Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central includes native accounts payable capabilities, including the Payables Agent for automating vendor invoice processing. Organizations with more complex approval, payment, or multi-entity requirements may still evaluate third-party AP automation tools that integrate with Business Central.
For organizations running multi-location operations, selecting the right AP automation platform means evaluating integration depth, AI capabilities, and workflow flexibility. We analyzed 12 leading solutions that connect with Business Central, comparing features and real-world performance data to identify options for different business needs.
Key Takeaways
- Integration approach matters. Some solutions are built directly inside Business Central, while others connect through APIs or other integration methods. The right approach depends on your workflow, ERP configuration, and IT requirements.
- AI-powered invoice coding can reduce manual data entry. Rillion, for example, says its AI auto-codes invoices with over 90% accuracy and improves as more invoices are processed.
- Microsoft's Payables Agent has a defined scope. Generally available since November 7, 2025, it automates vendor invoice processing, while third-party AP tools offer different integrations and additional workflow, matching, payment, and multi-entity capabilities depending on the product.
- Multi-entity support varies widely. Companies with multiple locations or legal entities need solutions with capabilities for that complexity.
Understanding AP Automation for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
What Is AP Automation?
AP automation software handles the end-to-end invoice processing workflow: capturing invoice data, matching against purchase orders, routing for approvals, and syncing approved transactions back to your ERP. The goal is eliminating manual data entry while maintaining accurate financial records and audit trails.
For Business Central users, this means connecting specialized tools that read invoices, extract header and line-item data using OCR and AI, and push that information directly into BC's accounts payable module. The best ERP-integrated solutions maintain real-time sync so your financial data stays consistent across systems.
Why Integrate with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?
Business Central provides accounting functionality, and Microsoft's November 2025 Payables Agent release added automation capabilities. Specialized tools provide additional features for complex invoice processing scenarios.
Key reasons organizations add dedicated AP automation:
- Faster processing. Automated invoice capture can reduce the manual data-entry involved in processing invoices, with processing speed varying by platform and invoice complexity.
- Reduced errors. AI-powered coding can help reduce manual keystroke mistakes that cause reconciliation problems.
- Better visibility. Dashboards show approval status, bottlenecks, and pending invoices across all locations.
- Audit compliance. Automated timestamps and approval trails satisfy auditor requirements.
12 Best AP Automation Solutions for Business Central
1. Factura: Best for Multi-Location Business Central Users
Factura delivers purpose-built AP automation for multi-location businesses running Business Central. The platform was designed from the beginning for organizations with 10+ locations that need centralized invoice management without sacrificing location-specific control.
What Sets Factura Apart
Single Invoice Intake: All locations send invoices to one email address. Factura's AI automatically routes each invoice to the correct location and approval workflow based on vendor, amount, GL code, or custom rules you define.
Invoice Splitting: When a single vendor invoice covers multiple locations, Factura splits it automatically and routes each portion to the appropriate approver. This handles common scenarios like shared vendor relationships without manual intervention.
AI-Powered Processing: Factura captures, interprets, and codes line-item invoice data in under a minute. The AI learns your coding patterns and improves accuracy over time.
Multi-Entity Dashboard: View and manage AP across all entities from a unified interface. No switching between accounts or consolidating reports manually.
Key Features
- One invoice email for all locations with automatic routing
- Location-specific approval workflows
- Invoice splitting across multiple sites
- Real-time ERP sync with Business Central
- Multi-entity consolidated reporting
- Mobile approval from any device
- Automated duplicate detection
- Full audit trail with timestamps
Pricing
Factura.ai uses flat monthly pricing per location. Contact Factura.ai for current pricing and commercial terms. Contact Factura for a quote specific to your Business Central environment.
2. Continia Document Capture
Continia serves 21,000+ customers across 45+ countries and focuses on solutions built inside Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Key Features
- Built inside Business Central with no external systems required
- Continia Copilot AI for automation
- Secure Archive feature for document storage compliance
- Expense management and collections modules
Continia provides document capture and workflow automation embedded directly within Business Central. The platform extends beyond AP to include expense management, collections, and banking integration.
3. ExFlow AP Automation
ExFlow from SignUp Software holds Microsoft Preferred Solution status for both Business Central and Finance & Operations. The platform has operated in the Microsoft ecosystem for 20+ years.
