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Manual Accounts Payable (AP) processing almost always comes with hidden costs: repeated invoice data entry, scattered documents, slow approvals, ongoing vendor disputes, and increased compliance risk. In ERP for Manufacturing and Distribution, where invoice volumes are typically high, even small delays can impact cash planning and vendor relationships.

Epicor ECM AP Automation (Epicor ECM is the new name for DocStar) delivers a modern approach: capture invoices, extract key data, route approvals, and integrate invoices directly into Epicor Kinetic (Epicor ERP), so AP teams can move faster with better control and accountability.

What is Epicor ECM AP Automation?

Epicor ECM AP Automation automates the AP invoice lifecycle end-to-end: capture → indexing → workflow routing → approval → integration into Kinetic. This shortens the procure-to-pay cycle, reduces entry errors, and makes invoice status far more transparent.

The flow at a glance: Capture → Route → Approve → Integrate

Operationally, the material outlines a practical workflow:

  1. Invoices are received (scanned or electronic) using existing devices such as scanners or multifunction copiers.
  2. Intelligent Data Capture (IDC) extracts key invoice data.
  3. Documents are managed in Epicor ECM, then linked and available inside Epicor Kinetic.
  4. Kinetic supports two-way match or three-way match and routes exceptions (mismatches, missing receipts, missing PO details) for resolution and additional approval when needed.
  5. Once exceptions are resolved and approvals are completed, the invoice is released for processing per ERP controls.

This approach standardizes AP execution and minimizes the “workarounds” that often happen in manual processes.

High-impact capabilities for AP teams

1) AI/ML-powered Intelligent Data Capture (IDC)

IDC leverages AI/ML (machine learning assisted and unassisted) to reduce manual effort in document identification, sorting, and capturing key invoice fields.
Net effect: AP teams spend less time on repetitive admin work and more time on exceptions and value-added tasks.

2) Automated indexing from multiple sources

Invoices can be captured from many sources and automatically indexed using advanced OCR, barcodes, regex pattern matching, and formatting. This improves retrieval speed and reduces the “lost document” problem that typically lives in inboxes and shared folders.

3) Strong workflows that remain manageable

Epicor emphasizes a robust workflow engine supported by a graphical workflow designer, enabling faster configuration and controlled changes as policies evolve.

4) Approve anytime, anywhere (with integrated alerts)

Invoices can be routed to approvers with integrated alerts, including accelerated approval mechanisms (such as email alerts and one-click approval stamps). This removes approval bottlenecks without sacrificing governance.

5) Filing and retrieval directly inside Epicor Kinetic

One of the most practical wins: documents can be stored and retrieved from within Kinetic, so users don’t need to jump between systems to locate invoices and supporting documents.

Business outcomes: productivity, control, and vendor experience

Epicor summarizes benefits that typically show up quickly:

  • improved AP team productivity,
  • reduced or eliminated late payments,
  • faster approvals (anytime, anywhere),
  • stronger process visibility and control,
  • improved vendor setup and vendor management,
  • AP teams shift focus toward higher-value targets.

This is not simply document automation, it’s a practical upgrade to procure-to-pay execution quality.

Direct impact on vendor relationships

With faster access to invoice records and supporting documentation, AP teams can:

  • respond to vendor inquiries faster,
  • share supporting documents during calls,
  • reduce printing and distribution costs,
  • deliver a more consistent vendor service experience.

Compliance and security: audit trail, retention, and document integrity

Epicor ECM also supports governance requirements with:

  • records retention compliance,
  • audit trails tracking access and activity,
  • time/date stamping to protect document integrity,
  • electronic storage to reduce risk during disasters,
  • reporting tools for stronger operational insight.

For audit-driven organizations, these controls often become a decisive differentiator.

Implementation best practices (to realize value quickly)

To ensure your Epicor Kinetic rollout with ECM AP Automation delivers measurable outcomes, the most pragmatic approach is:

  1. Start with 1–2 dominant invoice patterns (top vendors / key invoice categories).
  2. Define exception rules (thresholds, mismatches, missing receipts/PO).
  3. Design a firm approval workflow (roles, internal SLAs, escalation).
  4. Standardize indexing fields (vendor, invoice number, PO, date, amount).
  5. Give AP users a clear status view: “received,” “needs approval,” “exception,” “ready to post.”

If you’re running Epicor Kinetic (Epicor ERP) and want faster AP invoice processing without increasing AP workload, KANO can support a focused assessment, workflow design, and a structured rollout of Epicor ECM AP Automation—so capture–approval–posting becomes faster, more accurate, and more compliant as part of your Implementasi Epicor Kinetic roadmap.

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