When it comes to accounts payable (AP) automation, BILL and Stampli are two popular solutions. BILL is often considered a better option for small businesses seeking basic payment processing capabilities, while Stampli is a solution for companies that require features like ERP integration, line-level PO matching, and vendor management.
In this post, we’ll cover both platforms in-depth, highlighting their key features, strengths, and weaknesses. Additionally, we’ll introduce Routable as an alternative to both BILL and Stampli, offering a unique set of capabilities that may better suit the needs of your business.
BILL and Stampli Overview
BILL
BILL (previously bill.com) is a cloud-based AP automation platform for small and growing businesses. It offers basic invoice processing and payment capabilities, allowing users to streamline their AP workflows. Here are some of BILL’s key features:
- Invoice processing and approval workflows
- Electronic payments (ACH, virtual cards, and checks)
- Integration with popular accounting software
- Basic reporting and analytics
Stampli
Stampli is an automation platform that focuses on ERP integration and advanced features. It is often preferred by larger organizations with more complex AP requirements. Key features of Stampli include:
- Native ERP integrations
- Line-level PO matching and invoice coding
- Vendor management
- Automated data capture and processing
Why Routable is a Better Alternative to BILL and Stampli
Routable is a modern AP automation solution that combines the best of both worlds – it offers the simplicity of BILL while providing the advanced features and ERP integrations of Stampli. Here’s why Routable stands out as a better alternative:
- Comprehensive AP automation capabilities, including invoice capture, approval workflows, PO matching, and payment reconciliation
- Robust ERP integrations with real-time, two-way sync
- Support for a wide range of payment methods, including international payments and CSV payments
- AI-powered invoice processing and data capture
- Vendor onboarding, management, and compliance checks
- Vendor tax management and compliance
| Tool | Summary | Best For |
| BILL | Basic AP automation platform for small businesses | Small businesses seeking simple payment processing |
| Stampli | AP automation with ERP integrations | Larger organizations with complex AP requirements |
| Routable | Modern, end-to-end AP automation with advanced features | Companies of all sizes seeking a scalable, feature-rich solution that is completely configurable for your workflows |
BILL and Stampli Feature Comparison
| Feature | BILL | Stampli |
| Invoice Processing | BILL offers basic invoice processing capabilities, including data capture and approval workflows. However, it may struggle with more complex invoices or scenarios. | Stampli’s invoice processing is more robust, featuring line-level PO matching and cognitive AI for data extraction. However, some users report challenges with integrating Stampli into their ERP systems. |
| Payment Processing | BILL supports various payment methods, including ACH, virtual cards, and checks. While convenient for small businesses, larger organizations may find the payment options limiting. | Stampli offers a range of payment methods, including domestic and international payments, as well as AP and expense cards. However, some users report slow ACH payment processing times. |
| ERP Integration | BILL integrates with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. However, these integrations may be limited in functionality, causing issues with data sync and reconciliation. | Stampli’s has native ERP integrations with platforms like Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, and more. However, some users report challenges during implementation and ongoing maintenance of these integrations. |
| Vendor Management | BILL offers basic vendor information management but lacks advanced vendor engagement and compliance features. | Stampli provides vendor management capabilities, including vendor portals and advanced vendor management features. However, some users report that the vendor portal experience could be improved. |
| Reporting and Analytics | BILL offers basic reporting and analytics capabilities, which may be sufficient for small businesses but limited for larger organizations. | Stampli offers advanced reporting and analytics features, including insights into AP performance and vendor-specific metrics. However, some users report challenges with customizing reports to their specific needs. |
Use Cases
BILL Use Cases
- Small businesses with straightforward AP processes and limited ERP integration needs
- Companies transitioning from manual AP processes to basic automation
Stampli Use Cases
- Larger organizations with complex AP workflows and ERP integration requirements
- Companies that require advanced vendor management and engagement features
Pros Compared
BILL Pros
- User-friendly interface and easy setup for small businesses
- Basic payment processing capabilities for ACH, virtual cards, and checks
Stampli Pros
- Native ERP integrations with leading platforms
- Advanced features like line-level PO matching and cognitive AI
- Vendor management and engagement tools
Cons Compared
BILL Cons
- Limited ERP integration capabilities for larger organizations
- Lack of advanced features like line-level PO matching and vendor management
- Doesn’t scale well past 100 monthly payments
- Unresponsive customer service, according to some users
Stampli Cons
- Challenges with ERP integrations and slow implementations, as reported by some users
- Slow or difficult learning curve for the machine learning (ML) components
- Limited international payment capabilities, according to some users
When To Use BILL or Stampli
- Use BILL when:
- You’re a small business seeking basic AP automation and payment processing capabilities
- You have limited ERP integration needs and straightforward AP workflows
- Use Stampli when:
- You’re a larger organization with complex ERP integration needs
- You require advanced features like line-level PO matching and vendor management
Routable: A Better Alternative to BILL and Stampli
| Feature | BILL | Stampli | Routable |
| Invoice Processing | Basic invoice processing capabilities | Line-level PO matching and AI | AI-powered invoice capture, PO matching, and coding |
| Payment Processing | ACH, virtual cards, checks | Domestic, international, AP cards, expense cards | Domestic, international, CSV payments, API for mass payouts, check, ach, wire, instant |
| ERP Integration | Limited functionality | Native ERP integrations | Real-time, two-way sync with leading ERPs (with 99.8% accuracy, and support for custom fields |
| Vendor Management | Basic vendor information management | Vendor management and compliance features | Custom-branded vendor onboarding, compliance and risk checks, tax management |
| Reporting and Analytics | Basic reporting and analytics | Advanced reporting and analytics | Comprehensive reporting and real-time visibility |
How Routable Stands Apart
Comprehensive AP Automation
Routable offers a complete suite of AP automation capabilities, including AI-powered invoice capture, approval workflows, PO matching, payment reconciliation, and more, all under one roof.
Robust ERP Integrations
With real-time, two-way sync and pre-built integrations with leading ERP systems, Routable ensures seamless data flow and eliminates the need for manual data entry.
Flexible Payment Options
Routable supports a wide range of payment methods, including international payments, CSV payments, and more, catering to the diverse needs of businesses of all sizes.
Advanced Vendor Management
Routable’s vendor management features go beyond basic information management, offering custom-branded vendor onboarding, compliance checks, and vendor tax management capabilities.
Conclusion
While BILL and Stampli are both viable options for AP automation, Routable emerges as a compelling alternative, offering a comprehensive suite of features, robust ERP integrations, and intelligent vendor management capabilities. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, Routable’s scalable and feature-rich solution may be the better choice for streamlining your AP processes and driving operational efficiency.