Key Features
- Fully embedded in BC with no external integrations needed
- AI-powered coding suggestions and 3-way PO matching
- ExFlow Web portal for mobile approval from any device
- Multi-entity processing support
ExFlow provides embedded AP automation within Business Central with support for organizations using or planning to use both Business Central and Finance & Operations.
4. Tipalti
Tipalti operates as a comprehensive finance automation platform serving 6,500 businesses and reports a 99% customer retention rate.
Key Features
- Global payments to 200+ countries and territories in 120 currencies
- KPMG-approved tax engine with automated 1099/1042-S preparation
- Licensed money transmitter handling payments directly
- Integration with Business Central for AP workflow
Tipalti provides end-to-end AP automation with particular strength in global payment capabilities. The platform is licensed as a money transmitter and handles payments directly.
5. Rillion
Rillion serves 30,000+ organizations with a certified AppSource integration for Business Central. The company holds Microsoft Gold Partner status.
Key Features
- AI auto-coding with over 90% accuracy that improves over time
- Handles complex multi-page POs with hundreds of line items
- SOC 1 and SOC 2 compliant; follows GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA requirements
- Microsoft Gold Partner status
Rillion provides AI-driven invoice automation with integration options for Business Central. The platform emphasizes rapid deployment and continuous learning AI.
6. Zetadocs Capture
Zetadocs provides AP automation with SharePoint integration for document management within the Microsoft 365 environment.
Key Features
- AI-driven OCR for data extraction
- Original documents archived to SharePoint in Microsoft 365
- 3-way PO matching with on-screen document verification
- Zetadocs FactBox provides document access directly on BC purchase invoice pages
Zetadocs leverages SharePoint storage included in Microsoft 365 subscriptions for document archiving. This approach avoids adding documents to Business Central's database.
7. TrinDocs
TrinDocs holds the distinction of being the first AP automation solution on Microsoft AppSource for Business Central.
Key Features
- Template-free AI/ML OCR
- Customized to clients' business policies
- Enables non-ERP users to create purchase requisitions
- Multi-entity support via Binary Stream MEM integration
TrinDocs provides customizable workflow automation for Business Central users. The platform supports unique business policies and approval hierarchies.
8. Corpay Complete
Corpay offers AP automation with an emphasis on payment execution and virtual card programs.
Key Features
- AI-driven invoice matching with real-time API integration
- Virtual card payments with rebate opportunities
- Unified PO, invoices, payments, and expenses in one platform
- Corpay reports a network of 4M+ accepting vendors, supporting its supplier payment capabilities
Corpay provides unified invoice processing, payment execution, and expense management. The platform includes virtual card payment options with rebate opportunities.
9. Quadient AP
Quadient launched its Business Central integration in February 2024 following the Beanworks acquisition. The platform connects with both cloud and on-premises BC deployments.
Key Features
- AI-powered auto capture for invoice headers and amounts
- Unlimited approval channels for automated routing
- Multi-entity support on one screen
- Supports all four AP workflows: invoices, payments, expenses, POs
Quadient provides AP automation with emphasis on approval workflow management across complex organizational structures.
10. Mekorma Payment Hub
Mekorma focuses on the payment execution side of AP rather than full invoice automation.
Key Features
- Fully embedded in BC with familiar workflows
- Support for check printing, remote, and electronic payments
- Vendor validation and compliance enforcement
- Multi-legal entity support
Mekorma provides payment security, vendor validation, and multi-format payment execution embedded within Business Central.
11. AvidXchange
AvidXchange brings mid-market AP automation experience to Business Central users with paperless invoice processing and vendor self-service.
Key Features
- Paperless solution with automated invoice capture
- Online supplier portal for vendor self-service
- Electronic PO and receiver matching
- Flexible intelligent dashboards and reports
AvidXchange provides comprehensive AP automation with emphasis on supplier portal functionality and electronic document management.
12. Stampli
Stampli provides AP automation with collaboration features for invoice-related discussions and approvals.
Key Features
- Invoice-connected conversations for collaboration
- Real-time sync of PO and receiving data
- Works with both on-premises and SaaS versions of BC
- Paperless AP driven by AI/ML
Stampli's platform centers on invoice-connected conversations for collaboration. The system attaches discussions directly to invoices rather than relying on email threads.
