From Transactional Records to Strategic Assets

Historically, invoices served as formal requests for payment and legal proof of transactions. Their value was largely confined to bookkeeping and compliance.

But today, invoice data is emerging as a strategic asset - powering sustainability reporting, improving supply chain efficiency and enabling real-time audits across the business.

Here are three ways invoice data is driving broader business impact:

E-invoicing amplifies the value of invoice data through greater audit transparency

E-invoicing transforms static paper documents into dynamic digital records that support real-time auditing and compliance. More than 60 countries have introduced mandates requiring e-invoicing, driving adoption across industries.

In the European Union, for example, the e-invoicing directive reduces manual errors and processing delays. It allows auditors and regulators to access verified transaction data instantly, cutting processing costs by up to 60% and audit preparation time by nearly 50%. (Sources: European Commission, Ardent Partners 2023)

By enabling immediate, reliable access to financial data, e-invoices help finance teams ensure accuracy, simplify reporting and improve regulatory confidence to stakeholders.

Sustainability and ESG goals elevate the strategic importance of invoice data

As companies face growing pressure to disclose their environmental impact, invoice data plays a key role in tracking emissions and sustainable procurement.

Invoices contain detailed information about purchases (including suppliers, materials, and quantities) making them a rich data source for calculating Scope 3 emissions. These indirect emissions, often hidden in the supply chain, can account for up to 80% of a company’s total carbon footprint. (Source: CDP Global Supply Chain Report)

Invoice data drives supply chain visibility and operational efficiency like never before

Today’s global supply chains demand speed, accuracy, and resilience. Invoice data provides a granular, trustworthy view of transactions that helps companies monitor supplier performance, optimize inventory and forecast cash flow.

79% of supply chain leaders say that real-time data access is critical for operational improvement. (Source: Deloitte)

Organizations that embed invoice data into their operations have seen up to 30% higher inventory turnover and 15% reductions in working capital. (Source: McKinsey)

By turning everyday transactions into real-time insights, invoices now fuel better decisions, faster responses and stronger collaboration across the value chain.