In addition to this top ranking, SPS Commerce also secured a place in the Top 100 Best Software Products overall. This recognition means so much to us because these awards are based entirely on feedback from the people who matter most—our customers. Your trust, reviews and partnership made this possible, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Empowering businesses through technology

2024 was a stand-out year for SPS Commerce. We’ve been working hard to make supply chain connections even easier, helping businesses like yours streamline operations, automate processes and eliminate the headaches of manual work. From seamless integrations to full-service support, we’re committed to delivering innovative solutions that help businesses scale, automate and adapt—and it’s amazing to see that recognized.

What our customers are saying

Hearing how our solutions make a difference is what keeps us going. Here’s what SPS Commerce users had to say on G2:

• “It is so easy to navigate through the system and find what you need. Easy to process invoices for payment, there has never been an issue with any invoices that we have processed through this system. The same goes for any orders we receive; they are easily accessible through the dashboard. It takes no longer than a couple of minutes to complete the tasks of processing, accepting or finding anything on here. Good job on creating such a helpful tool. Plus, customer support is exceptional!” – Laura G.
• “I love the fact that their reach is so vast and they are able to quickly make a connection to any customer we have come up. Making any new connections is always quick and easy to get set up. They are always quick to respond to any questions or concerns that our team may have.” – Derek I.
• I am not the most tech-savvy human, and the team over at SPS does a great job at breaking down the system for me to use and understand what is going on. I really like the ease of use when it comes to file transfer.” – Braxton L.
• SPS makes it easy to pass order information back and forth frequently. With its integration into NetSuite, we’ve been able to really automate much of the order process and make communication seamless with our customers.” – Kasia W.

These reviews are why we do what we do!

Looking ahead

As we celebrate this achievement, we’re not slowing down. SPS Commerce will continue to innovate, evolve and expand our capabilities to meet the needs of our customers. Whether you’ve been with us for years or just started, we appreciate your trust and collaboration. Your success is our success, and we can’t wait to keep delivering solutions that help you grow.

Learn more about what makes SPS Commerce a G2 leader.

While e-invoicing may feel like a big change for companies in the U.S., it’s one that has been well-established in Europe for quite some time. Whether you’re in Europe and need to get started with e-invoicing or in the U.S. and just want to get a feel for what could be ahead, here’s an overview of the basics.

Times are changing

As a B2B or B2G supplier of goods or services, the act of sending an invoice is nothing new; it’s how you ensure that you get paid for the goods or services you provide.

What may be new for you, however, are the changes to your customers’ billing requirements. If you haven’t had to deal with these changes yet (or are still putting it off), it can’t hurt to gain a better understanding.

A quick history lesson on invoicing

Throughout history, the invoice has gone through several transformations and improvements to get to where we are now.

~3000 BCE: Humans began creating invoices because of the need to record transactions of items that were sent and received. These first invoices were extremely basic and were written on materials like stone, clay or bone. (Thankfully, we’ve progressed quite a bit from this format!)

~1500: People began using paper for invoices. Items and services are written down and then shared with the purchaser to record transactions and remit payment. Funnily enough, this process would remain very similar for hundreds of years. Initially, these invoices were still handwritten and most likely hand-delivered; eventually, they would be typed and mailed.

1981: The first computer-generated invoice is created. Since the 1980s, electronic invoices have become the norm for businesses.

Present day: You likely send PDF invoices via computer by email or through your accounting system. However, these invoices are not always secure, and data is at risk of being compromised by cyberattacks. This, along with boosted compliance and accuracy, is why the e-invoice is the logical next step.

What is an e-invoice?

Like a PDF, an e-invoice is a digital file. But that doesn’t mean all PDFs are e-invoices.

An e-invoice is a structured file where each part has a fixed location that’s determined by the standard used. Because of the structure, an e-invoice can be automatically exchanged electronically between different systems.

