This blog was originally published in May 2022 and was updated in September 2025.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems and accounts receivable (AR) automation software both play a vital role in the success of a company but boast distinct differences and advantages. Accounts receivable accounting software manages financial information for busines-to-business (B2B) companies and is commonly used to automate financial reporting and forecasting, as well as track invoices, income, and cash flow.
Meanwhile, ERP software comprehensively integrates all functions of the business with the goal of creating a single database of information that can be used by all areas of the company. Businesses use ERP systems to manage everything from operations, product inventory, and logistics to financial operations.
While ERP systems are not purpose-built AR accounting systems, they store data that is highly valuable for AR operations. For instance, AR teams need sales information, product purchase details, and client account information to generate invoices and extend credit lines to buyers and B2B customers. In the end, ERP systems and AR automation software work in tandem to enable effective financial management.
Read on to discover more about the differences between ERP systems and AR software to ensure that you’re getting the best fit for your accounting needs.
Was ist eine AR-Buchhaltungssoftware?
Es ist kein Geheimnis, dass die Verwaltung von Finanzdaten eine umständliche Aufgabe ist. Glücklicherweise kommt hier die Debitorenbuchhaltungssoftware ins Spiel.
Accounting software, at its core, helps you keep track of your business’s finances. AR accounting software helps you track your invoices, payments, and overdue invoices, as well as manage credit line extensions — all in a centralized system. This includes functions such bookkeeping, digital payment automation, and financial health analysis. Some types of AR accounting software even make it possible to automatically comply with global invoicing and tax regulations. These days, many accountants recommend using AR automation software because it is easier than traditional paper-based accounting and eliminates the use of spreadsheets.
Wie behält automatisierte Debitorenbuchhaltung den Überblick?
AR accounting software is often integrated with ERP systems, so financial data is accurate and shared in real time. This way AR accounting software can automatically generate sales reports, cash flow reports, and other data to make financial management easier.
Some of the most popular features of AR automation systems include invoicing, cash application, collections and credit management — to name just a few. And the best part? AI is driving AR automation software to a new level with Agentic AI offering virtual assistants for collections activities and unprecedented visibility into customer invoicing preferences and payment behaviors to drive strategic insight.
In short, automated AR accounting software is an advanced form of accounting software that can automatically put your accounts in good order by bringing together disparate corporate financial information. Specialized features help accountants, AR bookkeepers and other finance professionals work seamlessly with real-time data. Plus, it assists accountants by providing them with the data they need to do their work.
Was ist ERP-Buchhaltung?
You can customize any ERP system to meet your company’s needs, however, most systems share a common overall function. ERP accounting software comprehensively integrates all the functions of the financial department with the goal of ERP accounting refers to companies that use their ERP system as their primary accounting software platform – rather than augmenting their ERP system with a purpose-built AR automation software. Companies that use this approach typically customize their ERP system with new features specifically for the unique needs of the AR team.
There are pros and cons to this approach.
What are the drawbacks of ERP accounting?
Customizing your ERP for the work of AR teams can feel like a logical choice – designing the perfect solution. However, it can lead to complexity, delays, and limited results. In contrast, augmenting ERPs with a purpose-built AR automation platform can offer faster time to value, deeper intelligence, and greater agility—without overburdening your IT team.
ERP systems are great at delivering enterprise-wide operational information in real time, but they can fall short of delivering everything AR teams need to work efficiently. In recent years, ERP software providers have been rolling out more AR-specific features like basic invoicing and payment tracking. However, many are still missing dynamic financial dashboards, AI intelligence, and scalability.
5 Ways ERP Systems Fall Short of AR Automation
Should you customize your ERP or buy AR software?
How does an ERP system compare to AR accounting software?
