Accounts payable workflow

Make invoice work easier to see, review and move forward

Bring supplier invoices into a workflow that captures key details, supports review and approval, and helps move approved information into your accounting process. Start with the steps creating the most manual work, then scope the right configuration around your rules and systems.

Discuss your AP workflowExplore InvoiceStream

  • Invoice capture
  • Review and approval
  • Accounting handoff

A clearer invoice path

From supplier invoice to accounting record

01

CaptureBring paper and digital invoices into a consistent intake process.
02

ReviewCheck key details and direct exceptions for staff review.
03

ApproveSet routing around your team’s roles and approval rules.
04

Hand offPlan how approved information reaches your accounting process.

Where invoice work gets stuck

Start with the review or handoff that slows work down

Invoices arriving through different channels can take time to locate, check, route, and follow up. A practical workflow begins with the steps your team needs to make easier.

01 / INTAKE

Bring invoices together

Plan a consistent way to receive supplier invoices from the paper and digital channels your team uses.

02 / REVIEW

Make exceptions visible

Identify what needs a person’s attention and define how it should move to the right reviewer.

03 / APPROVAL

Clarify the handoffs

Map approval roles, coding needs, and the accounting handoff around your existing process.

Choose a practical starting point

Connect the invoice challenge to the right workflow

InvoiceStream supports invoice capture, data review, approval routing, coding, and accounting handoff. The right setup depends on your invoice types, approval rules, exception handling, and supported system requirements.

CAPTURE AND REVIEW

Structure invoice intake

Bring invoices into a consistent process and check captured details before they move forward.

Explore InvoiceStream →

APPROVAL AND CODING

Define how work moves

Scope review, approval, coding, and exception steps around the roles and rules your team confirms.

A scoped, collaborative workflow

Move from invoice challenge to a clear plan

We start with the work your team needs to make easier and define the requirements together.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Describe the invoices

Share invoice sources, types, review roles, and current handling.

02 / DEFINE

Confirm workflow rules

Discuss approvals, coding, exceptions, records, and accounting handoff.

03 / VALIDATE

Review system fit

Confirm supported systems, versions, setup needs, and responsibilities.

04 / PLAN

Agree on next steps

Set scope and a suitable implementation approach before configuration.

Integration fit is confirmed during scoping. Supported systems, versions, and setup requirements vary. Contact Polar Imaging to review your environment before making an implementation decision.

Accounts payable questions

Frequently asked questions

Can InvoiceStream connect with our accounting system?

Supported systems, versions, and setup requirements vary. Polar Imaging can review your environment and confirm fit during scoping.

Can we automate only part of our invoice process?

Yes. Start by identifying the manual step creating the most work, then scope the workflow around the stages and requirements your team wants to address.

What happens when an invoice needs extra review?

Exception handling is defined with your team during scoping, including who reviews the item and how it moves back into the workflow.

Start with your process today

Talk through your AP workflow

Tell us how invoices arrive, where review slows down, and what your accounting handoff needs to support. We can help define a practical first step.

Request an AP consultation

Gone are the days of lost invoices, interest charges, and late payment penalties

How would you like to better manage paper-based records and automate your tedious, manual processes?

By automating your accounts payable, you can shorten process times, improve document control & maximize vendor discounts. Whether you’re looking to automate only a couple of labour-intensive processes or your entire AP process, we can provide a solution that meets your needs and integrate with your current accounting applications.

Invoice Capture

Supplier invoices are either captured internally or processed by our AP solutions team via PI’s Mailroom Services. Once captured, invoice data is extracted. Extracted data could include items such as invoice number, invoice date, invoice amount, PO number, taxes, due date, etc.

Invoice Data Verification

Invoice data is verified with the highest level of data accuracy possible and then uploaded to our automation platform powered by InvoiceStream: a complete 360 degree view of all invoices from various touch points, anywhere in the world as invoices flow through your AP process.

Invoice Routing

Based on your specific invoice processing rules, supplier invoices are automatically routed for review and approved by the appropriate staff member. If an invoice exceeds a user’s approval limit then that invoice is escalated up to the next authorized approver.

Invoice Coding

GL coding is applied through the workflow process. Coding is simplified as each invoice passes through a set of validation rules to ensure coding is correct. Auto-coding templates can be applied which further enhance the process by eliminating the need for anyone to manually code an invoice.

ERP Integration

Vendor and invoice data are systematically delivered and synchronized with your ERP system (SAP, Oracle, JDE, PeopleSoft, Lawson, Infor, Dynamics GP, QAD, Sage and more)  providing full end-to-end process automation. By connecting the accounts payable process with your ERP system this eliminates the need for AP Staff to manually enter invoices into the accounting system further leveraging your ERP investment and maximizing your return on investment.

Archive & Reporting

Supplier invoices are instantly available at any computer for immediate access and review by authorized users. No need to file or store paper because invoices are only a mouse click away! Dashboard and reporting capabilities provides complete visibility to every single invoice. This allows users to access the information they need to analyze key performance indicators and invoice progress to watch for problems before they occur.

Our Accounts Payable solutions are compatible with:

Partnering with Polar Imaging takes the burden off the implementation process because you’re leveraging our knowledge and expertise.

Everything you need to know!

Download our free eBook “AP Automation: What is it all about?” and learn everything there is to know about AP Automation. Don’t be left behind, download the eBook now!

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