Transformation of invoice processing
through robotic process automation (RPA)
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, North West, Acute
The problem
The AP team needs to process huge volumes of supplier invoices every day to ensure they pay its suppliers in a timely way, otherwise they would not only miss mandatory standards to pay suppliers but also damage its relationship with companies whose goods and services are essential for running the hospital and delivering patient care.
The challenge
How might we improve and automate the turnaround of processing invoices so that suppliers are paid promptly and our staff are freed up from some of the very transactional work that is currently required?
The outputs
- 60% of suitable invoices now being registered for payment without human intervention.
- Improved processing time for invoices.
- Achievement of the prompt payment policy target which was previously challenging.
The outcomes
- The development of new evolved skill sets in the AP team, improving job satisfaction.
- The removal of significant elements of transactional work and presentation in a platform which the AP team can further transform.
- Demonstration of the value of RPA so that it has been taken up in other areas outside of finance, including HR and community services.
The Innovation
Read the full innovation on RPA
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Read nowWhat the peer-reviewers said
“This is a fantastic innovation that could have a huge impact on other trusts”
“Some good upfront analysis on how to measure the need and potential impact of introducing RPA. Resilient and tenacious in implementation – showing humility to change and explore new options to successfully improve data quality.”
“The approach is innovative and shows great spirit in determination”
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