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12.2.2024

Managing high-volume invoices: AP solutions for enterprises

If you are a growing business or an established enterprise-sized company, you have likely faced the challenges of managing high volumes of invoices. The speed of invoices coming in, the complexity and differences in format and delivery methods, and the discrepancies in billing and payment terms are only a few factors that can make invoice processing a daunting task.

Thankfully, you are not alone, and many enterprise-level companies have mastered the task with the help of artificial intelligence and accounts payable automation. Let’s look at high-volume invoice management and how you can bring efficiency, savings, and peace of mind back into your accounts payable process.

What are high-volume accounts payable companies?

High-volume accounts payable companies process a large number of invoices regularly, often totaling thousands or even tens of thousands each month. If your company falls into this category and manages invoices manually or with partial automation, you are likely facing significant challenges, especially if you have multiple locations.

How many invoices are considered high volume in accounts payable?

While there is no universally agreed-upon threshold for "high volume," industry experts generally classify any organization handling 10,000 or more monthly invoices as high volume. According to a study by PYMNTS.com, 52% of businesses in industries like manufacturing and retail deal with this level of invoicing. In fact, the median number of invoices processed by these companies can reach over 5,000 per month.

Industries with high-volume invoicing

Certain industries, such as manufacturing, retail, construction, and logistics, often manage very high volumes of invoices. For example, companies in the manufacturing sector deal with countless suppliers for raw materials, components, and other goods, leading to thousands of monthly invoices. On-time payments are especially difficult where approval processes are slow; there are lots of invoices and complex matching to other documents in the ERP, such as goods receipts and purchase orders. Automated accounts payable solutions are highly beneficial for these types of industries, as they streamline invoice approvals, match invoices accurately and ensure timely payments.

Medius best-in-class customers see a 94.9% touchless processing rate, meaning invoices go straight to the payment queue without requiring manual review.

Real-world cost savings:
Case studies from the manufacturing industry

Manufacturers around the world are already quantifying dramatic cost savings results after implementing AP automation to optimize their finances:

Increased invoice processing

Companies like NIC Global boosted invoice handling from 650 to 800 per week, enhancing productivity without expanding staff.

NIC Global logo

Reduced operational costs

Implementation led to notable savings in postage and printing, and enabled capturing early payment discounts from vendors.

Enhanced process efficiency

Automated workflows streamlined approvals and issue resolution, coupled with 24/7 invoice access and automated alerts, preventing delays in approvals.

How do you manage a high volume of invoices?

When dealing with high volumes of invoices, manual processes are simply not going to cut it. And even partial automation will leave your business struggling with common AP challenges.

According to research by Ardent Partners, AP and finance professionals cite the following as top challenges in AP for 2024:

AI-backed accounts payable automation with advanced invoice automation and payment automation functionality are crucial for most businesses, but especially for those dealing with large quantities of invoices. Here are some key benefits of leveraging the latest AP automation technology solutions for your business:

Improved efficiency

Automated systems can process invoices in a fraction of the time it takes manual systems, easily handling high volumes. The average Medius customer has 6.1 days processing time, while best in class is 1 day.

Enhanced accuracy

Automation reduces human error in data entry, which can really stack up with thousands of invoices. Less error means faster payments and better supplier relationships.

Better visibility and control

Automation platforms provide real-time insights into invoice statuses, allowing finance teams to make more informed decisions.

Better KPIs and ROI

Automation helps your KPIs and brings ROI to your business.

Consider these useful benchmarks:

25% quicker to process

Aberdeen Group found organizations that use automated invoice processing see a 25% reduction in the time it takes to process an invoice.

20% fewer invoice errors

Hackett Group found that companies who automate their invoice processing can see a 20% reduction in the number of invoice errors.

Cut late payments in half

Paystream Advisors found that organizations who automate their invoice processing can see a 50% reduction in the number of late payments.

Solutions tailored for enterprise-level needs

Managing accounts payable at big enterprise companies has its own set of challenges. With complex org structures, multiple subsidiaries, and tons of suppliers, being efficient and precise is important but can sometimes feel impossible. This is where automation steps in, understanding and catering to the unique needs of large-scale operations, including:

  • Happier employees: AP automation reduces manual work, minimizing burnout and turnover in finance teams, and leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity.

  • Improved supplier relationships: Automation resolves invoice discrepancies and late payments, enhancing supplier satisfaction and reducing friction.

  • Streamlined global operations: AP automation simplifies complex global processes, managing multiple currencies, taxes, and languages, ensuring smooth operations.

  • Cross-border compliance: Automation ensures compliance with international regulations, reducing risks related to fraud and errors.

  • Enhanced cash flow visibility: Automated AP platforms provide real-time analytics on spend and cash flow, improving strategic decision-making and reducing overspending.

  • Broader organizational impact: Beyond finance, automation boosts efficiency in IT, HR, procurement, and legal through better data accuracy, fraud detection, and integration with existing systems.

Deep dive into benefits for enterprise companies.

Medius AP automation and AI for
high-volume invoice management

High-volume invoice management doesn’t have to be a logistical nightmare. With Medius' autonomous accounts payable, you get what you need to really streamline the entire AP process – no matter how complex. Medius easily integrates with other financial systems, making it easy to adopt while ensuring accuracy at every step of invoice processing. These tools help your business scale your operations without getting overwhelmed by the huge volume of invoices you have to manage. The result? Faster approvals, lower costs, and better accuracy.

Want to learn more?

The Financial Professional Census

Explore hurdles facing finance professionals today and learn how to overcome them in our research-backed Financial Professional Census report.

Get the report

Ardent Partners' The State of ePayables

Explore the trends and process KPIs driving accounts payable departments around the world in this report from global analyst firm Ardent Partners.

Get the report

SSON Webinar: Fraud & AP Solutions

Listen in to this on-demand webinar with Shared Services & Outsourcing Network to discover how AI creates a secure, autonomous AP process.

Watch now

Discover accounts payable benchmarks

Learn the efficiency metrics that matter for AP teams and the benchmarks derived from thousands of Medius customers around the globe.

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Watch a demo

Get a first-hand look at Medius AP Automation, Analytics, and Pay with our 13-minute product demo.

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