INTERVIEW Embracing automation for improved productivity Olof Hedin of SignUp Software explains how the ExFlow solution for Dynamics 365 is helping to alleviate accounts payable pressures Almost nine out of every 10 finance leaders feel challenged by not having the automation tools they need to alleviate repetitive tasks according to Microsoft’s 2023 Future of Finance Trends report. One solution that is helping address that challenge is SignUp Software’s ExFlow AP Automation for Microsoft Dynamics 365 by automating daily tasks related to accounts payable (AP). “ExFlow increases productivity by automating tasks and making life easier for everybody involved in the AP automation process,” says Olof Hedin, CEO of SignUp Software. “This includes vendors, AP and finance staff, as well as purchasing personnel and approvers across customer organisations. As a result, organisations save time and money, gain better control and achieve enhanced compliance. “ExFlow is built into Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations and Business Central, meaning that there is no need for integration, double storage of data or data synchronisation. The solution ensures that everything is done in real time and that users have one single source of truth.” The solution comes with out-of-the-box access to Microsoft Power BI dashboards that include all necessary key performance indicators to track AP automation performance throughout the entire invoice process, from data capture through to matching and approval, to final posting. SignUp Software also uses artificial intelligencepowered capabilities to enhance its solutions. “We have incorporated AI and machine learning into various aspects of the AP process for several years,” says Hedin. “First, we use it to extract invoice information from scanned or PDF invoices and match it with the appropriate fields in the Dynamics 365 enterprise resource planning system. AI then determines the best way to code the invoice based on historical postings of similar invoices. Simultaneously, the algorithm suggests the right person for invoice approval. “More recently, too, we’ve begun to feed AI with all our support tickets, knowledge articles and manuals. This system allows both end users and consultants to pose questions and receive ExFlow-specific answers. This feature will also be integrated into Microsoft’s Copilot.” The firm is broadening its product portfolio to provide smart solutions for entire finance teams. “SignUp Software has established a strong reputation based on our flagship product for AP automation during the last 20 years,” says Hedin. “But we also understand that our customers and partners in the Dynamics community have evolving needs, and we are committed to meeting those needs. We are expanding our product portfolio to provide a BY ALICE CHAMBERS 116
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