Despite the fact that cost savings remains the top priority for a majority of accounts payable ("AP) leaders in 2015, the opportunity to automate key business processes has missed many AP departments. Ardent Partners research has shown that the average cost to process a paper invoice can be up to five times higher than a comparable invoice that is processed electronically. Given this cost difference and the gains in effectiveness and visibility that technology can provide, automating an AP operation is an opportunity that can no longer be ignored. This paper will outline the key strategies and approaches that Finance and AP teams will need to know when considering or launching an AP automation initiative.