Technology allows us to have real-time communication around the world, purchase anything we can think of without leaving our computer chairs, and store an essentially limitless amount of information without regard to physical space. Without a doubt, the future is now.

If we have all of these great technologies at our disposal, then why are most accounts payable organizations less than automated? Why is it that accounts payable departments often feel like analog visitors in a digital world?

In my last blog post, I stressed that AP document management technology is only as strong as the procure-to-pay (P2P) processes and best practices that underpin it. I also stated that getting value out of your AP technology investment meant taking a hard look at whether your organization's P2P process is an enabler or detractor of efficiency.

By Jim Mandt

Having implemented AP document management and workflow technology in midmarket organizations across the country for more than 20 years, I’ve seen the power of technology in affecting positive and productive change – not only for the organizations themselves, but for suppliers, partners and the entire ecosystem.

The days of paper invoices in Europe may be numbered. Proposed changes to European invoicing requirements could improve electronic invoice adoption while making it easier for U.S. companies to reclaim value-added tax payments.

A press release issued by the European Union announced that the Council of Economic Affairs has decided to simplify VAT invoice requirements, specifically with the goal to promote the adoption of e-invoicing.

The president’s newly-released budget proposal for fiscal year 2011 could have a direct impact on your accounts payable department.

Each year the president releases a document outlining policy initiatives that his office would like to see included in the finalized budget. This year, the “General Explanations of the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2011 Revenue Proposals,” also called the president’s Green Book, includes two proposals that AP departments should be aware of.

It can sometimes feel like there is an invisible tug-of-war match going on between buyers and suppliers over payment card acceptance. While buyers want to use p-cards so they can save money on payment processing and improve cash flow, some vendors find that the costs of accepting cards outweigh the benefits.

Wow, the color! I especially love those fiery Maples this time of year and the breathtaking show nature puts on for its last gasp before we settle in for those cozy long winter naps.

While driving around your neighborhood, I’m sure you have neighbors who diligently rake their leaves on a sunny weekend day, open the windows, and engage in a little fall home detailing. They also do the same thing for their prized (or not so prized) automobiles.

Hundreds of AP professionals stopped to visit The Accounts Payable Network’s booth at October’s IOMA Accounts Payable Conference and Expo.

Visitors to the booth were treated to a real-time demonstration of the TAPN homepage by Manager, Marketing Operations Whitney Vail (left) and Director, e-Learning Gordon Bivens (right). The visitors learned about the many benefits of TAPN membership, including access to downloadable tools and policy manuals, timely benchmark surveys, and a wealth of articles on every aspect of the payables process.

I LOVE football, especially the NFL (and that catchy Monday Night Football theme song). I especially love my hometown team, The Washington Redskins - yes, I know it hasn’t been a good year for them, but that’s a blog for an entirely different site.

But, win or lose, they are my team and they do have three Super Bowl rings. Not as many as the Steelers, Patriots or Cowboys, but if you have even one Super Bowl ring, you did all the right things to get there. You know what it takes to be the best and how attention to detail yields results you can be proud of.

State governments are currently facing huge budget deficits. In fact, only two states – Montana and North Dakota – dot not have budget shortfalls. As a result, many states are looking for any way they can to boost revenue.

Rather than resort to unpopular tax increases, they are instead focusing on stricter enforcement of existing tax laws. One popular target for cash-starved states is sales tax.