5 Reasons Why Multifamily and CRE Companies Should Get off the Fence and Automate Their AP
August 18, 2021
6 min read
Before the COVID pandemic forced office shutdowns, processing invoices manually and cutting paper checks was a feasible, although inefficient and labor-intensive way to manage Accounts Payable. That all changed when it became difficult, and in some cases impossible, to head into the office.
Real estate companies of all sizes had no choice but to automate in order to process and pay hundreds or even thousands of invoices each month. Now, as remote work appears to be here to stay, Accounts Payable invoice automation is becoming an unsung hero.
Accounts Payable invoice automation allows high productivity, while saving time and money. Companies don’t need fully staffed teams – in headquarters or out-in-the-field – to process invoices, make purchases, and pay vendors. They can do it with far less manpower.
With these benefits in mind, if you are sitting on the fence about AP automation, here’s five reasons why you should take the next step immediately:
1) Cut invoice processing time and labor in half
Invoice capture is one of the most labor-intensive AP tasks. Accounts Payable invoice automation software can cut invoice capture time in half. An AP team can receive, capture, and upload the invoices to the AP automation software. If they are using an automated platform like Nexus, the AP team can let suppliers do most of the initial legwork.
With a self-service portal, suppliers can upload their invoices, code them, and send them directly to the client’s Nexus account. The AP team can then verify the coding and review the invoice. Invoices can also be sent through e-invoice for processing.

Because there is far less paper shuffling, Nexus customers report that they have been able to reduce their time on invoice capture by 50 percent and are able do the work with 50 percent fewer FTEs.
Per VP Controller, “The admins are not opening envelopes, doing the data entry into the GL and coding. Nexus has reduced duplication of duties.”
2) Speed up Invoice Review and Approvals
With most AP automation systems, invoices are centralized and stored in one place. Every action taken: when the invoice was received, who approved it, and when it was paid, is tracked. This helps keep everything organized and speeds up review and approvals.
With Nexus, invoice approval workflows can be configured for any CRE and multifamily company requirement. For example, different sets of eyes can review invoices that are over budget, or belong to a specific region, or are associated with a different GL or contract.
