Solutions
for Every Industry and Every Business
Your business is unique,
which is why your AP solutions should be tailored to fit your needs.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for your business.
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We take a different approach. We’ve created Supplier First™ solutions that match the unique ways you already do business with suppliers. No more force-fitting workflows to work with new technology.
Each product in the Direct Commerce Supplier First™ Suite can stand alone or work seamlessly together. That gives you the flexibility to start quickly and scale as your needs evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dispute resolution? Dispute resolution is the process of identifying, communicating, and resolving issues that prevent an invoice from being approved or paid, such as pricing mismatches, missing purchase orders, incorrect quantities, or compliance errors. In traditional AP environments, dispute resolution is manual and fragmented, often relying on emails, phone calls, and spreadsheets. This leads to long delays, poor visibility, and strained buyer–supplier relationships. In a Supplier-First™ AP Automation model, dispute resolution is built directly into the invoice workflow. Suppliers can see why an invoice is on hold, take corrective action, and collaborate with AP in real time, reducing cycle times and accelerating payment for both sides.
What is dynamic discounting? Dynamic discounting is a working capital strategy that allows suppliers to receive early payment on approved invoices in exchange for a small, variable discount, chosen by the supplier rather than imposed by the buyer. Unlike static early-pay programs with fixed terms, dynamic discounting is flexible. Suppliers decide when early cash is worth a discount based on their current cash flow needs, while buyers earn risk-free returns on excess capital. In a Supplier-Firstâ„¢ AP Automation platform, dynamic discounting works best when suppliers have real-time visibility into invoice status and payment timing, empowering them to make informed liquidity decisions instead of guessing or waiting blindly.
What is electronic invoicing? Electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) is the digital exchange of invoice data between suppliers and buyers in a structured, machine-readable format, rather than through paper or unstructured PDFs. E-invoicing improves accuracy, speeds processing, and reduces manual data entry. However, traditional e-invoicing often focuses only on submission, not what happens after the invoice is sent. Supplier-Firstâ„¢ AP Automation extends electronic invoicing beyond submission by giving suppliers visibility into validation, approval, and payment, turning e-invoicing into a transparent, end-to-end process rather than a digital black box.
What is a supplier portal? A supplier portal is a digital platform that allows suppliers to interact with a buyer’s AP and payment processes, typically to submit invoices, update information, or check payment status. Many legacy supplier portals are static and buyer-centric, offering limited visibility and little ability for suppliers to take action. This often leads to frustration, repeated inquiries, and delayed payments. A Supplier-First™ supplier portal is fundamentally different. It enables real-time invoice tracking, dispute resolution, collaboration, and early payment options, transforming the portal from a status-checking tool into a shared workspace for AP and suppliers.
What is supplier information management? Supplier Information Management (SIM) is the process of collecting, validating, maintaining, and securing supplier data, including banking details, tax information, compliance documentation, and certifications. Poor supplier data management increases the risk of payment delays, fraud, and compliance failures. Traditionally, buyers owned and maintained this data, often through manual updates and email-based changes. In a Supplier-Firstâ„¢ AP Automation model, suppliers securely manage their own information within controlled workflows and verification rules. This improves data accuracy, reduces fraud risk, and ensures payments are made correctly and on time, benefiting both buyers and suppliers.