards, bills, and expenses directly to the general ledger.

G2 rating: 4.7 stars

AvidXchange

If you're tired of printing and mailing paper checks and want to transition more of your suppliers to electronic payments, AvidXchange's AvidPay Network, along with its dedicated supplier services team, could be a major advantage. The platform's focus on building out this two-sided network aims to make the payment experience smoother for both your AP team and your suppliers.

While AvidXchange does offer other AP automation features like invoice processing, the real value lies in its extensive supplier network for efficient electronic payments. But if a good chunk of your suppliers are unwilling or unable to join the network, it'll be difficult to reap the rewards. Businesses with a substantial number of suppliers—specifically those open to electronic payments—would benefit the most from this software. 

Key features:

• AvidPay Network: This is the core of AvidXchange’s network, facilitating electronic payments to a large community of suppliers. This can lead to faster payments for suppliers and reduced paper check processing for buyers.
• Supplier services team: AvidXchange has a dedicated team focused on onboarding and supporting suppliers within their network, encouraging adoption of electronic payment methods. This reduces the burden on the buyer's AP team to manage supplier transitions.
• Multiple payment options: The platform supports various electronic payment methods within its network, giving suppliers flexibility in how they receive funds.
• Focus on the middle market: This AP automation tool is tailored specifically for the needs of middle-market businesses and their often diverse supplier base.

G2 rating: 4.4 stars

JAGGAER

JAGGAER offers AP automation as a fully integrated component within its broader source-to-pay platform. This means that your invoice processing and payment workflows can seamlessly connect with your sourcing, contract management, and e-procurement activities, all within the same system.

Because JAGGAER is designed for end-to-end procurement, businesses seeking a standalone AP automation solution might find its extensive capabilities more than they need. Implementing the system may also involve a lot more time and effort compared to simpler AP-specific tools. However, JAGGAER is often recognized for its ability to handle complex procurement scenarios and is used across various industries, including those with intricate direct materials requirements and unique compliance needs.

Key features:

• Unified source-to-pay platform: JAGGAER offers a comprehensive suite where AP automation is a native part of a broader system encompassing sourcing, contract management, and e-procurement. 
• Strategic sourcing capabilities: Beyond just processing invoices, JAGGAER provides robust tools for strategic sourcing, including advanced analytics, supplier management, and e-sourcing functionalities. 
• Direct materials management: JAGGAER is designed to handle the complexities of direct materials procurement, catering to industries with intricate supply chains and production needs. This includes features for managing complex bills of materials and integrating procurement with production planning.
• Supplier collaboration focus: The platform includes tools and functionalities designed to improve communication, collaboration, and supplier relationship management throughout the entire lifecycle. 

G2 rating: 4.4 stars

Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct's AP automation software often centers on deep and native integration within its broader cloud financial management platform. Unlike some solutions that bolt onto an accounting system, Sage Intacct's AP automation is designed to work seamlessly with its core financials, providing a unified and real-time view of your financial data.

The unified platform eliminates the need for separate integrations, leading to smoother processes and a more consistent financial overview. However, companies needing highly specialized AP features beyond core accounting-centric automation might find it less flexible than dedicated AP solutions.

Key features:

• Native integration with cloud financials: Sage Intacct's AP automation is built directly into its core accounting platform, allowing for a seamless flow of financial data.
• AI-powered intelligent data extraction within accounting workflows: The software leverages AI to automate invoice data capture directly within the AP bill entry process. 
• Multi-entity AP management: For organizations with multiple legal entities, Sage Intacct offers sophisticated features to manage AP processes across entities from a centralized system, including intercompany accounting and consolidated reporting.
• Configurable approval workflows aligned with financial controls: This platform lets teams create detailed and customizable approval workflows for invoices that can be directly tied to their overall financial controls and organizational structure within the accounting system. 

G2 rating: 4.3 stars

Stampli

What sets Stampli apart from other AP automation solutions is its focus on bringing all relevant communication and documentation directly onto the invoice itself, allowing controllers to easily see the history of an invoice, who approved it, and any discussions that took place. Its integrated AI assistant, Billy the Bot, further aids controllers by automating routine tasks and flagging potential issues, like duplicate invoices or coding errors and inconsistencies

While generally praised for its user-friendliness and collaboration features, some third-party reviews have occasionally mentioned that its reporting capabilities, while functional, might not be as deeply customizable or advanced as those found in more enterprise-focused or accounting-centric AP solutions. However, Stampli is often a great fit for small to mid-sized companies that value ease of use and clear communication across departments involved in AP. 

Key features:

• Centralized communication hub on the invoice: Stampli's interface is designed to keep all communication, approvals, and documentation directly linked to each specific invoice image, so you won't need to switch between emails or separate communication tools to understand the context of an invoice.
• AI assistant: Stampli's proprietary AI learns your specific AP processes to automate tasks like invoice coding, approval routing suggestions, and identifying potential duplicate invoices. 
• User-friendly interface: Stampli is frequently praised for its ease of use and simple design, requiring minimal training for both AP teams and approvers across the organization. 
• Direct vendor communication: Stampli allows for direct communication with vendors regarding specific invoices from within the platform, centralizing vendor queries and responses.

G2 rating: 4.6 stars

Tipalti

For businesses experiencing rapid international growth or those with complex, multi-subsidiary operations, Tipalti's AP automation software is designed to handle global supplier relationships and spend. Procurement teams can ensure suppliers are onboarded efficiently through the self-service portal, paid accurately in their local currencies via various methods, and remain compliant with tax regulations—all within one system.

