Reduce invoice processing time from days to minutes with automated data capture and workflow routing.
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Why Faster Invoice Processing Matters
In accounts payable, speed isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential.
Delays in invoice approvals can hold up supplier payments, damage relationships, and reduce visibility of cash flow.
Manual processing also increases the risk of errors and misplaced invoices.
By automating, finance teams can transform a slow, manual task into a streamlined, real-time workflow.
The Problem with Manual Processing
Manual invoice handling typically involves:
- Printing or scanning paper invoices
- Manually entering data into accounting software
- Chasing approvals through email or paper trails
- Matching invoices to purchase orders and receipts
Each step adds delay.
A single bottleneck can disrupt supplier payments and increase admin workload.
Automated Data Capture
Automated data capture uses OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to read invoices the moment they arrive — whether by email, upload, or scan.
The system automatically extracts key details such as:
- Supplier name
- Invoice number
- Amount and tax
- PO reference
This information becomes instantly available in your invoice approval software, eliminating the need for manual data entry.
Learn more about OCR invoice scanning.
Intelligent Workflow Routing
Once captured, invoices are automatically routed to the right approver.
Workflows can be configured by:
- Department
- Spend limit
- Supplier
- Project or cost centre
No more chasing signatures.
Approvers get instant notifications and can review and approve invoices from any device.
See how it works in Zahara’s invoice approval software.
Integration with Your Accounts System
Zahara integrates with leading accounting platforms, ensuring approved invoices are posted automatically for payment.
This creates a complete process — from capture to payment — without rekeying data.
Discover more about accounts payable automation software.
Key Benefits
- Speed: Process invoices in minutes, not days.
- Accuracy: Reduce errors with automatic data capture.
- Visibility: Track every invoice in real time.
- Control: Apply approval policies and audit trails.
- Savings: Cut processing costs and avoid late fees.
Real-World Impact
Businesses using Zahara typically reduce invoice processing time by over 70%.
That means faster month-end closing, fewer manual tasks, and more control over cash flow.
Take the Next Step
Ready to process invoices faster?
Book a demo to see how Zahara can simplify your accounts payable process.
You Might Also Like to Read
📄 Invoice Processing Software — Learn how to streamline your entire AP workflow.
💡 What is OCR Software and How Does It Work? — Understand the technology behind automated data capture.
📊 The Best Accounts Payable Automation Software — Compare top tools for faster invoice processing.
FAQs
Manual processing can take several days — sometimes longer if invoices require multiple approvals.
Automation reduces this to minutes, with invoices instantly routed to the right people for sign-off.
Invoice automation uses software to capture, approve, and post invoices automatically.
It removes the need for manual entry, paper trails, and back-and-forth emails.
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) extracts invoice data automatically.
It reads supplier names, amounts, and PO numbers directly from PDFs or scanned images.
Yes. Zahara integrates with popular systems such as Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage, ensuring a smooth handoff from approval to payment.
Quicker approvals and payments
Fewer data entry errors
Better visibility of outstanding invoices
Reduced AP workload
Stronger supplier relationships
