# 3 Simple Ways to Reduce AP Costs

December 14, 2016

You don’t train for a marathon in one day. Why then would you take this same approach in how to reduce costs in AP? Discounting in the AP department takes planning and practice.

Take advantage of these AP cost reduction tips to make the payables team strategic contributors:

1. Taking discounts
2. Dynamic discounting
3. Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment (EIPP)

## 1. Taking discounts

“It never hurts to ask.” So ask each and every supplier for available discounts. You may be surprised by how much you could save.

Use this formula to calculate the effective annual rate of return on supplier discounts:

("Discount") / (100% - "Discount")xx("Total Period")/("Days Saved")

Here’s an example illustrating a 2% 10 Net 30 term (2% discount if paid within 30 day):

(296) / (100% - 296)xx(365)/(30-10) = 37.2%

## 2. Dynamic discounting

Dynamic discounting—the next frontier. Instead of accepting static net 30 terms, dynamic discounting allows discounts on a sliding scale. This means that a discount of 1.04% may be granted for payment received on the 8th day, 1.03% on the 9th day, 1.02% on the 10th day, and so on.

Dynamic discounting is a more fluid way of discounting than fixed discounting terms. Plus the discounting window is open for much longer, instead of being closed shut on the 31st day—as is the case with net 30 terms.

Accounts payable is better able to take advantage of dynamic discounting with an automated payments workflow.

## 3. Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment (EIPP)

Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment is an entirely electronic and self-contained procure to pay solution.

Suppliers send an electronic invoice by logging onto the organization's AP portal. Once uploaded, the invoice is matched against its originating PO. AP staff no longer requires manual invoicing processing; rather the invoice is pushed to payment once approved.

Payment, then, is transmitted electronically—either by ACH, wire or card—within the EIPP platform.

The effect of EIPP is faster payment workflow execution than conventional means. This makes organizations privy to the full range of discounting options available from suppliers.

Aim for EIPP in your race towards discounting. Even if you fall short of this goal, your AP department will cross the finish line with some savings. Explore more tips for improving the AP process.

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