Software Comparison
Medius vs. native ERP AP functionality
Why best-of-breed AP automation outperforms built-in ERP features
Finance leaders evaluating accounts payable automation often ask whether native ERP AP functionality is enough, or if a best-of-breed AP solution is required. Most ERPs include basic accounts payable functionality. For small volumes and simple workflows, that may be enough.
But as invoice volume grows, suppliers multiply, and finance teams face pressure to move faster and reduce risk, native ERP AP features quickly reach their limits.
Medius is AI-driven AP automation designed to work with your ERP, giving you intelligence, scalability, and control that native tools simply can’t.
See how Medius compares with native ERP AP features to help determine when built-in tools are sufficient and when advanced automation becomes essential.
Native ERP AP functionality:
built for basics, not complexity
ERP AP modules can typically only:
- Capture simple invoices
- Support basic approval workflows
- Handle standard PO matching
They work well when invoices are low-volume, low-variance, and largely PO‑based. But most finance teams don’t stay in that world for long.
Common challenges with native
ERP AP functionality include:
Manual invoice capture and exception handling
Rule-based workflows that break with real-world complexity
Limited line-level visibility across non-PO invoices
Minimal fraud detection and risk controls
Reporting that shows what happened, not what needs attention
Medius: AP automation for real-world finance
Medius is specifically for accounts payable, not as an add-on to a general ledger, but as a system designed to handle complexity from day one.
Where native ERP AP focuses on transaction processing, Medius focuses on automation, insight, and control.
Medius vs. Native ERP AP: capability comparison
The table below compares Medius with native ERP accounts payable functionality across
automation depth, scalability, risk management, and time-to-value.
This comparison chart is best viewed in landscape orientation or on a larger device.
| CAPBILITY / FEATURE | MEDIUS | Native ERP AP Functionality | |
 |
Invoice capture | AI-powered capture from any format (PDF, email, EDI, paper) | Manual or template-based capture |
 |
Line-level matching | Full AI-driven 2- and 3-way match at line level | Limited, rules-based matching |
 |
Non-PO invoice automation | Advanced AI coding and routing | Largely manual |
 |
Exception handling | Intelligent prioritization and automation | Manual review and rework |
 |
Fraud & risk detection | AI anomaly detection and risk scoring | Basic duplicate or rule checks |
 |
Supplier experience | AI-driven supplier conversations and status visibility | Limited portals or email follow-ups |
 |
Analytics & reporting | Real-time dashboards, insights, and benchmarks | Static or historical ERP reports |
 |
Scalability | Built for high volume, multi-entity, global AP | Performance declines with complexity |
 |
ERP flexibility | ERP-agnostic, works alongside your core system | Locked to one ERP |
 |
Time to value | Rapid, Medius-led implementation | Custom configuration and IT dependency |
Quick takeaway: Native ERP AP works for basic, low-volume scenarios. Medius helps organizations that need automation, visibility, and control as AP complexity increases.
Why finance teams outgrow native ERP AP
Finance leaders often start with ERP-native AP because it’s built in.
They move to Medius when they need:
Higher automation rates beyond basic rules
Touchless processing across complex invoices
Better visibility into spend and bottlenecks
Stronger fraud protection
Faster approvals without manual chasing
An AP system that scales as the business grows
Native ERP AP is functional. Medius is transformational.
Built to work with your ERP, not replace it
Medius doesn’t replace your ERP. It enhances it. Integrate your ERP with Medius with ease.
- Certified, pre-packaged integrations
- Clean, structured data synced back to your ERP
- No custom coding or heavy IT lift
- Supports Dynamics, NetSuite, SAP, Infor and much more
Your ERP remains the system of record. Medius becomes the system of action for AP.
How IT leaders eliminate ERP custom code with AP automation
Instead of piling more custom code into your ERP, IT teams can use modern AP automation to move invoice workflows to a smarter, easier-to-maintain platform that keeps the ERP clean and upgrades simple. See how.
AI that goes beyond basic automation
Native ERP AP relies primarily on:
- Static rules
- Manual exceptions
- Historical reporting
Medius uses AI to:
- Understand invoice data at the line level
- Predict and prevent errors
- Prioritize what needs attention
- Increase touchless processing rates
Who should rely on native ERP AP, and who shouldn’t
Native ERP AP may be sufficient if you have:
-
Low invoice volumes
-
Mostly PO-based invoices
-
Minimal supplier complexity
-
Little need for advanced reporting or fraud detection
Medius is the better choice if you have:
High or growing invoice volumes
Complex or non-PO invoices
Multiple entities or geographies
Lean AP teams under pressure to scale
A need for real-time visibility and control
Ready to see the difference?
See how Medius delivers AI-powered AP automation that scales beyond native ERP limitations without disrupting your core finance systems.
FAQ
Native ERP AP can work for low-volume, PO-based environments. As invoice complexity and scale increase, finance teams often require a best-of-breed AP solution like Medius.
No. Medius works alongside your ERP, integrating seamlessly while your ERP remains the system of record.
When manual work increases, automation stalls, visibility declines, or AP teams struggle to scale without adding headcount.