Vendor Bill Matching: When 3-Way Match in Your ERP Is Not Enough

What 3-Way Match Actually Does 

3-way match flags discrepancies between: 

• Purchase order 

• Receipt 

• Invoice 

It identifies the problem. 

It does not resolve it. 

Where Work Moves After the Flag 

Once flagged: 

• AP emails procurement 

• Procurement emails vendor 

• Follow-ups depend on reminders 

• Credits lag 

• Disputes linger 

The ERP is no longer the system of action. 

Why Volume Makes This Unsustainable 

As invoice volume grows: 

• Small variances are forced through 

• Large disputes take weeks 

• Vendor confidence erodes 

• AP credibility suffers 

The matching worked. 

The coordination failed. 

How AI Agents Close the Loop 

AI agents: 

• Trigger on mismatches 

• Contact vendors 

• Track responses 

• Escalate unresolved cases 

• Document outcomes 

3-way match becomes the starting point, not the endpoint. 

The Reality 

ERP matching features were never designed to manage human coordination. 

AI agents fill that gap without altering your ERP foundation. 

About the Author 

This content is published by ERP AI Agent, a consulting practice specializing in AI agents for mid-market ERP exception processes. 

Published: January 2025 Last Updated: January 2025 Reading Time: 7 minutes