Accounts Payable Automation: Complete Guide to AP Automation Software in 2025
Accounts payable automation has transformed from a nice-to-have luxury to an essential business capability. Organizations implementing AP automation report 80% faster invoice processing, 75% reduction in processing costs, and 95% fewer data entry errors. With manual AP processes costing businesses an average of $15-25 per invoice, automation delivers immediate ROI while improving vendor relationships and cash flow management. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to successfully implement accounts payable automation in your organization.
Table of Contents
Accounts Payable Automation Fundamentals
Accounts payable automation digitizes and streamlines the entire invoice-to-payment process, from invoice receipt and data capture through approval workflows to payment processing and reconciliation. Modern AP automation solutions combine optical character recognition (OCR), artificial intelligence, and workflow management to eliminate manual data entry, reduce processing times, and improve accuracy.
Core Components of AP Automation
Invoice Capture and Data Extraction
Intelligent Document Processing
- •OCR Technology: Extracts text, numbers, and data from scanned invoices, PDFs, and images with 95%+ accuracy.
- •Machine Learning: Continuously improves data extraction accuracy by learning from user corrections and patterns.
- •Template Recognition: Automatically identifies invoice formats and vendor-specific layouts for faster processing.
- •Multi-format Support: Processes invoices from email attachments, EDI, supplier portals, and paper documents.
Data Validation and Verification
- •PO Matching: Automatically matches invoices to purchase orders and delivery receipts for three-way matching validation.
- •Vendor Verification: Validates vendor information against master vendor database to prevent fraud.
- •Duplicate Detection: Identifies and flags potential duplicate invoices to prevent double payments.
- •GL Code Assignment: Automatically assigns general ledger codes based on vendor, purchase order, or department rules.
Approval Workflow Management
Intelligent Routing and Approvals
Modern AP automation systems route invoices through customizable approval workflows based on business rules, amounts, vendors, departments, and other criteria. This ensures proper authorization while maintaining efficient processing speeds.
Rule-Based Routing
- • Amount-based approval limits
- • Department-specific workflows
- • Vendor-specific routing rules
- • Project or cost center routing
Escalation Management
- • Automatic escalation timers
- • Substitute approver assignment
- • Holiday and vacation coverage
- • Priority invoice handling
Mobile Accessibility
- • Mobile app approvals
- • Email-based approval options
- • Real-time notifications
- • Offline approval capabilities
Exception Handling and Processing
Common Exceptions
- • Missing purchase order matches
- • Price or quantity variances
- • Coding or GL assignment issues
- • Missing approver availability
- • Vendor master data problems
Resolution Workflows
- • Automated exception queues
- • User-friendly resolution interfaces
- • Collaborative problem-solving tools
- • Audit trail maintenance
- • Learning-based improvements
Payment Processing and Integration
AP automation extends beyond invoice processing to include payment execution, cash flow optimization, and financial system integration. Modern solutions support multiple payment methods and provide sophisticated cash management capabilities.
Payment Methods and Options
- •ACH Payments: Automated Clearing House transfers for domestic payments with lower costs and batch processing.
- •Wire Transfers: Fast, secure transfers for urgent or international payments with real-time processing.
- •Virtual Credit Cards: Single-use payment cards that provide enhanced security and detailed transaction tracking.
- •Check Printing: Automated check generation and printing for vendors requiring paper payments.
Cash Flow Optimization
- •Early Payment Discounts: Automatically calculate and take advantage of vendor discount opportunities.
- •Payment Scheduling: Optimize payment timing to maximize cash flow while meeting terms and deadlines.
- •Cash Flow Forecasting: Predict future cash requirements based on pending invoices and payment schedules.
- •Spend Analytics: Detailed reporting on spending patterns, vendor performance, and cost savings opportunities.
Traditional vs. Automated AP Process Comparison
| Process Step | Manual Process | Automated Process | Time Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invoice Receipt | Mail sorting, filing | Email auto-capture | 90% |
| Data Entry | Manual typing, 15-20 min | OCR extraction, 1-2 min | 85% |
| Approval Routing | Email/paper routing | Automatic routing | 75% |
| Payment Processing | Check writing, mailing | Electronic payments | 80% |
| Record Keeping | Paper filing, manual | Digital archive | 95% |
Benefits and ROI Calculator
Accounts payable automation delivers measurable benefits across cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and risk mitigation. Organizations typically achieve full ROI within 12-18 months, with many seeing positive returns within the first quarter of implementation.
Quantifiable Business Benefits
Average ROI Metrics Across Industries
Direct Cost Savings
Processing Cost Reduction
- • Data entry labor costs
- • Approval routing time
- • Paper and postage expenses
- • Storage and filing costs
- • Minimal manual intervention
- • Faster approval cycles
- • Electronic processing only
- • Digital storage and retrieval
Early Payment Discounts
Discount Capture Improvement
Example Savings Calculation
$1M annual spend × 70% improvement × 2% discount = $14,000 additional annual savings
Productivity and Efficiency Gains
Staff Productivity
- •Time Reallocation: Free up 60-80% of AP staff time for strategic activities and vendor relationship management.