The e-invoice must contain the same information as any other invoice (and any additional information requested by your customer).

What are the benefits of e-invoicing?

One set e-invoicing standard: A set standard for e-invoicing creates simpler processes that ensure documents are traceable and secure.

Automated electronic invoicing processing eliminates errors: Without human input, you’ll see improved productivity, processing speeds and reduced errors.

B2G and B2B invoicing costs are decreased: Manual mistakes are mitigated, and invoices are processed and paid faster, which can have a massive impact when you’re looking to optimize your procure-to-pay or order-to-cash processes.

Supplier and buyer relationships are improved: Improved collaboration means your partners are happier, fewer invoices are lost or missed and invoice delivery expectations are met.

Processing and payment cycles are completed faster: Efficiency is boosted as the payment process is streamlined, and you can gain more insights into your workflow.

How do I create an e-invoice?

There are several ways to create an e-invoice. It all depends on the invoicing requirements of your customer and the options your customer offers. But it’s also influenced by the capabilities of your company and the number of invoices you send.

Option 1: Directly from your accounting or ERP system

You can create a direct link between your system and your customer’s system by adopting an EDI (electronic data interchange) software that makes this direct link possible.

With EDI, no human intervention is required for the exchange to take place. When a business exchanges many documents each day, this saves a lot of time, effort and paper.

EDI does come with a price tag, however, which is why you should tailor your EDI system to match the number of documents your business exchanges each month.

Option 2: From PDF to e-invoice

If you’re still interested in sending your emails via a PDF format, you can choose to purchase software that converts your ‘born digital’ PDF invoices to e-invoices.

‘Born digital’ means that the PDF was generated by an accounting system, recognizable by the fact that you can select the text in the file.

Like an EDI solution, there are costs involved in purchasing this software. You’ll have to consider whether it’s necessary for your business right now; if you only exchange a few documents a month, you may not need to worry about switching to e-invoicing.

Option 3: Using WebEDI or your customer’s e-invoicing portal

If you only send a few PDF invoices per year, you’re probably not eager to invest in an EDI solution or software to convert PDFs.

For these suppliers, a supplier portal (or e-invoicing portal) is often offered. This is also called WebEDI and allows suppliers to manually enter invoices online into a portal. These are then converted to the buyer’s desired e-invoice format and sent to the buyer’s system without human intervention.

The use of such a portal is free of charge for the supplier; in fact, the portal is operated by the buyer and this organization therefore owns the e-invoicing portal.

How do I send an invoice through Peppol?

If you’re in Europe, you may find that your customer requests that you send your invoice through Peppol. However, Peppol is a network that is becoming increasingly popular around the world. Many companies and governments are connected to the network. Once you have access to this network, you can securely exchange invoices with all connected parties.

All invoices sent via Peppol must comply with the Peppol format: Peppol BIS Billing 3.0. To access the Peppol network, you need a Peppol Access Point (such as SPS Commerce). Access points are (usually) service providers that have been screened by the umbrella organization OpenPeppol to meet several quality requirements.

Conclusion

A lot has changed since the first invoice was created and it will only continue to evolve in the future. Similarly, the e-invoice has been around for a while now. Though it started as a solution for larger businesses, it’s now becoming increasingly embraced by smaller organizations as well.

Now, as Peppol expands throughout the world, organizations in the United States have a clearer idea of what e-invoicing requirements may look like soon. This is partially due to the different options for sending e-invoices where each is suited to a particular situation. Now, it’s accessible and easy for anyone to implement e-invoicing into their business.

What can I do with invoice financing?

For suppliers eager to grow, invoice financing can help you:

• Expand product offerings to stay competitive
• Invest in new store locations or upgrade existing ones
• Take advantage of seasonal demand peaks by funding marketing efforts

The big advantage is speed—invoice financing makes it possible to access invoice funds in as little as one day, allowing you to act on opportunities without waiting for traditional loans or disrupting your cash flow.