It's worth noting that some users find the platform relatively expensive, especially for smaller businesses, and the initial setup might take some time. Despite these potential drawbacks, the efficiency gains from Tipalti's global payment capabilities and the simplified supplier onboarding can significantly reduce administrative overhead and strengthen international supplier relationships.

Key features:

• Global payment engine: Tipalti supports global payments in 196 countries and 120 currencies with diverse payment methods.
• Multi-entity management: The platform is specifically designed to handle the complexities of organizations with multiple subsidiaries or entities, allowing for centralized management of AP processes, payment workflows, and reporting across the entire corporate structure.  
• Integrated tax and regulatory compliance: Tipalti incorporates built-in features to manage global tax compliance, including W-9/W-8 collection, TIN matching, and OFAC screening.
• Self-service supplier portal: Tipalti provides a comprehensive portal where suppliers can self-manage their onboarding, payment preferences, and tax information.

G2 rating: 4.5 stars

How to choose an AP automation solution for your business

Finding the right AP automation tool will make your team's lives easier and your financial processes smoother, but it does require a bit of legwork. Let's explore some practical things to keep in mind as you navigate the options and figure out what truly fits your business.

Know your needs and pain points

Before you even peek at any software demos, take a good, honest look at what's slowing you down right now. What makes your AP team groan in frustration? Is it the endless cycle of typing in invoice details, the frustration of chasing down approvals, or the mystery of where a payment actually is? Pinpointing these bottlenecks and inefficiencies is the very first step.

Think of it like this: You wouldn't buy a new hiking backpack without knowing what kind of trails you'll be tackling. Similarly, understanding your current AP journey will illuminate the specific features you need in an automation solution. What works (and what definitely doesn't) for a small, local business will look very different from the priorities of a larger company dealing with multiple entities and complex approval hierarchies.

Evaluate your current system

Once you've got a handle on your pain points, the next step is to think about how a new AP automation solution will play with the tools you already use. Your AP process likely doesn't live in isolation. Do you have a separate system for managing purchase orders or contracts? What about where your invoices are stored before they enter the AP workflow? Consider how seamlessly a new solution can connect with these existing platforms.

Think beyond just the immediate integrations, too. As your business evolves, you might adopt new software. Understand if a potential AP automation solution offers open APIs (application programming interfaces). This flexibility can save you a lot of headaches down the road, allowing for smoother data flow and a more connected overall business ecosystem.

Consider vendor reputation and support

Choosing an AP automation partner isn't just about the software itself; it's also about the company behind it. Before you commit, do a little digging into their reputation. Online reviews and customer stories can offer valuable insights into their reliability and how well they support their customers.

Don't underestimate the importance of responsive and helpful customer support. When questions arise or you encounter a technical snag, you'll want to know that help is readily available. Consider the support channels they offer (phone, email, chat), their response times, and if they provide adequate training and onboarding resources. A strong supplier with excellent support can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth implementation and a positive long-term experience.

Understand pricing and ROI

Let's talk numbers. Getting a handle on the cost of an AP automation solution is important, but it's not just about the sticker price. You'll want to review the different pricing models—is it per invoice, per user, or a tiered structure? Make sure you understand what you're paying for and how it aligns with your transaction volume and team size.

Beyond the initial outlay, really consider the potential return on investment (ROI). Think about the time your team currently spends on manual tasks and how much you could save by automating data entry and approvals. Factor in the cost of errors, late payment penalties, and the potential to snag early payment discounts. Don't forget to ask about any hidden costs, like implementation fees, training expenses, or charges for integrating with your other systems. 

A clear understanding of both the costs and the potential savings will help you determine the true value of an AP automation solution for your business.

Request demos and pilot programs

Seeing is believing, especially when it comes to software. Once you've narrowed down your options, don't hesitate to request personalized demos. This is your chance to see the software in action, tailored to your specific workflows and pain points. Pay close attention to the user interface—is it intuitive and easy to navigate? Can you envision your team readily adopting it?

Even better than a demo is a pilot program, if the provider offers one. This allows you to test the software in your actual environment with real data, albeit often on a limited scale. A pilot provides invaluable insights into how the solution integrates with your existing systems, how your team adapts to it, and the tangible benefits it delivers. It's a fantastic way to de-risk your decision and ensure the solution truly meets your needs.

Future-proof your decision

Beyond solving today's AP challenges, selecting the right automation solution sets your business up for future success. Think about where your company is headed, and make sure the solution you choose can scale seamlessly to accommodate these changes without becoming a bottleneck itself.

Think beyond scalability and evaluate the vendor's long-term vision. Are they actively investing in research and development? Do they have a clear roadmap for new features and improvements? A supplier committed to innovation is more likely to provide a solution that remains cutting-edge and continues to meet your evolving needs over the long term. Asking about their future plans can give you confidence that your investment will continue to deliver value as your business grows and technology advances.

Accelerate invoice processing like never before with Zip

We've taken a look at some of the best AP automation software, each bringing something valuable to the table. However, if you're aiming to supercharge your existing systems and gain control right from the start of any purchase, Zip is your key to intelligent payment orchestration. It can seamlessly connect with many of the AP and procurement platforms we've discussed, like NetSuite and Sage Intacct, and even integrate with the payment networks of AvidXchange or the global capabilities of Tipalti. 

By streamlining the initial request and approval stages before information even hits your core AP system, Zip ensures cleaner data and faster processing downstream. 

Ready to see how Zip can orchestrate your current tech stack for accelerated AP? Request a personalized demo today.