How to Use Invoice Capture in Dynamics 365 Finance

Using Microsoft's AI-powered Invoice Capture feature can help increase productivity in your business by streamlining invoice automation.

If your business works with or produces many invoices, handling and managing them is a tedious process with a lot of manual work. Luckily, Invoice Capture streamlines and automates this process.

What is Invoice Capture?

Microsoft Invoice Capture is an innovative automation functionality that simplifies the invoice processing workflow. It automates the extraction, processing, and management of invoices, reducing the risk of human error and speeding up the entire invoice lifecycle.

You can also leverage AI to read different invoice formats from different vendors with little to no human intervention. This feature is part of Microsoft's strategy to integrate AI and automation into everyday business operations.

The Benefits of Using Invoice Capture

1. Spend Control

One of the most significant advantages of using Microsoft Invoice Capture is enhanced spend control. Automated processing allows businesses to get real-time reporting, as invoices are no longer stuck on an AP clerk's desk or lost in transit. This immediate processing ensures companies have a current view of their expenditures, enabling better financial decision-making.

2. Faster Cycle Times

Automation drastically reduces the time it takes to process invoices. AP resources are freed from manual entry tasks, and the system's computer-read capabilities minimize keying errors. This efficiency leads to faster cycle times, allowing businesses to manage their finances more effectively and respond quickly to financial obligations.

3. Paperless Accounts Payable

Going paperless is not just a trend; it's a necessity in today's business environment. By reducing paper usage, companies can lower their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental sustainability. Additionally, a digital approach eliminates the risk of lost invoices and reduces the need for physical storage space.

Key Capabilities of Invoice Capture

Microsoft Invoice Capture offers a range of features designed to accommodate various business needs:

Multiple Channels for Invoice Submission

Invoices can be submitted through several channels, including Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, and manual uploads. This flexibility ensures you can choose the most convenient and efficient method for your operations.

AI-Powered Processing

The feature is powered by a pre-built AI model using Microsoft AI Builder and Azure Form Recognizer. This AI-driven approach enables the system to read and process invoices accurately. If the out-of-the-box model doesn't fit specific needs, you can use custom AI capabilities to tailor the processing rules to match your business requirements.

Intelligent and Flexible Business Rule Engine

The system includes a robust business rule engine that allows for extensive customization. Businesses can map rules to accommodate various scenarios and ensure invoices are processed correctly according to their unique requirements.

How to Use Invoice Capture

There are three main portions to using Invoice Capture:

Set Up and Configuration

Setting up Microsoft Invoice Capture involves navigating through the Power Platform to access the Invoice Capture app. The system setup page provides various options, including managing channels, configuring file filters, and setting up legal entities.

Manage Channels: Businesses can configure the channels through which invoices are received. This setup ensures that all incoming invoices are directed into the system efficiently.

File Filters and Configuration Groups: These settings help categorize and filter invoices based on specific criteria, making the processing more organized and streamlined.

Legal Entities: Setting up legal entities ensures that invoices are correctly attributed to the right part of the business, facilitating accurate financial tracking and reporting.

Mapping Companies, Vendors, and Items

Mapping is a crucial part of the setup process. It involves linking companies, vendors, and items within the system to ensure that invoices are processed accurately.

• Mapping Companies/Legal Entities: Ensures invoice data is attributed to the correct business entity.
• Mapping Vendors: Makes sure items listed on invoices are correctly identified and matched within the system.

Processing Invoices

Non-PO Invoice Processing: Non-PO invoices are manually uploaded into the system. The AI reads the invoice, extracts the necessary data, and prepares it for processing. If the system finds any discrepancies, it will prompt you to intervene and edit manually.

PO Invoice Processing: For invoices associated with a purchase order, the system automatically matches the invoice data with the PO details. If the PO has already been received, the system processes the invoice seamlessly.

Final Thoughts on Invoice Capture

Whether you want to improve spend control, speed up cycle times, or move towards a paperless accounts payable system, Microsoft Invoice Capture offers several great capabilities to help you.

With its intelligent business rule engine and flexible configuration options, this feature can be tailored to fit the unique needs of any business. Setting up and using Invoice Capture is straightforward, making it a valuable addition to your financial operations toolkit.