Funding with flexibility

Traditional loans can come with lengthy approval processes and rigid terms, but invoice financing offers a faster and more flexible alternative, giving you the capital you need for everything from store launches and inventory increases to technology upgrades. With access to funds in just a few days, your growth plans can move forward without delay.

Integrating invoice financing into existing business tools makes the process seamless, allowing you to focus on scaling your operations or expanding into new markets.

Breaking down the pros and cons

Compared to traditional loans, invoice financing offers a faster route to working capital. Costs are transparent, with low monthly payments and no prepayment penalties, making it a more manageable option when you need quick capital. By using unpaid invoices as collateral, you also avoid taking on new debt—a big benefit over options that demand more extensive commitments.

A quick look:

While traditional loans may offer larger amounts, invoice financing is often a better option for businesses that need rapid, short-term funds to make the most of emerging opportunities. Access to immediate capital means you can invest in new growth initiatives like new product lines or targeted marketing campaigns. For more insights on improving your cash flow, check out our guide.

How to make the most of invoice financing

To maximize the return on cashflow that has been financed, businesses should prioritize high-impact initiatives, such as:

• Inventory expansion: Ensure you can meet demand with sufficient stock
• Marketing efforts: Drive sales through effective, targeted campaigns
• Infrastructure improvements: Enhance store locations or upgrade systems for better efficiency

Maintaining financial discipline is also critical—it’s important to finance only what’s needed and ensure realistic repayment plans. Regularly review the performance of your investments to ensure they align with your growth strategy.

How to get started

Invoice financing offers a fast and flexible way for suppliers to accelerate growth. Whether it’s funding expansion, investing in marketing, or addressing short-term cash flow gaps, this option provides the agility you need to act on opportunities before they’re gone.

To learn more about how we can support your business, visit SPS Invoice Financing and explore your options today.

So, how can retailers meet rising consumer demands? One effective approach is to create greater alignment with suppliers. We’ve identified four strategies to boost brand loyalty through supplier partnerships.

1. Align customer experience across channels

Today’s customers demand consistent experiences whether they shop online, in-store or through a combination of channels. Industry studies indicate that 73% of consumers purchase items online that they previously only bought in-store, blurring the line between digital and physical retail.

Achieving omnichannel consistency requires retailers and suppliers to work in tandem. By synchronizing product availability across channels, unifying product data and optimizing fulfillment, retailers and suppliers can deliver the frictionless experience customers crave.

2. Predict and prevent stockouts

Nothing frustrates customers more than encountering empty shelves or “out of stock” notifications. According to McKinsey, 70 to 80% of consumers will switch brands or retailers if they encounter stockouts. These inventory gaps often stem from phantom inventory (when systems show products as available, but they’re missing), order mismanagement (errors in processing or fulfilling orders) or delayed shipments to stores or consumers.

Retailers can prevent shortages by partnering with suppliers to share updates on orders and shipments. This collaboration should focus on:

• Enhancing visibility into shipments to distribution centers, stores and customers.
• Establishing clear delivery timelines and performance metrics.
• Joint forecasting to ensure adequate stock levels.
• Developing contingency plans for potential delays or supply chain disruptions.

3. Foster transparency and accountability

Open communication and transparency form the cornerstone of successful retailer-supplier partnerships. By sharing accurate, real-time data on inventory levels, lead times and order fulfillment, both parties can preempt misunderstandings and mitigate costly delays.

Clear accountability measures, such as performance scorecards, empower retailers and suppliers to track progress collaboratively, leading to faster issue resolution and improved performance. When retailers and suppliers operate with openness and mutual trust, they create a more resilient supply chain that strengthens brand loyalty.

Retailers need tools that provide a clear view of what’s happening across the supply chain. These solutions foster better alignment both internally and with suppliers. With enhanced visibility, retailers can:

• Anticipate problems before they occur.
• Minimize disruptions.
• Maximize operational efficiency.
• Optimize costs.
• Enhance customer experience.