ERP systems and AR accounting software are built to achieve two different goals, but they should work in unison to serve the financial needs of the business. Because ERP systems aren’t designed to purposefully automate financial activities, many CFOs are choosing to enhance their ERP system with AR accounting software. The following chart explains common differences between ERP systems and AR automation software from Billtrust.
| AR-Funktionalität | ERP-Systeme | Billtrust |
|---|---|---|
| Service, Support und Partnerschaft | Sub-par or impersonal service quality marked by low-touch engagement | High-quality service, a menu of training, support, and professional services |
| Quick-Launch-Lösungen | Long implementation times, little support for in-house customizations | Rapid time to value, minimal IT dependency, custom solutions and integrations |
| Debitorenbuchhaltung-Sichtbarkeit in Echtzeit | Lacks native real-time visibility across AR lifecycle | Integration across AR functions enables full transparency |
| Zahlungsportal | Add-on feature, separate licensing, additional fees | Branded portals are included, offering payment flexibility |
| Rechnungszustellung | Limited options | 260+ integrated AP portals |
| Collections | Lacks AI maturity | Automation and insight powered by Agentic and Generative AI |
| Flexibilität bei der Integration | Custom coding required for AP portals, banks and ERP systems | 40+ ERP connectors & seamless data exchange |
Is AR accounting software considered ERP software?
No. Accounts receivable accounting software is not considered an ERP system.
Because these two systems work together, it’s easy to understand this common point of confusion. The key is to remember that most AR software is integrated with ERP systems so it can tap into corporate financial data, sales information, and other related information. While both are software systems, they are built for different purposes:
ERP is a type of integrated business management software that tracks the entire business from start to finish by automating various aspects of business operations.
AR accounting software automates financial activities, handling invoices, payments, collections and credit management. It’s used to track and maintain accounting transactions electronically, thereby increasing financial efficiency.
While both can be vital tools for a company to oversee its financial status, they are not interchangeable.
Weitere Unterschiede zwischen Buchhaltungssoftware und ERP-Software
ERP systems and AR software work hand-in-hand and boast many similarities. For example, both may prioritize high-quality financial statements and reports that keep your company informed. However, there are also key differences that you should be aware of before deciding what type of solution is best for your business.
- Holistic Control: ERP data is often fragmented across modules, making it hard to get a clear picture of what is happening across all AR activities. For instance, there are separate functionalities for the management of credit, dispute, collections, and payments.
- Compliance, Delivery, and Payments: Keeping up with global eInvoicing regulations and evolving global tax mandates is tough—especially if your ERP isn’t built for it. Many systems require manual workarounds. Invoice delivery is another pain point. ERPs often support only basic email or print options, and they rarely integrate with clients’ third-party AP portals. ERP systems may also be lacking a native payment portal, which has other consequences.
- Processes for Collections and Credit Management: Most ERP systems offer only basic collections or dispute tools—think static reports and manual follow-ups. They may not help you automate reminders, prioritize outreach based on risk, or track strategic performance through embedded analytics and metrics like the Collections Effectiveness Index. Credit processes are just as limited. Without automation, teams are stuck manually reviewing applications, pulling credit data across multiple sources, and evaluating creditworthiness.
- AI and Financial Risk Management Tools: Advanced AI capabilities are either entirely absent or not yet fully realized in ERP systems. ERPs might flag risks, but they often don’t help you leverage forward-leaning AI tools to predict or prevent them. While they might be able to flag anomalies or categorize customers by risk level, they don’t always offer predictive cash flow intelligence or AI-generated recommendations that help finance leaders take proactive action.
This is in stark contrast to AR automation software platforms, which bridge these gaps with unified data management, AI automation, and a comprehensive toolset built specifically for the needs of AR efficiency.
Abschließende Gedanken zu ERP-Systemen und AR-Software
The growth of accounts receivable (AR) solutions and ERP software is only just beginning. With more and more companies adopting these technologies, the benefits become clearer as they continue to revolutionize financial management. These systems offer a way to automate tedious accounting tasks and give companies more visibility and control over their cash flow.
Die Hauptunterschiede zwischen den beiden?
Accounts receivables software is designed to automate financial functions. Companies can use it to track and analyze invoices, payments, bad debt, and credit management practices. On the other hand, ERP software aims to increase a company’s operational efficiency by providing one system of record that holds critical data related to every aspect of the business at large.
Understanding the core differences between AR software and ERP software can help ensure that you’re getting the best technology and system possible to support your goals and business needs.
