New research shows that artificial intelligence (AI) is now essential for accounts receivable (AR) teams. As AI integrates with augmented reality workflows, it enables businesses to accelerate payments, unlock liquidity, and expand operations in a volatile economic environment. The study was compiled by Wakefield Research in collaboration with Billtrusta provider of workflow and payment software for B2B customer accounts.
As part of the study, 500 financial decision-makers from North American companies with revenues exceeding $250 million were surveyed. The study found that 99% of businesses currently using AI have successfully reduced their average days sales outstanding (DSO), with 75% reporting a reduction of six days or more. These findings highlight the growing role of AI in helping finance leaders accelerate payment cycles, improve cash flow predictability, and scale operations without increasing headcount.
Other key findings include:
- 82% increased their operations by 11% or more without adding staff.
- 43% saw improved predictability and stability of cash flow.
- 90% believe their AR process will struggle to scale without AI.
“This research confirms what we are seeing in the market: AI is no longer a consideration of the future. It is a necessity today for AR teams looking to thrive in a volatile economic environment,” said Becky Carr, Director of Marketing.
The report highlights how AI is being used to automate labor-intensive tasks and enable strategic financial planning. Key use cases include anomaly detection, trust-based cash applications, real-time credit monitoring, and predictive payment forecasting.
Despite widespread adoption, with 94% of businesses using or experimenting with AI in AR, barriers remain. Integration challenges, outdated systems, and lack of internal AI skills slow down full implementation. Notably, 89% of respondents believe they will not fully realize the benefits of AI until their teams change their mindset. demonstrate that employee buy-in, training and an experienced provider in services that can help overcome AI inhibitions are essential.
The research also reveals a nuanced view of the role of AI in AR:
- 29% view AI as essential with safeguards.
- 40% support meaningful use within defined limits.
- 26% favor AI only in specific cases under human supervision.
- 4% completely oppose AI in AR.
However, optimism prevails. 71% plan to increase AI investments in AR in the next yearwith active users being even more likely to increase their spending.
“As AI integrates with augmented reality workflows, it helps finance teams unlock liquidity, mitigate risk and refocus on strategic priorities,” Carr added. “The productivity gains are too great to ignore, and without AI, scaling AR operations will be a challenge. »
“These results demonstrate the value AI brings to AR and how vital employee buy-in is. The data provides a roadmap for how to integrate this technology and capitalize on the increased efficiencies it can offer the business,” said Paul Bragan, senior partner at Wakefield Research. “We are excited to partner with Billtrust on research that will fundamentally help every augmented reality department evolve. »
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