4. Meet customers’ sustainability demands

Modern consumers vote with their wallets. Nearly 6 in 10 consumers are willing to change their purchasing habits to reduce their environmental impact, according to the National Retail Federation.

Major retailers are taking note. For example, Walmart’s Project Gigaton initiative aims to reduce or avoid one billion metric tons of greenhouse gases from the global value chain by 2030.

Retailers who partner with sustainability-focused suppliers and transparently share these practices build trust with increasingly conscious consumers. This requires retailers and suppliers to share detailed sustainability data, such as carbon emissions and materials sourcing. By collecting and validating supplier information, retailers can substantiate their sustainability claims and enhance credibility with environmentally conscious consumers.

Build lasting brand loyalty

Loyal customers are the heart of any thriving retail business. They’re repeat buyers, bigger spenders and brand advocates. When you invest in stronger supplier relationships, you’re also investing in customer loyalty. It’s a powerful way to build lasting customer connections.

Ready to transform supplier relationships into a brand loyalty advantage? Explore solutions on our website or get personalized insights from our team.

How invoice financing works

Waiting for customer payments creates cash flow obstacles. Invoice financing offers a practical solution by unlocking the value of outstanding invoices, providing businesses with immediate access to funds. Here’s how it works:

• Unlocks cash tied up in unpaid invoices within 24-48 hours.
• Provides flexibility to cover day-to-day expenses or invest in new growth opportunities.
• Supports consistent cash flow during peak seasons.

Managing cash flow during seasonal peaks

High-demand periods can test a company’s financial resilience. Businesses may struggle to balance increased inventory costs, navigate higher operational expenses and manage the need for extra staffing—all while waiting for customer payments. Strain on cash flow can limit a company’s ability to capitalize on peak season opportunities, but with invoice financing, businesses can quickly access cash that they’d otherwise be waiting on for weeks or months.

Are these common challenges familiar?

Preparing for increased inventory needs: Inventory costs often soar during high-demand periods. Invoice financing ensures that you have the cash flow needed to purchase and stock up on products well in advance.

Covering operational and staffing expenses: Additional staffing and extended hours can drive up operational costs. By unlocking cash that’s tied up in invoices, businesses can manage these expenses without financial strain.

Here’s how invoice financing makes an impact:

• Cover rising costs immediately with quick access to cash.
• Flexible terms that align with your specific business needs.
• Maintain liquidity without waiting on delayed customer payments.

For more insights into handling cash flow challenges, check out our guide on common cash flow challenges for businesses.

Implementing invoice financing for seasonal success

Invoice financing is a simple way to access working capital. Businesses can integrate invoice financing in just a few steps, unlocking cash flow without disrupting daily operations.

Preparation tips:

• Forecast seasonal demand to anticipate cash flow needs accurately.
• Evaluate financing terms to ensure they align with your business cycle.
• Leverage expert support from SPS to streamline the financing process.

Learn more about how capital financial products can improve cash flow in our guide to capital financial products.

As you prepare for peak season, here are some real-world challenges solved by SPS Commerce Invoice Financing, powered by Kanmon.

Tackling holiday order surges

As a supplier traditionally faces surges in dropship orders each holiday season, delayed payments leave them short on working capital, making it difficult to restock inventory and scale up staffing quickly.

After using SPS Commerce Invoice Financing, they accessed funds tied up in unpaid invoices within 48 hours, allowing them to proactively manage stock levels and hire a seasonal workforce.

Preparing for seasonal stocking

Retail trading partners often ask suppliers to stock up ahead of high-demand periods, ensuring retailers are prepared. But the gap between production costs and payment receipt can severely impact cash flow.

One mid-sized manufacturing company regularly experiences a surge in orders every summer. With long payment terms from customers, they needed immediate capital to purchase machinery and materials. Invoice financing from SPS Commerce enabled them to unlock cash quickly, allowing them to confidently scale production and meet customer demand on time.

