I don’t think I have made it any secret that I have written books. The two that have been published are the Argument to Automate and The 8 Pitfalls of Accounts Payable Automation. I get a good laugh for being the guy who have written AP Automation books, but it’s my thing and I am happy to bring to the world how to go paperless by selling a paper book (that’s something my then 13 year old son pointed out when I got the first run of books).

The Path

I wrote the 8 pitfalls four years ago to help people know where the traps were when getting rid of the paper in the accounting process. I wrote the Argument to Automate to help people understand (1) if they should automate accounts payable and (2) what the physical impact AP Automation will have on their company. Having written all of that, I think it is time for a new book to help people move from one AP Automation service provider to another, and this is the start of it.

This Means War

I am kicking the idea around that the book that helps companies move from one service to another will be called, “The AP Automation Replacement Wars”. I believe there will be battles and there will be causalities, but it’s also going to be a worthy fight. To kick things off here are six steps to help in migration.

Steps

1. Do your numbers (cost per invoice and new time). I write about this a lot with companies that are just starting their automation journey. Even though all or part of your process is automated, the numbers will help you prove areas of opportunities.
2. Wake up the users. It’s funny, when people use technology they get complacent, just like when the Accounts Payable process was fully paper. Let the users know there is room for improvement and get their feedback on what that improvement should be.
3. Put leadership on notice. When you expend money for a project, leadership has a tendency to say, “I thought we already took care of that”. Help them understand that AP Automation is a journey not an event.
4. Do your homework. Find the service providers that have a good reputation, some you have seen at events and shows as well as the feedback you get from colleagues you trust in your industry.
5. Find the gaps. Once you have done your homework and have identified the service providers you could move to, find the holes they will fill and the improvements in your current process.
6. Make the case. Based on the numbers and the attitude of the company as well as their willingness to change make your case to switch based on the numeric impact of the gaps.

Want to know more? Buy My Books!

To buy the book – The Argument to Automate – How Innovation Can INSPIRE Not Fire – click here to buy

(Also) To get your copy of The 8 Pitfalls of Accounts Payable Automation – click here to buy

How about a children’s book? The Princess and the Paper – click here to buy

About The Author:

Christopher Elmore has written 8 books, countless articles, lectures at UNC – Charlotte and travels around the country speaking on the topics of startup success, sales, presentation skills, change, entrepreneurship, accounts payable and payment automation. Having deep startup and entrepreneurial experience, Christopher was one of the six people who started AvidXchange in 2000 and continues to work in the business today. If you hire Christopher to speak or teach at your company or event… you won’t be sorry! Request a media kit or contact us for more information