Straight Through Processing Rates

When evaluating invoice automation, a common question is: “What straight through processing rate can we realistically achieve?” While some providers may confidently offer figures such as 70%, 80%, or even higher, true success depends on far more than a generic benchmark. For organisations wanting reliable figures, it’s essential to look beyond AI search results and sales claims to the complex factors underpinning straight through rates.

The first driver is AP automation itself—undoubtedly why you’re here. Yet data integrity, staff enablement, and continuous process optimisation are equally critical, though not governed by your choice of automation platform. Honest conversations with solution partners reveal that, despite technology’s transformative potential, there is no universal answer—each business’s outcomes depend on unique operational realities.

Consider these determining factors:

What percentage of your invoices are PO-based versus non-PO?

For PO invoices, are purchase orders consistently raised before invoices are received?

How accurate and current is your supplier master data?

Are you communicating requirements clearly to suppliers?

How regularly do you maintain product catalogues for purchasing?

Failures to address these considerations can compromise your straight-through rates. Often, data quality and training make the most significant difference. Lower volumes of PO invoices typically reduce rates; creating POs only after receiving invoices disrupts automation, even if the process technically allows invoices through. Supplier data management can be complex, but regular updates—such as keeping supplier addresses accurate—reduce processing exceptions and prevent repeated stoppages.

Supplier engagement is vital. When suppliers submit invoices with outdated or missing PO numbers or substitute their own order numbers, strict guidelines are required. Insist POs appear on all supplier invoices—reject non-compliant documents to reinforce best practice. Empower your AP team to uphold these standards and avoid recurring manual interventions.

Purchasing catalogue accuracy is another key element. Online catalogues generate the POs sent to suppliers and define pricing. Neglecting catalogue maintenance leads to mismatches between invoice and PO values, complicating automated validation.

Instead of fixating on a headline straight through rate, ask solution partners the following:

How well does your platform integrate with our infrastructure and workflows?

Can you accommodate our chosen matching requirements, such as 2-way or 3-way matching?

What best practices and optimisation processes do you offer for continual improvement?

By prioritising these questions throughout evaluation and implementation, you create conditions for Mi Invoices and your wider automation strategy to achieve sustained success, ensuring your solution evolves with your business and delivers ongoing value.  

Explore our additional blog articles where we provide further valuable insights and effective strategies for managing Invoice Processing and Procure-to-Pay processes.