| AP Automation Aspect | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Implementation | SaaS AP automation is faster to implement as it leverages a ready-made platform which has already been provisioned, implemented, and tested by the AP solution provider. | Takes time, personnel, and equipment to set up a new environment. Additional hardware/software purchases may be needed. |
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| Customization | Customization is relatively easier compared to Multi-tenant SaaS AP Automation if application provides the flexibility. | Customization may not be possible as the application instance will be shared by multiple SaaS AP Automation customers. | Most flexible option for customization. AP Solution provider involvement may be necessary for advanced customizations |
| Support & Maintenance | Minimal IT dependency for SaaS AP software maintenance. IT involvement will be limited to customizations and validation review. SaaS AP Automation provider takes care of infrastructure risks to ensure high availability and disaster recovery. Control is relinquished to a third-party AP Automation provider. You must entrust valuable data to the AP Automation provider. | You are responsible for maintaining the AP automation solution. Your IT is responsible for ensuring high availability and disaster recovery. Offers control over your data and provides greater sense of ownership. |
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| Upgrade Cycles | You may or may not have decision authority on timing and functionality of a P2P Automation upgrade when compared to Multi-tenant SaaS AP Automation. Your involvement will be limited during a validation review. | SaaS AP Automation upgrades tend to be iterative with your limited involvement. You will be informed about impending AP system upgrades. IT involvement during upgrade will be non existent with the exception of upgrade validation. | You own the responsibility for AP Automation upgrades, which are often expensive and time-consuming. |
| Cost | Low entry cost & flexible pricing. Relatively high year-over-year maintenance costs compared to On-Premise deployment. Low internal resources required for support. AP Automation upgrade costs will be low. | Low entry cost & flexible pricing. Relatively high year-over-year maintenance costs compared to On-Premise deployment. Low internal resources required for support. AP Automation upgrade costs will be minimal. | High entry and operations costs compared to SaaS due to infrastructure and support staff needs. Low ongoing maintenance fee. Tangible hardware assets. AP Automation upgrade costs will be high. |
| Security | With high-end AP Automation providers, AP SaaS systems can be highly secure with expert supervision of network and server security. | Additional time and software for security required. | |
| Validation for Regulatory Compliance | AP Automation provider will provide baseline validation for your review.Enforcing regulatory requirements is easier compared to Multi tenant AP SaaS due to complete control of the environment. | AP Automation provider will provide baseline validation for your review. | You will be responsible for the full validation effort.Enforcing regulatory requirements is easier compared to Multi-tenant AP SaaS due to complete control of the environment. |
| Integrations | AP Automation integrations with ERP systems can get complicated because data will often be sent over the internet. SaaS AP Automation providers should have well-defined web services as integration points. | AP Automation integrations can be relatively simpler over the intranet. Data transfer between systems will be faster. | |
| Scalability | As the enterprise grows, AP Automation solutions can be easily scaled up with little time and effort. Similarly, solutions can be scaled down without wasting resources. | Needs longterm planning and commitment of resources for scaling. | |