With the holidays on the horizon, now is the perfect time to explore SPS Commerce Invoice Financing to ensure your business is ready for the seasonal rush ahead. Get Started with SPS Invoice Financing Today.

Microsoft has announced they will provide support through September 30th, 2029, (with security patches ending on the 30th of April 2031) which gives you ample time to consider your options and plan your transition.

One of the biggest reasons that Microsoft is making these changes is the overwhelming shift to systems operating in the cloud. Cloud-based solutions are increasingly becoming the norm, offering more robust accessibility, scalability and security.

So, while you’re safe to stay with Microsoft GP for the time being, you may want to start considering your options for a successful transition. The most common migration path for Dynamics GP users will be Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC). With Microsoft BC, your data will be moved to a modern cloud solution with no physical infrastructure that requires outside support and maintenance.

For the purposes of this blog, let’s say that you’re in no rush to migrate, but you’ve decided that you want to make the switch to Dynamics 365 BC in the next year or two. What will that look like for your business?

Enjoy the benefits of a cloud-based solution

You may be hesitant to leave your current on-premise solution. While this is entirely natural, there are many benefits to switching to the cloud, and it can be a painless transition when you have the right support.

A cloud-based solution has many benefits, but some stand out among the others:

1. Security
   • If this is your first time implementing a cloud-based solution, security can feel like a risk. However, cloud-based technology is actually much more secure than on-premise systems. There are specific standards that each system must meet, meaning your data is at a much lower risk for cyber-attacks or malware threats.
2. Accessibility
   • While you need to be in the office (or warehouse, or wherever your physical infrastructure lives) to access your data with an on-premise solution, your cloud-based technology can be accessed from anywhere. This makes it easier to do your job whenever something unexpected comes up.
3. Scalability
   • Your business will continue to grow, especially when you make the right technology investments. While on-premise systems can only take you so far, a solution in the cloud is constantly growing with you. You can easily adjust your processes as needed as your business focuses change.

Once you’ve decided to migrate to a cloud-based ERP (like Dynamics 365 BC), you’ll be on track to consider what other cloud-based solutions you’re ready for. That’s where SPS Commerce comes in.

Automated, seamless and instant

With our full-service, cloud-based EDI solution that integrates directly into Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC, you’ll have access to:

Error-free, automated EDI transactions

With automation, say goodbye to tedious, manual data entry. You’ll be able to send and receive invoices and orders completely electronically, confident that the data is accurate the first time.

Visibility into your supply chain

Your supply chain needs to adjust to meet the ever-evolving needs of your customers and partners. When you have increased visibility into transaction methods and inventory, you can adjust the rest of your operations as needed. Plus, making these changes has never been easier.

An organized, multi-channel sales system

You have orders coming in from every channel imaginable. With a cloud-based solution from SPS, you can manage them all in one system – from anywhere in the world. No more deciphering which invoice goes where or manually attempting to find trends in each channel – SPS can provide that data for you.

The world’s largest international trading network

With over 50,000 subscribing customers already in the SPS Commerce network, there’s no heavy lift for you to get connected with customers and partners. Chances are, they’re already in our network.

Unobstructed growth

SPS has been building our network for 20+ years, which means we’ve optimized our solutions to meet the real, unique needs of retailers, suppliers, distributors and logistics partners. Plus, we’re always adding functionality for supply chain needs and order management models (like bulk replenishment, cross-dock and drop-ship) as they arise.

Streamline your entire customer-to-cash cycle

By giving your existing supply chain technology a major upgrade, you’ll streamline daily operations and remove opportunities for error. Make your life easier and your customers happier, all with one simple integration.

Leave the technicalities to the experts

The cloud isn’t as daunting as it sounds and with the new capabilities and scalability you’ll gain, you’ll be setting yourself up for success when you migrate.

