--- title: 10 Most Read Articles on Accounts Payable Automation from 2020 url: https://www.medius.com/blog/10-most-read-articles-on-accounts-payable-automation-from-2020/ updated: 2025-03-04T03:52:29Z --- [Back to Blog](https://www.medius.com/blog/) Accounts Payable 12.23.2020 # Getting to grips with accounts payable technology: history, trends, and your company’s needs If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to start investing in accounts payable technology. The market is filled with state-of-the-art solutions that make traditional AP challenges a thing of the past, while also improving your team’s efficiency and opening the door to increased benefits with your suppliers. Interested in learning more about accounts payable technology and how it can benefit your business, but not sure where to start? We’ve put together a primer with suggestions on where to start, what to consider, and trends to look out for. ## Brush up on the basics Before delving into the importance of AP technology, take some time to familiarize yourself with the [lingo](https://www.medius.com/blog/accounts-payable-glossary/ "accounts payable glossary"). Since there are plenty of terms that are used quite frequently within the accounts payable industry, you’ll want to make sure you have a go-to resource for all of the basic language - as well as modern terminology ranging from asset and capital to touchless invoice processing. ## A lot of history - and a little intrigue It’s worthwhile to have a broad overview of the [history of accounting](https://www.medius.com/blog/history-of-accounting/ "The history of accounting - from record-keeping to artificial intelligence") as well. Understanding the evolution of the AP department - from the first examples of accounting in the ancient world to modern advances in automation - can help you make smart decisions moving forward. Of course, most histories involve a juicy scandal or two, and accounting is no exception. Discover tantalizing tidbits about the seemingly sedate accounting world in our tell-all article, [“Cooking the Books: Five of the Top Accounting Scandals Through History,”](https://www.medius.com/blog/cooking-the-books-accounting-scandals/ "How to improve working capital through Accounts Payable (1)") where we discuss the Enron scandal of 2001, the Olympus scandal of 2011, and everything else exciting in-between. With a more thorough grounding in the history of the industry and the terms you need to know, you’re ready to start [setting some accounts payable objectives](https://www.medius.com/blog/how-accounts-payable-objectives-using-automation/ "How to Set Accounts Payable Objectives Using Automation") for your organization. There’s no better way to achieve these objectives than with AP automation - a technology that’s nothing short of revolutionary for your business. Cloud-based AP automation, when implemented properly, can improve the speed, accuracy, and cost of your overall accounts payable operations - elevating AP from a back-office function to a position of real importance within the company. ## Identify the trends Trends define what we watch on the news and read on the Internet, as well as the clothes we wear and activities we engage in on the weekend. Accounts payable trends show us important patterns to analyze for future business development and goal setting. Technology plays a big part in determining what’s currently trending with AP solutions - and with the pandemic fundamentally changing the way many of us do business, cloud-based systems offer flexibility and laser-fast speed to value. The most advanced cloud AP automation solutions also offer plenty of pre-packaged integration options, enabling you to tailor your system to meet your company’s specific requirements. AI and machine learning have been hot topics in accounts payable for some time now, and that doesn’t appear to be changing any time soon. In fact, a solution not taking advantage of this kind of technology can no longer call itself “modern” without AI and machine learning. [Intelligent invoice data capture](https://www.medius.com/blog/invoice-data-capture-essential-part-ap-automation/ "Invoice Data Capture is Part of AP Automation") technology classifies documents, extracts data, and corrects errors - streamlining your workflow and freeing your employees up to focus on other tasks. Another crucial tool that AP technology offers is the ability to provide accurate, real-time metrics and analysis against [key performance indicators (KPIs)](https://www.medius.com/blog/top-5-most-useful-ap-kpis/ "5 KPIs for accounts payable: the best metrics to track"). Knowing exactly where your company stands on important metrics like cost per invoice and invoice lead time can help you determine what aspects of your invoicing process need to be improved; measuring (and improving upon) your touchless processing rate can lead to a host of benefits, including discounts from suppliers for early payment. ## Choose wisely By now you’ve come to realize that investing in accounts payable technology is becoming more and more of a necessity if you want your business to achieve - and maintain - an advantage. But how do you know which AP technology is most suitable for your organization? With plenty of accounts payable software choices on the market, it’s a bit of a challenge knowing which system might be the right fit for you. A thorough, multi-step vetting process is essential - one in which you carefully design your scope, determine which elements of the accounts payable process you’d like to improve, and identify your system dependencies. Accounts payable technology will continue to evolve and grow, as will AP’s importance within the overall success of companies in virtually every industry. Be sure to check our blog often for the latest updates, market trends, and tips for maximizing your [accounts payable goals](https://www.medius.com/blog/how-accounts-payable-objectives-using-automation/ "How to set Accounts Payable goals using automation"). #### Medius Financial Census 2026 87% of finance pros have ignored suspected fraud. That's just one finding. See what 2,386 finance leaders revealed about fraud, late payments, AI, and the profession's future. [Get the report](https://www.medius.com/resources/guides-reports/medius-financial-census-2026/ "Medius Financial Census 2026") #### Ardent Partners' State of AP in 2026 AI is changing what AP teams can do, and fast. Get leading analysts at Ardent Partners' take on where the industry is headed. [Get the report](https://www.medius.com/resources/guides-reports/ardent-partners-state-of-ap/ "Ardent Partners State of AP") #### Webinar: Preparing for agentic AI in AP In this webinar with SSON, see how leading finance teams are moving from automation to autonomous AP, with real governance built in. [Watch the webinar](https://www.medius.com/resources/events-and-webinars/through-trust-and-governance-sson/ "Through trust and governance SSON") #### Discover accounts payable benchmarks Learn the efficiency metrics that matter for AP teams and the benchmarks derived from thousands of Medius customers around the globe. [Get the report](https://www.medius.com/resources/guides-reports/ap-benchmark-report/ "AP Benchmark Report") #### Questions about AP automation? Let's talk through it. A 30-minute conversation with a Medius expert costs you nothing and might save you a lot. Book a consult ## Related Posts [8.24.2026 AP Automation Why legacy AP systems hold back finance transformation](https://www.medius.com/blog/why-legacy-ap-systems-hold-back-finance-transformation/) [8.18.2026 AP Automation Best AP automation software for food and beverage](https://www.medius.com/blog/best-ap-automation-software-for-food-and-beverage/) [8.17.2026 Accounts Payable 5 AI-powered tactics for touchless accounts payable](https://www.medius.com/blog/five-tactics-for-peace-of-mind-touchless-accounts-payable/) [!\[focused business woman looking at computer\](https://www.medius.com/media/exkdu0tm/adobestock_126291778-red.jpg?width=340&height=245&v=1d99261d24b3f10) 8.13.2026 AP Automation The AP metrics CFOs review first when evaluating finance operations](https://www.medius.com/blog/the-ap-metrics-cfos-review-first-when-evaluating-finance-operations/) [8.12.2026 Integration Choosing the best AP automation platform for complex ERP environments](https://www.medius.com/blog/choosing-the-best-ap-automation-platform-for-complex-erp-environments/) [8.11.2026 Fraud & Risk The best AP automation platforms for strengthening payment controls](https://www.medius.com/blog/the-best-ap-automation-platforms-for-strengthening-payment-controls/) Previous Next [View All Posts](https://www.medius.com/blog/) ## Ready to transform your AP? 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