Can AI build an AP?
Key Facts
- 75% of SMBs are experimenting with AI, and growing businesses report 83% adoption in 2025.
- 91% of SMBs using AI report revenue increases, with 86% seeing improved profit margins.
- 87% of AI-adopting SMBs say the technology enables them to scale operations effectively.
- AI-powered automation reduces manual data transfers by up to 80% in integrated workflows.
- 78% of SMBs with AI describe it as a 'game-changer' for their business performance.
- 80% of AI users believe peers widely use the technology, though only 33% of non-users agree.
- 78% of growing SMBs plan to increase AI investment, versus 55% of declining businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can AI really automate my entire accounts payable process, or is it just hype?
Yes, AI can automate core AP processes like invoice capture, approval routing, and ERP reconciliation—especially through custom agentic systems that reduce manual work by 20–40 hours weekly. Off-the-shelf tools often fall short due to brittle integrations, but tailored AI solutions deliver reliable, scalable automation aligned with real SMB needs.
How does AI handle invoice data entry and validation without errors?
AI automates data extraction from invoices and validates it against purchase orders or contracts using rule-based logic and machine learning, reducing manual entry errors. One business using AI integrations saw an 80% drop in manual data transfers, showing how automation improves accuracy when built with robust workflows.
Is building a custom AI AP system worth it compared to using no-code tools like Zapier?
Custom AI systems are better for long-term scalability and compliance than no-code tools, which often create fragile connections between apps. While no-code platforms save up to 70% on IT costs, they lack ownership and deep integration—custom builds ensure control, security, and alignment with complex AP workflows.
Will an AI-powered AP system integrate with my existing accounting software like QuickBooks or NetSuite?
Yes, custom AI systems use deep API integrations to connect seamlessly with ERPs and accounting platforms, enabling real-time reconciliation and data flow. Unlike superficial no-code links, these integrations are built to be stable, secure, and tailored to your specific tech stack and operational needs.
How much time and cost can I actually save by automating AP with AI?
SMBs using AI report up to 90% improved operational efficiency, with automation saving teams over 20 hours weekly on manual tasks like data entry and approvals. Though exact AP cost reduction stats aren’t in the sources, 86% of AI-using SMBs report improved margins, signaling strong financial returns.
What’s the risk of using AI for payments and approvals—can it make mistakes or miss compliance?
Off-the-shelf AI tools may lack compliance safeguards, but custom-built systems embed internal controls and audit trails to meet standards like SOX and GAAP. By designing AI with compliance in mind, businesses minimize risk while automating approvals and payment scheduling safely and transparently.