Although a range of modern automation tools have made their way into the average business, e-invoicing was one of the first to truly gain traction among public and private sector entities. Driven by the need to reduce inefficiencies and inaccuracies in the accounts payable and receivable departments, and further popularized by companies that wanted to reduce the amount of time it takes to reconcile invoices, these solutions have garnered widespread adoption around the globe. 

In fact, several reports indicate that a growing number of governments are making the change to e-invoicing, meaning that businesses and households will have to begin using them for tax-related functions and other financial matters. Organizations that have not yet looked into the merits of e-invoicing should do so soon, as the benefits of these automated processes are vast and help to drive brand image in the eyes of the digitally driven modern consumer. 

What to look for
E-Invoicing Platform recently listed several functions and tools that should be sought after when provisioning one of these solutions, affirming that intuitive options will often be the best and most effective. According to the news provider, e-invoicing tools that integrate directly into ERP solutions should be the highest priorities, as this will ensure the most streamlined approach to accounts payable, receivable and general financial management across the business. 

As a quick note, remember that regardless of which technology a company might be investing in, the best option will always be defined by the specific objectives and needs of that firm. A cookie-cutter approach will never come back with optimal returns. 

That being said, the source suggested working to find a solution that has a flexible line of formats so the firm can touch upon the preferences of various clientele with different approaches to delivery. Finally, E-Invoicing Platform noted that offering discounts for early reconciliation of payments is never a bad idea. 

Further considerations
In many ways, it would be hard to imagine that the entirety of invoicing, regardless of industry or region, will not be electronic and automated within the next few years. Companies that jump ahead of this trend and get the job done early will likely enjoy a broader range of benefits than those that remain a bit slow to the punch. 

By working with an experienced provider of these and other automation solutions, the best choice for a specific option will be more easily decided upon.