Enhancing Invoice Processing Efficiency with AI: Introducing StepBase's New Service

On April 1, 2026, Persol Business Process Design Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, unveiled its latest online BPO service, "Accounting Agency Service by StepBase." This innovative service harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline the labor-intensive process of data entry for invoices.

The Essence of the Service

The primary function of this service is to convert invoices received in PDF and image formats into high-accuracy data through a combination of AI processing and human verification. The end product is delivered as a CSV file, ready to be imported into the client’s accounting software. This approach not only reduces the burden of manual entry but also facilitates seamless integration with existing accounting systems, allowing businesses to shift focus back to their core operations.

This service aims to address the challenges businesses face in the wake of the invoice system's implementation and the mandatory electronic document retention law. Both of these regulations have led to an environment where invoices can exist in both digital and paper formats, complicating the operational landscape for many companies.

Contextual Challenges in the Current Landscape

The move towards a dual-format system is intended to drive operational efficiency; however, numerous organizations still heavily rely on manual checks and entries, particularly in regions with many small and medium enterprises (SMEs). For these organizations, varying formats of invoices from suppliers have magnified the workload, requiring significant manual intervention. In many cases, finance departments are understaffed, leading to a concentration of responsibilities on a few individuals or even business owners themselves.

This scenario not only hinders productivity but can also jeopardize the sustainability of business operations. Addressing these inefficiencies and reducing the workload for finance professionals is critical, particularly as businesses navigate a landscape where digitization is no longer optional but a necessity.

How the Service Works

Steps Involved

1. Preparation and Submission of Invoices: Clients upload their received invoices to a shared folder with StepBase.
2. High-Precision Data Processing: StepBase employs AI-OCR technology to read the invoices, which are subsequently verified for accuracy by human operators. The finalized data is then compiled into CSV format.
3. Data Receipt and Import: Clients receive the CSV files and can easily import them into their accounting software, ensuring a swift conclusion to the accounting processes.

This streamlined workflow empowers businesses to relieve their finance teams from exhaustive manual entry and examination duties, paving the way for them to focus on more critical tasks, such as managing receivables and payables, improving the quality of monthly closings, and conducting meaningful business analysis.

Future Developments

Persol Business Process Design is committed to supporting the efficiency of accounting operations through services like "Accounting Agency Service by StepBase." Following its launch, the company plans to introduce additional offerings that leverage AI technology and online operational expertise to further assist businesses in overcoming existing challenges.

As the head of business development at Persol Business Process Design, Masahi Hashiguchi notes, “While digital transformation (DX) is advancing in many companies, back-office operations still bear a significant load due to manual data entry and verification tasks. This is particularly true for SMEs, where operations often narrow to a select few individuals due to struggles in securing personnel.”

StepBase aims to alleviate this burden through online BPO services, enabling organizations to concentrate on the core functions that ensure the sustainability and success of their operations.

About Persol Business Process Design

Persol Business Process Design is dedicated to enhancing businesses by merging advanced process design capabilities with cutting-edge AI technology. With the mission to innovate work and create better working environments, the company is focused on driving sustainable operational practices that align with its vision of a society that prioritizes both efficiency and employee satisfaction.

For more information about StepBase, visit StepBase Official Website.