Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We’ve collected some of the key questions our clients ask about document automation, IDP and related technologies. Explore the FAQs below to learn more:
1. What is Intelligent Document Processing (IDP)?
Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) uses AI to capture, classify and process documents of any format. Unlike traditional OCR scanning, IDP understands context and validates data. It’s often described as AI-based document processing or document processing with AI. Learn more about IDP.
2. What is Optical Character Recognition (OCR)?
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) converts printed or handwritten text into machine-readable data. OCR software is useful for digitising paper or PDF files, but on its own cannot validate or interpret information. That’s why many organisations ask about OCR vs IDP when modernising workflows. Read our OCR guide.
3. How does IDP differ from OCR?
OCR extracts characters; IDP interprets and validates data. IDP also integrates with ERP and procurement systems, making it a smarter solution for business processes. Compare IDP vs OCR.
4. What is Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) automation?
Human-in-the-Loop automation combines AI with human review to ensure accuracy. When automation encounters exceptions, they are flagged for human validation. This approach is also called human-in-the-loop AI or human-in-the-loop RPA. Read more about HITL.
5. How does IDP relate to RPA?
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) automates repetitive tasks using fixed rules, while IDP handles unstructured documents with AI. Many organisations use RPA and IDP together. See our comparison of RPA vs IDP.
6. What is e-invoicing and how does it work?
E-invoicing replaces paper or PDF invoices with structured electronic invoices that integrate into ERP systems. Learn more about e-invoicing.
7. What is e-procurement?
E-procurement is the digital management of purchasing processes, from requisition to payment. It helps prevent errors, reduce costs and improve compliance. See procurement automation solutions.
8. What is Order-to-Cash (O2C)?
Order-to-Cash (O2C) is the cycle that begins when a customer places an order and ends when payment is received. Automating O2C improves accuracy in order capture, reduces delays in invoicing, and accelerates cash flow. It also enhances visibility across sales, finance, and customer service teams, ensuring smoother operations and stronger customer satisfaction.
9. What is Purchase-to-Pay (P2P)?
Purchase-to-Pay (P2P), sometimes called procure-to-pay, covers procurement through invoicing and payment. Automation captures purchase orders, validates invoices, and ensures compliance with procurement policies. By digitising P2P, organisations reduce errors, cut costs, and strengthen supplier relationships.
10. How can purchase order confirmations be automated?
Automation captures and validates purchase order confirmations (POC) before posting them into ERP systems, eliminating manual data entry. See our POC automation solution.
11. How does accounts payable invoice automation work?
Accounts payable automation uses AI and OCR to capture invoice data, match it against purchase orders, and route it for approval or payment. Explore AP automation.
12. How does IDP integrate with SAP?
Netfira integrates directly with SAP, automating purchase orders, confirmations and invoices without manual intervention. Learn about Netfira and SAP.
13. What are the alternatives to EDI?
EDI has long been the standard for supplier communication, but it can be costly and inflexible. Modern cloud platforms such as Netfira offer easier and more scalable alternatives. Discover our EDI alternative.
14. How does Netfira’s automation apply across different industries?
Netfira offers tailored automation solutions for a variety of sectors, enabling organisations to automate document workflows, improve data quality, and boost operational efficiency:
- Procurement (cross-industry): Streamline purchasing, invoicing, and supplier communication. Procurement solutions
- Manufacturing & Engineering: Automate order confirmations, invoices, and other engineering documents to reduce cycle times. Manufacturing & Engineering solutions
- Energy & Utilities: Handle complex invoicing, compliance reporting, and supplier documentation more efficiently. Energy & Utilities solutions
- Chemicals & Materials: Manage regulatory paperwork, certificates of analysis, and procurement documents in a compliant manner. Chemicals & Materials solutions
- Pharmaceutical & Healthcare: Ensure traceability, compliance and accuracy in procurement and billing workflows. Pharmaceutical & Healthcare solutions
- Logistics & Transportation: Accelerate document handling such as bills of lading, shipment confirmations, invoices and customs forms. Logistics & Transportation solutions
- Retail: Streamline purchase orders, invoices, supplier agreements and promotional documentation to improve supply chain responsiveness. Retail solutions
15. How does automation improve data quality and compliance?
Automation validates and standardises incoming documents, reducing errors and ensuring audit-ready data. See our approach to data quality.