- •Error Reduction: Decrease data entry errors by 95%, reducing time spent on corrections and disputes.
- •Query Resolution: Automated status tracking reduces vendor inquiries by 70% and resolution time by 85%.
Approval Efficiency
- •Faster Approvals: Reduce average approval time from 5-7 days to 1-2 days with automated routing.
- •Mobile Access: Enable approvers to review and approve invoices anywhere, reducing bottlenecks.
- •Exception Management: Automated exception handling reduces manual intervention by 80%.
Compliance Benefits
- •Audit Trail: Complete digital audit trail reduces audit preparation time by 90%.
- •Policy Enforcement: Automated controls ensure 100% compliance with company policies and approval limits.
- •Fraud Prevention: Duplicate detection and validation controls reduce fraud risk by 95%.
ROI Calculation Framework
Use this framework to calculate the expected ROI for your AP automation investment. Input your organization's specific metrics to generate customized projections.
AP Automation ROI Calculator
Current State Metrics
Projected Savings (Example)
Annual Processing Savings
Additional Discount Capture
Staff Productivity Gains
Total Annual Benefits
Implementation Costs vs. Benefits
Year 1 Investment
- • Software license: $60,000
- • Implementation: $40,000
- • Training: $15,000
- • Total: $115,000
Annual Ongoing Costs
- • Software maintenance: $15,000
- • Support services: $10,000
- • System administration: $8,000
- • Total: $33,000
ROI Calculation
- • Year 1 net benefit: $196,000
- • Payback period: 4.0 months
- • 3-year NPV: $765,000
- • 3-year ROI: 298%
Industry-Specific ROI Variations
| Industry | Typical Invoice Volume | Processing Cost Savings | Payback Period | 3-Year ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | High | $18-22/invoice | 3-5 months | 350-400% |
| Healthcare | Very High | $20-25/invoice | 2-4 months | 400-450% |
| Professional Services | Medium | $15-18/invoice | 6-8 months | 250-300% |
| Retail | High | $16-20/invoice | 4-6 months | 300-350% |
| Government | High | $22-28/invoice | 3-5 months | 400-500% |
Top AP Automation Software Solutions
Selecting the right AP automation software is crucial for successful implementation and long-term value realization. This comprehensive evaluation covers leading solutions across different market segments, from enterprise platforms to mid-market solutions.
Enterprise AP Automation Platforms
SAP Ariba Invoice Management
Best For
- • Large enterprises with complex procurement
- • Organizations using SAP ERP systems
- • Companies requiring supplier network integration
- • Global operations with multiple currencies
Key Features
- • Advanced OCR and data extraction
- • Supplier network with 5M+ vendors
- • Three-way matching automation
- • Mobile approval capabilities
- • Analytics and spend intelligence
Pricing
- • Contact SAP for enterprise pricing
- • Typically $100,000+ annually
- • Volume-based transaction pricing
- • Implementation costs additional
Oracle Payables Cloud
Best For
- • Oracle ERP Cloud customers
- • Large enterprises with complex workflows
- • Organizations requiring deep ERP integration
- • Companies with strict compliance needs
Key Features
- • AI-powered invoice processing
- • Configurable approval workflows
- • Real-time reporting and analytics
- • Multi-entity and multi-currency support
- • Integrated payment processing
Pricing
- • $150-300 per user per month
- • Minimum user commitments apply
- • Additional fees for premium features
- • Implementation services separate
Mid-Market AP Automation Solutions
Bill.com
Best For
- • Small to mid-size businesses
- • Companies using QuickBooks or NetSuite
- • Organizations seeking easy implementation
- • Businesses requiring mobile accessibility
Key Features
- • Intelligent document capture
- • Automated approval workflows
- • Integrated payment processing
- • Mobile app for approvals
- • Accounting system integration
Pricing
- • Essentials: $45/month (up to 5 users)
- • Team: $65/month (up to 10 users)
- • Corporate: $99/month (up to 25 users)
- • Enterprise: Custom pricing
AppZen Invoice Audit
Best For
- • Companies requiring AI-powered auditing
- • Organizations with high fraud risk
- • Businesses processing large invoice volumes
- • Companies seeking advanced analytics
Key Features
- • AI-powered invoice auditing
- • Duplicate and fraud detection
- • Policy compliance checking
- • Real-time risk scoring
- • Advanced reporting and analytics
Pricing
- • Per invoice processed pricing model
- • Typically $0.50-2.00 per invoice
- • Minimum monthly commitments
- • Custom enterprise packages available
Tipalti AP Automation
Best For
- • Companies with global supplier networks
- • Organizations requiring tax compliance
- • Businesses with complex payment needs
- • Marketplaces and digital platforms
Key Features
- • Global payment processing
- • Automated tax compliance
- • Supplier onboarding and management
- • Multi-currency support
- • Comprehensive reporting suite
Pricing
- • Contact Tipalti for pricing
- • Based on payment volume and features
- • Implementation fees may apply
- • Custom enterprise packages
Small Business AP Solutions
Receipt Bank (Dext)
Best For
- • Small businesses and startups
- • Accounting firms and bookkeepers
- • Companies using Xero or QuickBooks
- • Organizations prioritizing simplicity
Key Features
- • Mobile receipt capture
- • OCR data extraction
- • Accounting software integration
- • Expense categorization
- • Bank feed matching
Pricing
- • Starter: $10/month (50 items)
- • Growth: $35/month (500 items)
- • Established: $75/month (2,000 items)
- • Practice plans for accountants
Ramp AP Automation
Best For
- • Fast-growing startups and scale-ups
- • Companies seeking modern UX/UI
- • Organizations wanting integrated spend management
- • Businesses requiring real-time insights
Key Features
- • Automated invoice processing
- • Integrated corporate cards
- • Real-time spend controls
- • Mobile-first design
- • Advanced analytics and reporting
Pricing
- • Free AP automation for card customers
- • Standalone AP: Starting at $10/month
- • Price increases with volume and features
- • No setup or implementation fees
Software Selection Framework
Use this comprehensive framework to evaluate AP automation software options and select the solution that best fits your organization's needs, budget, and technical requirements.
