--- title: How to go totally paperless with paperless accounts payable software url: https://www.medius.com/blog/how-to-go-totally-paperless-with-paperless-accounts-payable-software/ updated: 2025-03-04T04:23:47Z --- [Back to Blog](https://www.medius.com/blog/) Accounts Payable 11.30.2021 # How to go totally paperless with paperless accounts payable software Recent world events revealed the importance of working in the cloud rather than depending on paperwork and files. For decades, the AP team struggled with tedious and time-consuming manual processing. Now, many companies are discovering the advantages of implementing paperless accounting payable software. Going paperless enables companies to communicate remotely via the cloud, regardless of location or worldwide events, such as natural disasters or other unforeseen interruptions. Companies with [AP software](https://www.medius.com/solutions/medius-accounts-payable-automation/ "Medius Accounts Payable Automation") can seamlessly handle invoice approvals, vendor vetting, and other essential work in real-time. As a result, companies remain productive and profitable, regardless of circumstances beyond their control. The [C-suite](https://www.medius.com/blog/present-ap-automation-c-suite/ "How To Present to Executives: AP Automation for the C-Suite") has discovered paperless accounts payable is the solution to saving money, remaining productive, and maximizing human resources for thoughtful work rather than repetitive tasks. Plus, it has become crucial to adopt cloud [AP software](https://www.medius.com/solutions/medius-accounts-payable-automation/ "Medius Accounts Payable Automation") to stay on top of financials and be competitive. Discover how to reap the benefits of going paperless with accounts payable software. #### Analyze Current Processes The first step to adopting the right AP software is to analyze current processes and find pain points. Consider common AP issues, such as lengthy approval of invoices leading to late payments, security gaps, and endless hours spent generating financial reports. The AP team should work closely with the C-suite to show the hours and money wasted on manual processes versus the time and money saved by going paperless. Once these processes are analyzed, review how paperless accounts payable software can alleviate these pain points and streamline operations. For example, automatic updates, real-time data entry, and constantly updated financials help eliminate fraud and errors. In addition, month-end and year-end financial reports take a fraction of the time, enabling the C-suite to make crucial financial decisions when it matters most. #### Work With the Team The next step is to discuss introducing technology to the team to get everyone on board. Once the team understands how automation removes enduring manual processes, they will be ready to transition. Training opportunities coupled with automatic updates make learning and working with the latest paperless accounts payable software. Plus, the AP team will have time for more revenue-producing tasks, such as negotiating discounts with vendors for early payments. Once the AP team appreciates the value of introducing new technology, it is crucial to make the C-suite feel comfortable about investing. Reviewing the potential ROI for implementing paperless processes encourages management to include it in the budget. Advantages include [faster payments](https://www.pymnts.com/disbursements/2020/how-the-pandemic-is-driving-treasurers-to-digitize-b2b-payments/ "How The Pandemic Is Driving Treasurers To Digitize B2B Disbursements") and processing, improved vendor relationships, better use of human resources, and savings for early payments. #### Establish Goals for the Transition Once everyone is ready to automate, establish [goals for the transition](https://www.medius.com/blog/5-benefits-ap-going-paperless/ "5 benefits ap going paperless") from manual to cloud processes such as: - Integration with the existing systems for maximum visibility and faster approvals - Minimize labor costs and improve work conditions by eliminating manual processes - Reduce errors by eliminating manual keying and the dreaded paper chase - Improve supplier access to invoice and payment status to improve inventory flow - Enable collaboration and approval remotely for real-time updates to stay on top of financials Also, decide about paper and how much, if any, will be part of the future processes. Keep in mind that paperless accounts payable software aim to reduce or eliminate the hassles, errors, and potential fraud associated with manual processing. #### Choose the Right Paperless Accounts Payable Software Provider For decades, a paperless office has been a popular buzzword. However, the average office worker uses about [10,000 sheets of paper](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2020/04/02/going-paperless-a-journey-worth-taking/?sh=4101b0685ca1 "Going Paperless: A Journey Worth Taking") annually, with corporations spending more than $120 billion on printed forms - which are typically outdated within just three months. PDF and artificial intelligence (AI) are options when going paperless. However, for most companies, cloud automation is the most intelligent choice. Features such as access to financial data in real-time and automatic updates save time and money in the future. Choosing the correct paperless accounts payable software provider ensures a seamless transition. From integration to training and updates, work with a dedicated partner to instantly maximize the ROI. Most companies comfortably make the transition within a few weeks or months, enabling money-saving discounts for early payments, reduced labor costs, and other measurable savings. Paperless accounts payable software is an essential tool to remain productive, profitable, and competitive in an automated business world. However, failing to adopt this technology now means losing out on measurable benefits, such as real-time access to financial data to make educated financial decisions. #### 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") #### Watch a demo Get a first-hand look at Medius AP Automation, Analytics, and Pay with our 13-minute product demo. 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