A team of experts (like the ones at SPS) is there for support, maintenance, testing and more, meaning nothing will slip through the cracks, and optimization is top of mind. You can look forward to new ways of scaling your business, more automation within your supply chain and more time on your hands to focus on growth in other areas.

Questions about how SPS Commerce can integrate EDI into your new, cloud-based ERP or looking for recommendations on partners who can assist with the transition? Contact us today to get started.

Here are three big takeaways from this year’s event:

Growth and scalability

With a theme of “All Systems Grow,” it’s no surprise that business growth and scalability were dominant topics throughout the event. Across the three-day show, there was a strong focus on how companies can effectively scale, whether expanding locally or going global, all powered by NetSuite’s robust ERP solutions. This theme carried heavily into the keynote session, with a strong emphasis on the importance of providing tools that empower organizations to deliver operational excellence.

“Oracle NetSuite designed its product suite to be that ideal foundation for growth. To connect the entire business and provide a platform for expansion. We started in 1998 with a vision of a single system to run an entire organization, interconnecting every complex function in a way that feels simple.

Evan Goldberg, NetSuite Founder and EVP

From insightful sessions to real-world success stories, the message was clear: growth doesn’t have to mean sacrificing efficiency. NetSuite’s latest innovations were all about empowering companies to grow while maintaining balance and efficiency.

The power of “Suiteness”

One of the most exciting concepts unveiled was “Suiteness”—NetSuite’s approach to having all business functions integrated into one system. Ideally, a business could see all the data relevant to its supply chain in one system. From orders to inventory to shipments, having complete visibility into your business without jumping from platform to platform can help you streamline the entire order fulfillment process. Throughout the show, the buzz focused on the value of utilizing the full suite of NetSuite modules for end-to-end business management.

A few statistics shared at the event proved the impact of “Suiteness”:

• 61% of users improved forecast accuracy.
• 40% eliminated spreadsheet-based models entirely.
• Warehouse management users reported shipping items more than a week faster.

“Suiteness” is designed to empower businesses to operate more efficiently while driving growth, providing a scalable solution that centralizes data and processes.

AI innovations

This year’s show also introduced some exciting AI-driven tools that will enhance the capabilities of NetSuite’s applications. With these tools, customers can reduce manual data entry, improve budgeting and planning, expand insights and increase workflow efficiency. Oracle Code Assist allows developers to speed up code generation. NetSuite Analytics Warehouse will enable businesses to quickly generate data-driven reports and visualizations using AI-powered insights.

AI tools have long been a staple for eCommerce, from chatbots to automated sales funnels. But as AI gets better, more will jump on the trend in an effort to improve business processes and brand experience.

When used correctly, AI can help companies create a more efficient and resilient supply chain. To learn how SPS Commerce is helping companies incorporate AI into their supply chain, read this blog from Director of Technology Jason Popillion.

This year’s event made it clear that NetSuite continues to evolve and innovate, focusing on automation, AI and cohesive solutions that drive growth while simplifying business processes. Learn more about how your business can benefit from NetSuite automation or analyze point-of-sale sell-through data in NetSuite Analytics Warehouse.

Here, we’ll discuss suppliers’ most frequent cash flow challenges and offer some practical solutions to turn them into business opportunities.

1. Payment delays from customers

Extended payment terms or late payments from customers can create gaps in your cash flow, making it difficult to cover essential expenses like raw materials, labor and operational costs.

Impact: Delayed payments strain your liquidity, forcing you to juggle resources or seek short-term financing. This lack of predictability can hinder your ability to invest in new opportunities, pay your own suppliers on time and maintain smooth operations.

Solutions:

• Automate invoicing and follow-ups: Automated invoicing systems can help streamline the billing process and reduce the chances of errors or delays, while automated follow-ups keep your payments top-of-mind for customers.
• Offer early payment discounts: Incentivizing customers to pay early by offering a small discount for prompt payment can alleviate immediate cash flow challenges.
• Leverage invoice financing: Invoice financing allows you to access funds tied up in unpaid invoices, generating cash flow without waiting for customers to pay.

