Why Is AP still so manual? The hidden barriers to automation

Invoices arrive by email. Data gets entered manually. Approvals need chasing. Exceptions sit unresolved. And despite all the technology available to finance teams, AP staff are still spending hours on work that should be far simpler. Why hasn’t this changed?

In this webinar, SoftCo’s AP experts examine what’s really keeping Accounts Payable tied to manual processes. From missing PO information and complex non-PO invoices to approval bottlenecks, disconnected systems and uncertainty about where to start, we’ll explore the everyday obstacles preventing AP teams from becoming more efficient.

This isn’t another discussion about why automation matters. Expect practical examples, industry benchmarks and actionable guidance on identifying where manual work occurs, measuring its impact and prioritising the changes that will make the biggest difference heading into 2027.

What we’ll cover:

• Why AP remains manual and what you can do about it
• Where invoice processing, matching and approvals create avoidable work
• How to reduce exceptions, delays and repetitive follow-ups
• How to measure inefficiencies and uncover automation opportunities
• How to overcome common barriers to AP automation
• 5 practical steps to streamline AP processes in 2027