A brand new American Specific examine reveals that the majority corporations search to enhance their cost processes in 2025, and automation emerges as a key method. The Amex Trendex survey: B2B Funds Version, which surveyed 1,000 US industrial resolution makers, highlights the position of simplified funds in enterprise development, relations with suppliers and operational effectivity.
Key findings
In response to him examine91% of economic resolution makers acknowledge that “simple, simplified and protected funds drive industrial development.” Nevertheless, regardless of this recognition, solely 17% of the businesses surveyed have fully automated their cost processes, whereas 15% haven’t automated any cost in any respect.
Late or sluggish funds have additionally had a tangible affect on industrial relations, with 26% of respondents who cite funds as a motive why they’ve stopped working with a purchaser or provider. As well as, 4 out of 5 enterprise leaders (82%) indicated {that a} single fraud incident may considerably have an effect on confidence of their industrial relations.
The advantages of cost automation
Automation in cost processing affords corporations a number of benefits, together with a greater visibility of money movement, safer transactions and higher operational effectivity.
“Cost optimization isn’t all the time appreciated for its optimistic affect on relationships between patrons and suppliers and basic enterprise success,” mentioned Widad Chaoui, senior vp, administration of company options and B2B, world industrial providers, in American Specific. “Automated cost strategies, resembling digital playing cards or digital push funds, increase money movement visibility, safer transactions and higher relationships. In addition they give corporations higher flexibility of working capital, which permits them to spend money on progress their companies. ”
Enterprise leaders acknowledge these benefits, with 29% of respondents who point out that “they might sleep higher at night time” if they didn’t have to fret concerning the accuracy of cost and punctuality. Nevertheless, perceived obstacles proceed to stop many corporations from adopting automation.
Challenges for automation adoption
Regardless of its advantages, the survey discovered that issues about the associated fee (45%), the shortage of perceived profit (28%) and security dangers (26%) are among the many primary explanation why corporations haven’t but carried out the entire automation of funds.
“Typically, it might appear a discouraging process for enterprise leaders to vary their guide to automated processes, even when the present guide method presents challenges, it’s inadequate and raises dangers,” mentioned RJ Ancona, vp and basic supervisor of B2B merchandise, associations and buyer administration, industrial providers in American Specific. “However the actuality is that the time and price related to automation might be simpler to implement than anticipated, and may profit corporations within the brief and long run.”
Automation as a development technique
The examine discovered that 95% of economic resolution makers imagine that “simple, simplified and insurance coverage funds create comfortable clients.” In 2025, 43% of those that plan to vary their funds cite enterprise development as their primary motivation.
American Specific identifies a number of key automated options that corporations can undertake to enhance their cost processes:
- AP software program options (accounts payable) and AR (accounts receivable): cut back errors, save money and time, and enhance money movement effectivity.
- Direct processing for static and digital playing cards: fully digital processing with out guide steps.
- EIPP (presentation and cost of digital invoices): digital billing and cost acceptance.
- Digital thrust funds: Transactions initiated by the payer for higher management over the cost time and vacation spot.
As corporations search to enhance effectivity and strengthen relations with suppliers and patrons, automation is anticipated to play a vital position in configuration of cost methods. The survey means that, though the challenges stay, the change in the direction of automated funds may generate important advantages for corporations in subsequent yr.
Opinium Analysis on behalf of American Specific of American Specific of American Specific of American Specific of American Specific, and on January 2, 2025. The survey included 1,000 industrial resolution makers in numerous industries, chosen based mostly on industries, chosen relying on their industrial organizations.
Picture: American Specific