2. Seasonal demand fluctuations

Cash flow can surge during peak seasons, only to dip dramatically shortly after. The uneven flow of funds can lead to cash shortages at critical times, affecting your ability to maintain operations and meet financial obligations.

Impact: When demand is high, you may need to invest heavily in inventory, staffing and other resources, which ties up significant amounts of cash. During slower periods, revenue drops, so fixed costs like rent, utilities and salaries can strain your available cash.

Solutions:

• Use demand forecasting tools: By analyzing historical data and market trends, you can adjust your inventory levels and staffing needs to align more closely with expected demand, reducing the risk of overstocking or stockouts.
• Implement just-in-time inventory practices: Just-in-time (JIT) inventory management helps you minimize excess stock by ordering goods closer to the time they are needed.

3. Inefficient inventory management

Holding too much inventory ties up valuable cash, but holding too little can lead to missed sales and dissatisfied customers. Striking the right balance is crucial for maintaining a healthy cash flow and ensuring that your business can meet demand.

Impact: Excess inventory locks up cash that could otherwise be used for essential expenses, such as paying suppliers or investing in growth. On the other hand, insufficient inventory can lead to stockouts, lost sales, and damage to customer relationships, ultimately impacting your revenue and cash flow.

Solutions:

• Optimize inventory levels: By analyzing sales patterns, lead times and reorder points, you can align inventory levels with demand and minimize the risk of over- or under-stocking.
• Regularly review inventory turnover: Reviews of inventory turnover rates can help you adjust your purchasing strategies by identifying slow-moving items that tie up cash.

4. Unplanned expenses

Whether it’s a sudden equipment breakdown, unexpected supplier price increases or emergency repairs, unforeseen costs can drain your cash reserves and throw your financial planning off course.

Impact: Unplanned expenses often require immediate attention, forcing you to divert funds from other areas of your business and making it difficult to cover day-to-day operations, pay bills on time or invest in growth opportunities.

Solutions:

• Build a cash reserve: Setting aside a portion of your profits during good times ensures that you have the funds available to handle emergencies without disrupting your overall cash flow.
• Closely monitor budgets: By keeping a close eye on your expenses and comparing them against your budget, you can identify areas where costs might rise and take preemptive action to mitigate the impact.

5. Complex supplier payments

When your payment schedules with suppliers don’t align with your cash inflow from customers, it can lead to financial strain that forces you to stretch resources or seek costly short-term loans.

Impact: Misaligned payment terms can cause cash flow gaps that make it difficult to manage day-to-day expenses, invest in growth or meet your own payment obligations on time.

Solutions:

• Negotiate payment terms: Work with suppliers to negotiate more favorable payment terms, such as extended periods or flexible payment schedules.
• Track and manage payment schedules: Implement a system to monitor and manage payment schedules, ensuring that you’re aware of all upcoming payments.

How SPS can help

While these challenges can put pressure on your finances, they can be managed with the right strategies. Taking proactive steps—such as automating invoicing, optimizing inventory levels, building cash reserves, and negotiating better payment terms—can help you overcome these challenges and maintain a healthy cash flow. Here’s how full-service solutions from SPS can put those steps into action:

• Get automated invoicing: Automate your data exchange for faster, more efficient billing
• Streamline your funding: Invoices can be transferred to Kanmon*, the financing provider, for faster access to funds.
• Always-on cash flow: Faster funding from invoice financing can help you keep operations running and make the most of growth opportunities.

Interested? See how a flexible financing solution from SPS can alleviate the challenges that are holding your business back.

* Kanmon is a licensed commercial lender founded by a team with deep lending experience and backed by FIS Global, a Fortune 500 financial technology business. For more information about Kanmon, visit www.kanmon.com