--- title: 'Five tactics for peace-of-mind, touchless accounts payable' url: https://www.medius.com/blog/five-tactics-for-peace-of-mind-touchless-accounts-payable/ updated: 2026-08-18T20:28:38Z --- [Back to Blog](https://www.medius.com/blog/) Accounts Payable 8.17.2026 # 5 AI-powered tactics for touchless accounts payable By [Meredith Grace](https://www.medius.com/lps/medius-authors/#meredith-grace "Meredith Grace") Senior Manager Content Marketing at Medius Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Tactic 1: Automate invoice capture at scale 3. Tactic 2: Create auto-routing rules that get smarter over time 4. Tactic 3: Shrink cycle time with intelligent matching 5. Tactic 4: Track the metrics that matter most 6. Tactic 5: Improve supplier input, collaboration, and processes 7. The future of AP is touchless with Medius Hear what's covered in this article: * * * Accounts Payable isn’t only about paying invoices anymore. It’s a strategic lever for improving cash flow, reducing costs, and building resilience. In 2026, **touchless processing isn’t a future goal. It’s the new baseline, thanks to AI.** Whether you're still chasing down approvals or have already started automating, these five AI-powered tactics will help you move closer to a fully [autonomous AP process](https://www.medius.com/ai-innovation/autonomous-accounts-payable/ "autonomous AP process"), where invoices are captured, coded, routed, and paid with **minimal to no human intervention.** **65%**of finance leaders say AP’s impact is significant to transformational over the next two years. And, **58%** are actively using or piloting AI in AP today. ![pie chart showing data for the AP AI maturity curve](https://www.medius.com/media/3xbav4o0/ap-ai-maturity.png?rmode=max&width=372&height=0&v=1dd2a869257e140) Enlarge Image ![bar chart showing AP primary objectives for using AI in 2026](https://www.medius.com/media/qj3gtcza/primary-objectives-ai-2026.png?rmode=max&width=372&height=0&v=1dd2a869fa3a870) Enlarge Image *Source: [Ardent Partners’ State of AP 2026: AI Rising](https://www.medius.com/resources/guides-reports/ardent-partners-state-of-ap/ "Ardent Partners’ State of AP 2026: AI Rising")* ![number one icon](https://www.medius.com/media/majbqvuw/number-one-circle-harcoal-fill.svg) ## Automate invoice capture at scale Manual data entry should be obsolete. However, the fact remains that more than [51% of invoices](https://www.medius.com/resources/guides-reports/ardent-partners-state-of-ap/ "51% of invoices") received are still submitted on paper or manually. How do we solve this ongoing challenge? Today’s AP leaders use [AI-driven invoice capture](https://www.medius.com/solutions/medius-accounts-payable-automation/invoice-capture/ "AI-driven invoice capture") to extract data, whether it comes through email, EDI, or scanned PDFs. With optical character recognition (OCR) and machine learning (ML), systems quickly learn supplier formats and flag low-confidence fields, enabling teams to achieve touchless capture with confidence. Here’s what that looks like in practice: - **[Touchless capture rates for PO invoices](https://www.medius.com/customers/ap-benchmark-report/ "AP Benchmark Report") exceed 99.3%** - Systems learn formats after just a few invoices - Automated data extraction for PDF, EDI, and email-based invoices reduces errors and saves time * * * ![number two icon](https://www.medius.com/media/nakciwvt/number-two-circle-charcoal-fill.svg) ## Create auto-routing rules that get smarter over time According to [Ardent Partners](https://www.medius.com/resources/guides-reports/ardent-partners-state-of-ap/ "Ardent Partners"), approval time remains the largest challenge for AP today. But it doesn’t have to be. ![bar chart showing AP's top challenges in 2026](https://www.medius.com/media/0qepjqrg/top-challenges-2026.png?rmode=max&width=372&height=0&v=1dd2a9a4f427af0) *Source: [Ardent Partners’ State of AP 2026: AI Rising](https://www.medius.com/resources/guides-reports/ardent-partners-state-of-ap/ "Ardent Partners’ State of AP 2026: AI Rising")* It’s true. For non-PO invoices, approvals can drag, unless you're using dynamic AI routing. By analyzing invoice type, amount, department, or vendor behavior, AI can instantly route invoices to the right person or queue. With AI-driven routing in place, AP teams are seeing results like: - Top performers [route nearly 99% of non-PO invoices automatically](https://www.medius.com/customers/ap-benchmark-report/ "AP Benchmark Report") - Logic that adapts as your organizational structure and spending behaviors change - [AI models](https://www.medius.com/ai-innovation/ "Innovation and AI") are capable of auto-filling coding, tax, and approval fields with 95% precision after just two invoices Non-PO Invoices 100% Touchless Capture Rate 99.5% Automatic Approval Routing 1 day Average Approval Time 2.1 days Total Processing Time Best-in-class performance for non-PO invoice processing. [See more benchmarks](https://www.medius.com/customers/ap-benchmark-report/ "AP Benchmark Report"). * * * ![number three icon](https://www.medius.com/media/wkxpmd4a/number-three-circle-charcoal-fill.svg) ## Shrink cycle time with intelligent matching PO-based invoices benefit greatly from **intelligent line-item matching**. [Smart AP tools](https://www.medius.com/ai-innovation/ "Innovation and AI") compare invoice data to one or more