What analysts are saying about SoftCo, and the future of financial control
Analysts see financial control as the defining shift in enterprise AP
In 2026, two of the industry's most rigorous assessments reached the same conclusion about SoftCo.
“Enterprise AP is becoming a control layer for financial operations. The leaders will be the platforms that can coordinate complexity across systems while giving finance confidence that every automated action remains visible, governed, and accountable.”
“SoftCo's AP is structured around finance-driven control and auditability. Its strength lies in enforcing strict validation, compliance and consistency across entities and processes.”
IDC MarketScape: Worldwide AI-Enabled AP Automation Software for Large Enterprise 2026
22 vendors assessed on capabilities and strategy.
Read the announcement
The Hackett Group SolutionMap, Fall 2026: AP Automation / Invoice-to-Pay
122 providers across 16 categories. 500+ criteria. Mandatory demonstrations.
Read the announcementThe enterprise AP challenge is changing
The conversation is moving beyond invoice automation to control, governance and coordination across complex finance environments.
- 01
From automation to control
The challenge now goes beyond removing manual invoice processing. It is about coordinating AP across systems and organisational boundaries, while giving finance consistent visibility and governance.
- 02
Beyond the invoice
The question is shifting from how invoices are processed to how the work around them is coordinated. Hackett's criteria look across the AP lifecycle, including platform technology and supplier management.
- 03
Complexity is the real test
IDC advises buyers that a successful demo in one ERP is not enough to prove suitability for a global enterprise. SoftCo was recognised for its multi-ERP architecture and 200+ integrations.
Independent customer evidence
Hackett interviewed SoftCo customers independently and anonymously, without SoftCo influencing the process.
- Customer Satisfaction10out of 10
- Expectations Met10out of 10
- User Experience9out of 10
SoftCo scored ahead of the highest-performing vendors in Hackett's benchmark on Customer Satisfaction Score, Expectations Met and Handling Specific Needs.
“Complex financial environments don't reward generic software, they reward fit. This result is independent confirmation of what our customers tell us directly: that a platform built around their processes, not the other way round, is what holds up under real conditions.”
Recognised across AP, P2P and supplier management
Assessed by Gartner, IDC, The Hackett Group, Forrester and Everest Group.
- 2026
Leader
IDC · MarketScape: AI-Enabled AP Automation for Large Enterprise22 vendors assessed on capabilities and strategy.
- 2026
Top Tech (all 3 pillars)
The Hackett Group · SolutionMap: AP Automation / Invoice-to-Pay122 providers across 16 categories. 500+ criteria. Mandatory demonstrations.
- 2025
Magic Quadrant for AP
GartnerTop 14 global AP vendors. Analysts noted SoftCo adapts its platform to complex customer issues at scale.
“SoftCo's large typical deal size highlights its strong market position and ability to support CFOs managing complex environments.”
- 2025
Evaluated
Gartner · Critical Capabilities for AP ApplicationsHighlighted for AI matching engine, implementation strategy, customer success.
“Robust AI matching engine, proven implementation and support strategy.”
- 2025
Recognised
The Hackett Group · Digital World Class for AP ApplicationsLeader in implementation, support, invoice capture. Top quartile for compliance, validation, complex global requirements.
“90% straight through processing rate for PO invoices, powered by machine learning.”
- 2025
Included
Forrester · Top AI Use Cases for AP AutomationHighlighted for transparent use of AP data and explainable AI showing customers the rationale behind each decision.
- 2025
Major Contender
Everest Group · PEAK Matrix for P2P ApplicationsPraised for implementation and support strategy and for tailoring the platform to specific customer needs.
- 2024
Major Player
IDC · MarketScape: AP Automation for Midmarket and Large EnterprisePraised for touchless processing rates, scalability, ease of use and a learning engine that lifts STP over time.
How we think about financial control
Our perspective on financial control starts with the supplier lifecycle.
- Framework
Supplier Control Framework
Seven principles for a controlled supplier lifecycle. What good control looks like at every stage, from contracting through post-payment.
Read the framework - Insight
The gap between 'automated' and 'controlled' in AP
High STP rates don't guarantee strong AP controls. How continuous supplier validation, auditability and governance close the gap.
Read the article - Insight
Where supplier fraud exploits control assumptions
Supplier fraud rarely breaks one control. It hides in the gap between finance systems, where no record reconciles.
Read the article
Independently certified and verified
- SOC 1 Type 2
- ISO 27001
- Microsoft Solutions Partner
- AWS Partner Network
See what independent analysts recognised
Talk to us about how SoftCo handles complex, multi-ERP AP environments.