DIY invoicing is right for everyone

“The Middle of the Pack” continues, as we work to help lagging procurement teams (who subscribe to Coupa Software) get to average, before they set out to become bestinclass organizations.

AccountsPayable departments have taken a beating in practice and in the media ever since the pandemic started, especially for those who are paper-reliant. Now, I’ll take a moment to ask why AP, which is overwhelmingly woman-led, is incredibly underinvested, but for now let’s focus on a free method to help solve the problem.

The Coupa Software Supplier Portal (CSP) allows suppliers to enter invoices on behalf of your AP department.

Short-staffed? Let the supplier do it.
Need PDF copies? Make attachments required.
PO numbers missing? Permit specific suppliers to only enter PO-backed invoices.
Fielding calls about payment status? The portal gives suppliers visibility.

A common refrain for opponents of the CSP is that suppliers won’t do it. As a small-business owner, I regularly find myself logging into multiple systems, sending emails, and solving riddles posed by enchanted dragons, in order to get paid. It sucks, but I want my money. Don’t worry about it. Suppliers will sign up if you (the buyer) decide they have to, and once they do, everyone will be glad they did.