purchase orders (POs) and flag discrepancies before they cause bottlenecks or require manual review. When applied effectively, intelligent matching can lead to: - **Processing time for PO invoices reduced to as little as one day** - Matching logic that evolves with supplier formats and exceptions over time - Fewer touchpoints, faster approvals, and higher first-pass match rates PO Invoices 100% Touchless Capture Rate 96.3% Touchless Processing Rate 1.4 days Total Processing Time Best-in-class PO invoice processing rates. [See more](https://www.medius.com/customers/ap-benchmark-report/ "AP Benchmark Report"). * * * ![number four icon](https://www.medius.com/media/tumagckw/number-four-circle-charcoal-fill.svg) ## Track the metrics that matter most You can’t optimize what you don’t measure. The most effective AP teams monitor metrics like touchless rate, cycle time, exception rate, and manual touches per invoice, then use that data to refine rules and justify changes. Teams that track and act on the right data are achieve: - **Invoices processed up to 82% faster than peers** - [Internal and peer benchmarks](https://www.medius.com/customers/ap-benchmark-report/ "AP Benchmark Report") driving transparency and accountability - Insights that support automation investments and continuous improvement This chart is best viewed in landscape orientation or on a larger device. | Key Performance Indicator | Industry average | | :--- | :--- | | Cost to process a single invoice | $9.90 | | Time to process a single invoice | 11.6 days | | Invoice exception rate | 19.9% | | Invoices processed "straight through" | 38.3% | | Suppliers submitting invoices electronically | 45.7% | | Invoices linked to a Purchase Order | 65.4% | | Staff time spent on supplier inquiries | 29.4% | *Source: [Ardent Partners' State of AP 2026: AI Rising](https://www.medius.com/resources/guides-reports/ardent-partners-state-of-ap/ "Ardent Partners' State of AP 2026: AI Rising")* * * * ![number five icon](https://www.medius.com/media/cqjmrebr/number-five-circle-charcoal-fill.svg) ## Improve supplier input, collaboration, and processes Touchless AP isn’t just about smoothing internal workflows. It also depends on strong relationships with suppliers. Working well with suppliers means invoices come in the right format, follow-up questions are minimized, and approvals happen faster. Smart AP teams invest in tools and processes that make it easier for suppliers to connect with their systems. This helps both sides move toward full automation faster and with less hassle. Here’s how supplier collaboration is evolving to drive touchless AP success: - Approvers get smart prompts and all the context they need on invoices with [AI assistants](https://www.medius.com/solutions/medius-copilot/ "Medius Copilot"), making it easier and quicker to make confident decisions. - Suppliers get [real-time invoice and payment status updates](https://www.medius.com/solutions/supplier-conversations/ "Supplier Conversations") automatically, cutting down on inquiry emails and increasing transparency - Efforts to transition suppliers from paper to electronic invoicing start with accepting PDFs and gradually advance to structured, compliant e-invoice formats, boosting efficiency and scalability * * * ## The future of AP is touchless with Medius [Medius](https://www.medius.com/ "Medius") helps accounts payable teams move beyond automation toward autonomy. With embedded, agentic AI across every step of the invoice process—from capture to approvals to supplier engagement—AP teams get more done with less manual work. Whether you’re starting your automation journey or refining a mature AP process, Medius makes touchless AP not only possible but also sustainable. What about fraud? Medius’ AI solutions make it easy to manage spending, enforce policies, cut down on fraud, and lower risk. [See how](https://www.medius.com/solutions/fraud-risk-detection/) What exactly does AI in AP do? See in the Buyer’s comparison guide for AP automation: AI vs. traditional tools. [Get the guide](https://www.medius.com/resources/guides-reports/buyers-comparison-guide-for-ap-automation-ai-vs-traditional-tools/) AI at work with a real customer. “Medius provides state-of-the-art AI and machine learning that is superior to the system we had in place. It actually grows 'smarter' with every invoice.” [See results](https://www.medius.com/resources/case-studies/granngarden/) #### The Financial Professional Census Explore hurdles facing finance professionals today and learn how to overcome them in our research-backed Financial Professional Census report. [Get the report](https://www.medius.com/resources/guides-reports/financial-professional-census-report-2024/ "Financial Professional Census Report 2024") #### 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 [8.18.2026 AP Automation Best AP automation software for food and beverage](https://www.medius.com/blog/best-ap-automation-software-for-food-and-beverage/) [!\[focused business woman looking at computer\](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/) [8.10.2026 Accounts Payable Top finance and accounting conferences and events in 2026](https://www.medius.com/blog/top-finance-and-accounting-conferences-events/) Previous Next [View All Posts](https://www.medius.com/blog/) ## Ready to transform your AP? 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