Legacy AP Automation Rillion PaletteArena 2026 EOL Upgrade
- Introduction
- The risks of staying on unsupported AP platforms
- Transitioning from PaletteArena is not a simple upgrade
- What to look for in a next-generation AP automation platform
- Why Medius is the future-ready choice for PaletteArena users
- Make the switch strategic, not disruptive
- Future-proof your AP with Medius
For finance teams still using Rillion PaletteArena, the platform’s 2026 end-of-life (EOL) announcement is more than a software update. It is a wake-up call.
Unlike routine version upgrades, this shift marks the retirement of a legacy system that has underpinned many AP processes for over a decade. Replacing it is not just a matter of clicking “update.” It involves re-contracting, migrating years of financial data, and re-engineering workflows to fit a fundamentally different solution.
With that in mind, the real question becomes: if you must make a change, why not use this moment to upgrade to a next-generation platform that actually moves your business forward?
The risks of staying on unsupported AP platforms
When an AP automation system approaches end-of-life, its value begins to decline faster than most organizations anticipate. The risks compound quickly and they go far beyond the inconvenience of using outdated technology.
As regulations evolve across different regions, unsupported platforms struggle to keep up. Missing functionality or outdated workflows can make it harder to meet VAT rules, e-invoicing mandates, or internal audit requirements. Over time, this increases exposure to errors, missed deadlines, or even fines. Without continuous updates, staying compliant becomes a manual effort that strains your team and slows down audits.
Legacy systems often rely on outdated architecture that becomes a liability once vendor support ends. Security patches may no longer be issued, leaving your financial data exposed. Maintaining custom configurations or integrations becomes more expensive, and support tickets start to fall outside your service agreement. The result is a patchwork of fixes and rising IT costs with diminishing ROI.
Perhaps most overlooked, older platforms restrict innovation. Without modern APIs or AI-driven capabilities, it becomes difficult to integrate with other systems, automate workflows, or gain meaningful insights from your data. You are left with basic functionality while competitors automate exception handling, improve forecast accuracy, and reduce invoice cycle times.
Transitioning from PaletteArena is not a simple upgrade
Rillion Prime may be positioned as the next step, but the shift from PaletteArena is not just an in-place update. It is a full transition to a new product architecture with different user experiences, configurations, and contract terms.
Finance leaders need to be aware of the scope:
- New licensing agreements must be negotiated
- Data must be migrated, often requiring IT involvement and historical record validation
- Workflows and approvals will likely need to be rebuilt from scratch
- Training must be provided for users adjusting to a new interface
If you are already going through all this effort, it is worth asking if you are getting the best value for the time and budget being invested.
What to look for in a next-generation AP automation platform
If your organization is preparing for life beyond PaletteArena, now is the time to evaluate modern alternatives. Today’s AP solutions do far more than route invoices. They provide control, compliance, and insight across the full invoice lifecycle.
Here are five capabilities to prioritize:
Intelligent automation and scalability
Choose a platform that can handle large volumes with automated invoice capture, matching, and approval routing. AI-powered systems reduce the burden on your team by minimizing exceptions and accelerating cycle times.
Built-in compliance
A modern platform should help you stay ahead of changing regulations automatically. Look for solutions that support tax codes, digital audit trails, and e-invoicing requirements across regions, removing the need for workarounds or last-minute adjustments. Medius offers this natively as part of its compliance and global configuration capabilities.
Real-time analytics
Visibility into spend performance is critical. Platforms like Medius Analytics allow finance leaders to track KPIs like cycle time, touchless processing rates, and cash flow projections in real time. These insights turn AP from a transactional process into a strategic advantage.
ERP integration and flexibility
Avoid systems that require heavy IT work to integrate. The best solutions offer pre-built connectors and real-time sync with ERP systems like Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, and others. This makes implementation smoother and maintenance lighter.
Strong audit readiness
Every transaction should be traceable and ready for review. Platforms that ensure audit compliance with secure digital records, time-stamped workflows, and standardized approval paths simplify everything from internal reviews to regulatory inspections.
Which AP vendors are built for what’s next?
As you evaluate alternatives to PaletteArena, this 2026 AP Automation & Payments Technology Advisor report from Ardent Partners offers an independent look at the market, assessing vendors based on functionality, innovation, and ability to support modern finance teams.
Why Medius is the future-ready choice for PaletteArena users
If you are reconsidering your next move after PaletteArena, Medius is more than a suitable replacement. It is a strategic leap forward.
Medius delivers:
Enterprise-grade scalability with AI-powered AP automation
Global compliance support including country-specific invoice formatting and tax rules
Real-time visibility through advanced analytics and spend forecasting
Seamless ERP integration with out-of-the-box connectors
Migration support with onboarding tools, project guidance, and data validation
We also understand that switching platforms can feel disruptive. That is why our team focuses on making the transition smooth, supported, and structured around your goals. Unlike generic migrations, a Medius implementation is an opportunity to improve, not just replace, your AP operations.
Want to see how we compare?
Explore our Medius vs Rillion comparison content to evaluate both platforms side by side.
Make the switch strategic, not disruptive
Rillion PaletteArena may be reaching end-of-life, but that does not mean your AP operations need to enter a holding pattern. With the right planning, this shift can be a chance to move forward with better tools, stronger compliance, and clearer visibility.
Do not wait until support ends. Start evaluating platforms now and give your team the time, resources, and roadmap to transition on your terms.
Evaluating your next AP solution?
As PaletteArena approaches end-of-life, now’s the time to weigh your options carefully. This buyer’s comparison guide breaks down AI-driven AP automation versus traditional tools, helping you choose a platform that reduces manual work, boosts accuracy, and scales with your finance organization.
Future-proof your AP with Medius
Thousands of finance teams around the world trust Medius to automate, secure, and optimize their AP processes. If you are preparing for the end of PaletteArena, now is the time to choose a platform built for what comes next.
Discover how Medius combines automation, analytics, and compliance into a single AP solution that is ready to scale with your business.
Book a personalized demo to see why Medius is the smart upgrade for your finance team in 2026 and beyond.
