Accounts payable has long been a function stuck in manual processes, paper-based approvals, and time-consuming reconciliations. However, with the introduction of artificial intelligence, the role of AP is undergoing a meaningful transformation. An AI-first approach to accounts payable automation goes beyond just reducing manual work; it reimagines the process entirely, enabling smarter and faster decisions across the AP lifecycle.
According to a recent Gartner survey, 58% of finance functions are now using AI in some capacity, signaling a significant shift from legacy systems to more intelligent, data-driven operations. One solution leading this transformation is Cherrywork’s AI-powered AP automation solution, which is built on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) and brings intelligence and speed to finance teams looking to modernize their AP function.
What “AI-First” Means for Accounts Payable
AI-first in the context of AP means moving beyond static, rule-based automation to incorporate intelligent features that learn and adapt over time. This transition introduces significant benefits, including improved accuracy, real-time visibility, and predictive decision-making.
At the core of an AI-first AP process are a few key principles:
This blend of automation and intelligence helps create a more connected, responsive, and insightful AP function.
Transitioning to an AI-first approach requires understanding the stages of a modern AP workflow and how intelligence is infused at each step.
1.) Intelligent Invoice Capture & Extractio
Invoices arrive in various formats, including emails, PDFs, scanned images, and even paper. Cherrywork’s automated accounts payable software processes these inputs using a powerful AI/ML-based OCR engine with over 95% accuracy. By eliminating manual data entry, this capability significantly lowers the risk of human error and reduces processing time.
This allows finance teams to process a greater volume of invoices with fewer resources and ensures the extracted data is consistent and accurate. It also ensures timely data availability, which is critical for downstream processing.
2.) Automated Classification & ERP Matching
Once the data is captured, the system automatically categorizes the invoice as PO-based or non-PO and validates it against SAP master data. This intelligent classification ensures that data integrity is maintained while enabling straight-through processing.
Cherrywork’s accounts payable solution integrates with SAP ECC and S/4HANA, ensuring that validated invoices are matched and posted without delay. This is a critical component of any robust invoice automation software.
3.) Context-Aware Approval Workflows
One of the biggest bottlenecks in traditional AP processes is invoice approvals. With an AI-first accounts payable automation system, Cherrywork provides suggested approval routes based on historical behavior and predefined business rules. These SLA-driven workflows can be configured to meet the organization’s unique needs.
The Supplier Collaboration Portal further enhances visibility by allowing vendors to track invoice statuses and communicate directly with the AP team, reducing unnecessary follow-ups. This increases accountability, shortens approval cycles, and builds better trust with external suppliers.
4.) Exception Handling Powered by AI
Every finance team deals with exceptions, whether due to mismatches, missing POs, or duplicate invoices. Cherrywork’s solution uses predictive algorithms to identify potential issues early and recommend likely resolution paths. This approach shortens resolution time and ensures continuity in invoice processing. A key feature in this area is the automated assignment of GL codes to non-PO invoices. Using historical data, Cherrywork recommends cost allocation codes through AI/ML, ensuring accurate budget allocation and reducing manual effort.
Additionally, real-time tracking provides full visibility into where and why an exception occurred, allowing teams to take corrective actions swiftly. With AI-led exception handling, businesses can drastically reduce process delays and prevent recurring errors through continuous learning mechanisms.
5.) Predictive Insights and Real-Time Dashboards
Beyond automation, what sets an AI-first system apart is the ability to deliver actionable insights. Cherrywork’s dashboards offer a real-time view of invoice aging, user workloads, and potential SLA breaches. Finance teams can use these insights to optimize cash flow, prioritize critical payments, and maximize early payment discounts.
The data is presented in an intuitive format that empowers stakeholders to make timely and informed decisions. By analyzing patterns in payment behavior and supplier performance, teams can proactively manage risk and plan more effectively.
To learn more about Cherrywork’s AI-first AP workflow, click here!
Accounts payable teams have long struggled with challenges such as decentralized data, lack of visibility, and tedious manual approvals. An AI-first accounts payable automation solution addresses these pain points by centralizing data, digitizing document flows, and offering real-time transparency.
Manual routing is replaced with rule-based automation, eliminating delays. The full invoice lifecycle becomes visible, making it easier to monitor performance and take proactive action. In this way, AP shifts from a cost center to a strategic enabler for business operations.
AI-first systems also reduce the dependency on human intervention in repetitive tasks, which increases accuracy while freeing up skilled staff to focus on higher-value activities. This transition brings structure and clarity to a function that has traditionally been reactive and fragmented.
Book a demo to see how you can address traditional AP challenges with Cherrywork!
Several features distinguish Cherrywork’s AI-powered offering from traditional automated accounts payable software. It is built on SAP BTP, allowing for native integration with existing ERP systems. This reduces deployment friction and speeds up time-to-value.
High straight-through processing rates minimize human intervention. The Supplier Collaboration Portal improves engagement with vendors. Regulatory compliance is addressed through comprehensive audit trails and configurable workflows that align with internal policies.
Some key features include:
Cherrywork also includes a robust intake management capability relevant to the accounts payable process. This unified intake layer captures and orchestrates invoice-related requests across Finance, HR, Procurement, and other departments. Interpreting request context and validating data in real time enables the timely and accurate routing of AP tasks. Integration with systems like SAP ECC, S/4HANA, Ariba, and DocuSign eliminates data silos, while prebuilt templates accelerate deployment, ensuring faster approvals and consistent compliance.
Take a guided tour to learn how your team can gain more control, clarity, and confidence in managing accounts payable.
As companies face increasing demands for agility and transparency in financial operations, an AI-first approach to AP becomes a critical necessity. Cherrywork delivers an advanced, reliable, and user-friendly platform that supports this transition with proven impact.
Cherrywork’s Cloud-based accounts payable automation services capture invoices from any source, intelligently extract data, validate it against ERP records, and manage the workflow through to payment. Its capabilities are not limited to basic automation. They also include predictive analytics and advanced reporting to help finance leaders make more informed decisions. The flexibility of Cherrywork’s accounts payable solution supports various invoice types and use cases, making it suitable for organizations of different sizes and industries. It adapts to changing business needs without compromising on compliance or control.
Organizations that have implemented Cherrywork’s accounts payable automation solution have seen impressive results. Companies report an 85% reduction in invoice processing costs and a fourfold increase in the number of invoices processed within the same timeframe. Manual workload reductions of up to 67% allow finance teams to shift their focus to strategic tasks. On-time vendor payments have increased by 62%, leading to stronger supplier relationships and improved cash flow management.
If your organization is ready to move from manual to modern, now is the time to explore how Cherrywork’s AI-powered solution can redefine your AP function.
Would you like to do the same for your organization? If yes, then reach out to us at talk2us@cherrywork.com
