#United States #Billtrust #Hamilton Township #ERP Systems #AR Software

Billtrust's Research on the Future of Accounts Receivable

In a recent study conducted by Billtrust, a leader in B2B accounts receivable (AR) workflow and payment software, valuable insights have been uncovered regarding the efficacy of traditional ERP systems in managing modern AR demands. The report, in collaboration with independent market research firm Vanson Bourne, reveals that finance leaders overwhelmingly agree that standalone ERP systems are no longer sufficient for achieving predictable cash flow and AI-driven financial intelligence.

Key Findings of the Study

The survey sampled input from 500 finance executives across the U.S., aiming to shed light on the limitations faced by companies utilizing just ERP systems for their AR processes. Here are some of the critical findings:

Limitations of ERP Systems

• - A staggering 98% of finance leaders believe that purpose-built AR software is essential for sustaining reliable cash flow.
• - Currently, finance teams operate with an average of three ERP systems, yet only 23% of respondents feel their ERPs are equipped to handle all AR processes efficiently.
• - A significant 74% of finance professionals reported that their ERPs lack the necessary automation capabilities their AR teams require.
• - Additionally, 95% concluded that dedicated AR software provides greater ROI than ERP tools.

Benefits of Specialized AR Software

Organizations utilizing third-party AR solutions alongside their existing ERP systems have reported remarkable enhancements in cash flow management, including:

• - 25% reduction in Days to Pay (DTP): Companies have accelerated their payment collection cycles through specialized AR tools.
• - 23% reduction in Days Sales Outstanding (DSO): Swift upgrades in invoicing efficiency have contributed to reduced outstanding receivables.
• - 18% increase in accuracy for on-time invoice delivery: Streamlined processes ensure timely and accurate billing.
• - Virtually all respondents, at 95%, agree that third-party AR software yields stronger ROI compared to ERP-native AR tools.

Embracing Automation and AI

According to the study, the integration of automation and AI into financial processes has shifted from being optional to critical. Key statistics reveal:

• - 96% emphasize that automation is vital for enhancing both financial performance and customers' experience.
• - 98% express confidence in AI’s effectiveness in managing AR tasks.
• - 94% believe that AI-powered analysis and forecasting will be crucial within the next two years.

Finance leaders recognize the necessity for advanced insights offered by AI, such as risk identification, proactive dispute resolution, and data-driven decision-making.

Managing Integration Challenges

Interestingly, though half of the organizations surveyed plan on investing in third-party AR solutions in the next year, they express concerns about potential integration and change-management challenges. However, many view these as manageable barriers compared to the vast benefits that automation and enhanced visibility provide.

The Shift Toward Predictive Finance

The research points to an important transformation underway in the finance sector, with AR teams migrating from transactional processing to a more predictive, AI-driven operational model. Emerging purpose-built AR platforms serve as critical connectors among multiple ERP systems, facilitating centralized data management, intelligent automation, and timely insights. These platforms help finance leaders detect emerging risks, safeguard cash flow, and foster financial resilience.

As summarized by Grant Halloran, CEO of Billtrust, “AI is fundamentally reshaping AR. Our findings illustrate that organizations enhancing their ERPs with specialized AR platforms are already reaping benefits through faster payments, fewer disputes, and greater transparency into financial risks. This is the future of AR, and it is unfolding now.”

For those wanting to explore the full report, “ERPs Alone Aren’t Enough: AR Software Required for Predictable Cash Flow,” it can be downloaded from Billtrust's website.

Conclusion

Billtrust’s illuminating report serves not only as a wake-up call for businesses relying solely on ERP systems for their accounts receivable processes but also as a blueprint for integrating advanced software designed specifically to meet the evolving demands of modern finance.