Connections of all sorts keep businesses moving forward—both human and machine. They aid in knowledge exchanges, software data transmission, problem-solving, and even keeping the lights on. In the world of expense management automation, the connections we favor—at the digital level—reflect how well a solution integrates with the accounting systems you rely on every day.
In the spirit of keeping business moving forward, a solution that connects deeply to your existing platform creates momentum through malleability.
Not all integrations are created equally
Mainstream ERPs, like Oracle NetSuite and Sage Intacct, contain extensive integration possibilities for many solution providers. However, not every provider’s integration capacity offers the same value to your finance department.
Getting the best bang for your buck begins with a seamless connection between your chosen expense solution and your ERP. The quality of that integration is critical to delivering reliable data down a path of least resistance while protecting the general ledger.
Some solutions require users to manually download, format, and upload files to the ERP—increasing the potential for error. Other third-party connectors sync on a pre-defined schedule or only with specific fields. Helpful and continuous, yes, but that could be limited by configurability, scalability, and longevity.
Integration should be a two-way street
A one-way data stream severely impedes momentum. To get the most insight from your expense data, you need integrations that travel in both directions—between your expense solution and your ERP.
Bi-directional integrations allow the two systems to communicate back and forth. As a result, managers gain greater control while improving visibility and enhancing your chart of accounts’ security. The availability of user-defined dimensions within the ERP provides additional depth, so you track charges against specific cost centers, funds, grants, or any other data point you deem necessary.
Start quicker. Scale easier.
Bi-directional integration also reduces the time it takes to onboard an expense solution. Because the two systems will converse with another, they’ll transfer all information from the ERP into the expense solution. Thus, configuring the newly set up system is practically done for you. Implementation times are cut significantly and helps it adapt to your organization’s changing needs swiftly.
Connected as partners
When moving to a SaaS-based expense solution, it’s usually the vendor—not your finance or IT department—maintains the system for you. Offering training to new users, dealing with system updates, and other administration is handled for you. And with a reliable solution, you can expect system uptime to surpass 99%.
The solution provider becomes a strategic partner dedicated to helping your organization be as successful as possible. This is a major differentiator from homegrown solutions and on-premises technology choices. Be sure you choose a provider that fits well with your growth goals and processes. They can be your advisor and advocate to keep your organization on track as you grow.
If you’d like to learn more about making a move to automation, we invite you to download our guides for Sage Intacct or Oracle NetSuite users. Regardless of the ERP you currently use, you’ll get expert advice on setting goals, mapping existing processes, determining integration needs, understand user needs, and how to evaluate your options