What Multi-Location Businesses Should Consider
Organizations operating multiple locations face additional AP complexity. Key considerations include:
- Centralized intake vs. distributed processing. Can invoices from all locations flow through a single inbox, or does each site need separate handling?
- Location-specific routing. Does the system automatically route invoices to the correct location approvers without manual sorting?
- Invoice splitting. Can the platform split a single invoice across multiple locations when vendors serve multiple sites?
- Entity consolidation. Is there a unified dashboard for managing AP across holding companies without account switching?
For businesses with 10+ locations, multi-location capabilities such as centralized invoice intake, location-specific approval workflows, invoice splitting, and multi-entity management can be important evaluation criteria. Factura.ai says its platform was designed from the beginning for multi-location businesses and is best suited to operators with at least 10 locations.
Understanding invoice processing benchmarks helps set realistic expectations for automation rates and processing times across your specific business context.
How to Evaluate AP Automation for Your Business
Integration Depth
Native or embedded solutions run directly inside Business Central, while cloud platforms connect via API. Each approach has tradeoffs in terms of data consistency, configuration flexibility, and IT maintenance requirements.
AI and OCR Capabilities
Modern platforms should achieve high accuracy on digital invoices. Ask vendors how many sample invoices are required before accuracy reaches acceptable levels and how the system handles continuous learning.
Implementation Timeline
Implementation time varies by product, ERP configuration, integration requirements, and workflow complexity. Factor implementation time into your ROI calculations, especially if current manual processes are causing business pain.
Support Model
Responsive support makes a difference when issues arise. Companies with strong customer service typically deliver better long-term experiences.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Business Central Environment
The right AP automation platform for your Business Central environment depends on your specific operational complexity. For organizations with 10+ locations, Factura delivers purpose-built multi-entity capabilities that were designed into the platform from the beginning rather than added as afterthought features.
Factura's multi-location approach provides the centralized control and location-specific flexibility that complex organizations need. A single invoice intake email, automatic routing to the correct location, invoice splitting across multiple sites, and unified dashboards eliminate the manual coordination that slows down AP teams managing multiple entities.
Understanding AP fraud prevention helps quantify the risk reduction benefits of automated controls. Factura.ai's 2026 invoice processing benchmarks cite manual processing costs of about $15-16 per invoice, compared with $3 or less for automated processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AP automation software for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?
AP automation software connects with Business Central to handle invoice capture, coding, approval routing, and payment processing. These tools use AI and OCR technology to extract data from invoices, match against purchase orders, route to appropriate approvers, and sync approved transactions back to BC's accounts payable module. The goal is to reduce manual data entry while maintaining accurate financial records.
How does AP automation benefit multi-location businesses using Dynamics 365 BC?
Multi-location businesses gain centralized visibility across all entities, automated routing to location-specific approvers, and consolidated reporting. The right solution handles invoice splitting across locations when vendors serve multiple sites and provides unified dashboards without requiring users to switch between separate accounts or databases.
How quickly can I implement AP automation software and see results?
Implementation timelines vary significantly by vendor and deployment complexity. Some vendors offer rapid setup, while complex enterprise deployments may take longer. Implementation time varies by product, ERP configuration, integration requirements, and workflow complexity. Most organizations see measurable workload reduction within the first month of deployment if invoice volumes justify automation.
Can AP automation solutions prevent fraud and improve compliance?
Yes. Leading platforms include duplicate detection comparing vendor name, invoice number, and amount against historical data. Audit trails timestamp every action for compliance purposes. Some solutions add vendor validation, anomaly warnings, and payment controls. Understanding AP fraud prevention helps quantify the risk reduction benefits.
What is the typical ROI for investing in AP automation for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?
ROI depends on current invoice volume and manual processing costs. Factura.ai's 2026 invoice processing benchmarks cite manual processing costs of about $15-16 per invoice, compared with $3 or less for automated processing. Calculate your current per-invoice cost and project savings based on vendor-specific automation rates.
Should I use Microsoft's native Payables Agent or a third-party solution?
Microsoft's Payables Agent, generally available since November 7, 2025, automates vendor invoice processing and creates purchase invoices for review. Microsoft currently positions it primarily around overhead invoices, while third-party solutions vary in areas such as PO matching, approval workflows, payments, and multi-entity management. Evaluate your specific requirements against both options before deciding.