Derby, UK - 9 November, 2009 - Esker, the leader in document process automation solutions has released the first SaaS (Software as a Service) solution to fully-automate customer invoice delivery, providing up to 80 per cent savings on paper invoicing along with real-time tracking and reduced process time. Accounts Receivable on Demand provides the flexibility to benefit from invoice automation immediately, while allowing customers to continue receiving invoices in their preferred format (mail, fax or electronic invoices).

The Esker solution, which complements Esker on Demand, integrates directly with invoicing applications, making it easy for companies to automate delivery and archiving of invoices by offering customers access to a portal where invoices are exchanged and stored. Customers now have the flexibility to choose a different delivery format using the web portal:

• Electronic invoices: Invoices are automatically signed with the appropriate certificate and time-stamped before being archived and delivered to the customer by email with an attachment, or web portal.
• Invoicing by mail: Delivering invoices by mail is fully automated from the company invoicing application. Invoices are sent to an Esker production centre where they are printed, inserted into envelopes, stamped, and handed over to the postal service. All invoices received before 12:00 noon are processed and transferred to the postal service on the same day.
• Invoicing by fax: Invoices can also be sent by fax through Esker infrastructure, where they are correctly routed to recipients.

"Given the difficulties that companies face in implementing electronic invoicing, today we are introducing a simple and straightforward solution to gradually move invoicing processes from paper to electronic formats, while continuing to respect the preferred delivery option of customers. This new offer allows companies to eliminate paper, mail processing, and any concerns about compliance with electronic invoicing regulations," says Jean-Michel Bérard, CEO of Esker.

The automated solution also provides certified signatures to guarantee authenticity of electronic invoices. Provided by Trustweaver, signatures and time stamps placed on invoices are adapted to comply with regulations set by the country of origin and the country of destination.

Designed specifically to exchange invoices, the Accounts Receivable on Demand solution gives companies a customisable web portal allowing them to offer their customers a secure place to:

• Select the media transport by which they would like to receive their invoices (mail or electronic invoice), and
• Securely view, download and search for invoices as needed.

Numerous benefits

• Save up to 80% when switching from paper to electronic invoicing
• Increase productivity and save time: For both electronic and paper invoices, Esker automatically takes care of all processing and frees AR teams from tedious tasks such as printing, folding, stuffing envelopes, etc.
• Real-time tracking: Thanks to sophisticated tracking tools, companies can ensure the transmission of invoices whether they were delivered electronically or by mail.
• Reduced time to invoicing, resulting in quicker payments: Automating invoice delivery by mail or email reduces the distribution time and helps to speed up invoice payment. Invoices can be sent when they are ready rather than waiting until the end of the month.
• Improved customer service: By adapting invoicing to customer preferences, companies can gain credibility.

About Esker
Esker is a recognised leader in helping organisations eliminate manual processes, gain process visibility and control, and reduce the use of paper by automating the flow of documents into, within and out of the organisation. With patented document delivery automation software and hosted document delivery services, Esker offers a total solution to automate every phase and every type of business information exchange. Customers achieve significant and immediate operational efficiencies, cost savings and measurable ROI in as little as three to six months. Founded in 1985, Esker operates globally with more than 80,000 customers and millions of licensed users worldwide. Esker has global headquarters in Lyon, France and U.S. headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information, visit http://www.esker.co.uk/

ENDS

Further information (external website)