Ardent Partners: The State of ePayables 2025

27.06.2025

Topic: AP Automation

In the world of enterprise finance, few functions have experienced as much transformation — and as much untapped potential — as Accounts Payable (AP). For two decades, AP teams have worked to evolve from paper-based, manual processes to more streamlined, digital operations. Yet, as the newly released State of ePayables 2025 report from Ardent Partners reveals, the journey is far from over. 

As a sponsor of this landmark 20th edition, we’re excited to share its powerful insights into the current state of Accounts Payable (AP) and the road ahead. This comprehensive report delivers a clear message: the future of invoice processing will be defined by intelligence, agility, and automation — with Artificial Intelligence (AI) leading the transformation. 

A Strategic Inflection Point for AP 

Historically seen as a tactical, back-office function, AP is now stepping into a more strategic role. According to the report, 56% of AP professionals believe their department is already viewed as “very valuable” to the business, with another 12% seeing it as “exceptionally valuable.” This shift is being fueled by a growing recognition of AP’s impact on cash flow, supplier relationships, and enterprise-wide visibility. 

But the report also highlights a critical gap: while progress has been made, many AP teams still struggle with manual processes, invoice exceptions, and limited involvement in broader financial strategy. The key to closing that gap? Embracing AI. 

AI: From Buzzword to Business Driver 

AI is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s a practical, powerful tool that’s already reshaping how AP teams operate. The State of ePayables 2025 report shows that while only 44% of AP teams currently use AI, that number is expected to jump to over 75% within the next year. 

Why the surge? Because AI delivers measurable value. AP leaders expect AI to: 

• Increase automation across invoice processing (65%) 
• Improve forecasting and predictive capabilities (39%) 
• Reduce departmental costs (35%) 
• Enhance stakeholder satisfaction (30%) 
• Strengthen cash management (26%) 

From intelligent invoice coding and fraud detection to predictive analytics and autonomous supplier communication, AI is enabling AP teams to move faster, work smarter, and contribute more strategically to the business. 

xSuite: Empowering the Intelligent AP Function 

At xSuite, we are committed to helping organizations unlock the full potential of AI in AP. Our AI-powered solutions for invoice automation within SAP environments are designed to simplify complex workflows, reduce processing times, and ensure compliance — all while delivering a seamless user experience. 

With over 300,000 users in more than 60 countries and more than 80 million documents processed annually, xSuite is a trusted partner for companies looking to modernize their financial operations. Whether deployed in the cloud, on-premises, or in hybrid environments, our solutions are built to scale with your business and adapt to your evolving needs. 

A Call to Action for AP Leaders 

The State of ePayables 2025 report doesn’t just highlight trends — it offers a call to action. AP leaders are encouraged to develop strategic plans, set performance targets, and invest in technologies that drive long-term value. AI is not a silver bullet, but it is a catalyst — one that can help AP teams become more agile, more intelligent, and more impactful. 

If your organization is ready to take the next step in its AP journey, now is the time to act. 

Download the full report here to explore the benchmarks, insights, and strategies that will shape the future of invoice processing.