Many B2B companies in the US are focused on their international business. Some are just getting started or planning to launch in new countries, while others are already doing business in multiple countries. There is often a distinct difference in those conversations.
ERP systems are a start, not the solution
The companies just getting started often plan to manage international A/R solely through their ERP system. However, more experienced global businesses have discovered the limitations of ERP platforms when it comes to managing the full invoice-to-cash (I2C) cycle across borders—especially when dealing with multiple currencies, languages, and compliance frameworks.
Common cross-border A/R challenges
Most cite challenges across the I2C process: generating localized invoices, managing FX and short payments, reducing long DSO cycles, and reconciling international payments—tasks that often require functionality beyond what a traditional ERP can offer.
Your ERP is foundational - but not fully equipped
They do not downplay the role of their ERP system. In their view, it is designed to be the system of record and to handle all the financial complexities of their business. And it does, in the view of most we speak with. To fill those gaps, businesses are increasingly turning to specialized invoice-to-cash solutions that integrate with their ERP, enabling more control over the global AR process—from invoicing to payment reconciliation.
What the data tells us about ERP and global payments
Flywire recently completed some research that reinforced my own experience. For the report, we surveyed 250+ financial professionals about how well their ERP systems support their business getting paid by international customers.
Those with more experience on the global stage reported more challenges managing their global receivables through their ERP system than those planning to, or just getting started. The gaps span the entire invoice-to-cash journey: from local language and currency invoicing to managing FX, streamlining reconciliation, reducing DSO, enabling localized payment support, and handling refunds and chargebacks.
Finance professionals seem to think their ERP software is well-suited to handle their international A/R. The gaps don’t materialize until they expand and their volume of payments grows.
Two Core Obstacles to Cross-Border I2C Efficiency
1. The Payments Process Isn’t Integrated
The broader invoice-to-cash process isn’t integrated. Nearly 9 out of 10 (89%) respondents believe their businesses could save money by integrating I2C workflows, such as invoicing, payment tracking, reconciliation, and refunds, directly with their ERP system.
2. Lack of Executive Support for Payments Technology
In our survey, almost 7 out of 10 (67%) respondents felt that senior leaders did not understand the need for payment software enhancements in their ERP systems. This would affect how companies prepare operationally to expand internationally. This makes it critical to elevate the conversation around invoice-to-cash transformation as not just a finance or IT initiative, but a strategic enabler of global scale, customer satisfaction, and cash flow predictability.
Planning for global scale? Expand your thinking beyond ERP
As you plan your global strategy, my message is simply to not make too many assumptions about what your ERP system can and cannot do when it comes to cross-border receivables. This recent blog offers a good checklist on what you need to ensure a smooth process.
To prepare for global growth, consider how a modern invoice-to-cash platform can close ERP gaps, reduce manual workloads, and give your team more agility across the full A/R lifecycle.
Want the full breakdown?
Want to see how companies are modernizing their ERP environments with invoice-to-cash technology to accelerate global payments and collections? View the free report here.