Evaluation Criteria Matrix
| Criteria | Weight | Key Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | 30% | OCR accuracy, workflow flexibility, exception handling, reporting capabilities |
| Integration | 25% | ERP connectivity, API availability, data synchronization, real-time updates |
| Usability | 20% | User interface design, mobile accessibility, training requirements, adoption ease |
| Scalability | 15% | Volume handling, performance under load, multi-entity support, global capabilities |
| Total Cost | 10% | License costs, implementation fees, ongoing maintenance, hidden costs |
Implementation Readiness Checklist
- ✓Executive sponsorship and budget approval secured
- ✓Current process documentation completed
- ✓ERP system integration requirements defined
- ✓Data quality and cleansing plan established
- ✓Change management strategy developed
- ✓Success metrics and KPIs identified
Vendor Evaluation Process
Phase 1: RFI/RFP
Request detailed information on functionality, pricing, and implementation approach
Phase 2: Demos
Conduct product demonstrations using your actual invoice samples and scenarios
Phase 3: Pilot
Run limited pilot with 2-3 top vendors using real data and workflows
Phase 4: Selection
Evaluate pilot results, references, and total cost of ownership
Implementation Strategy and Best Practices
Successful AP automation implementation requires careful planning, stakeholder alignment, and a phased approach that minimizes business disruption. This comprehensive strategy guide provides proven methodologies for organizations of all sizes to achieve rapid time-to-value while ensuring long-term success.
Phase-Based Implementation Methodology
Phase 1: Assessment and Planning (4-6 weeks)
Current State Analysis
- •Process Documentation: Map existing AP workflows, approval hierarchies, and exception handling procedures across all business units.
- •Volume Analysis: Analyze invoice volumes by vendor, department, amount ranges, and processing patterns to identify optimization opportunities.
- •Cost Baseline: Establish current processing costs, staff time allocation, error rates, and payment discount capture rates.
- •Technology Inventory: Document existing systems, integration points, data formats, and technical constraints.
Requirements Definition
- •Functional Requirements: Define OCR accuracy needs, workflow complexity, reporting requirements, and mobile accessibility needs.
- •Integration Requirements: Specify ERP connectivity, data synchronization frequency, API requirements, and security standards.
- •Performance Requirements: Define processing speed, system availability, scalability needs, and disaster recovery expectations.
- •Compliance Requirements: Identify audit trail needs, regulatory compliance standards, and data retention policies.
Phase 1 Deliverables
Documentation
- • Current state process maps
- • Requirements specification
- • ROI calculation model
- • Risk assessment matrix
Vendor Evaluation
- • RFP responses analysis
- • Demo evaluation scores
- • Reference checks results
- • Final vendor recommendation
Implementation Plan
- • Project timeline and milestones
- • Resource allocation plan
- • Training strategy
- • Change management approach
Phase 2: System Configuration and Integration (6-8 weeks)
Technical Setup and Configuration
The configuration phase focuses on setting up the AP automation platform according to your organization's specific requirements while ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and workflows.
System Configuration
- • OCR template setup and training
- • Workflow rule configuration
- • Approval hierarchy mapping
- • General ledger code assignment
- • Exception handling rules
- • Security role definitions
Integration Development
- • ERP system connectivity setup
- • Data mapping and field alignment
- • API configuration and testing
- • File transfer protocol setup
- • Real-time sync verification
- • Error handling procedures
Data Migration and Master Setup
Master Data Preparation
- • Vendor information cleanup and validation
- • Payment terms standardization
- • Tax ID and compliance data verification
- • Preferred payment method setup
- • GL code structure optimization
- • Department and cost center mapping
- • Project code configuration
- • Automated coding rule setup
Historical Data Migration Strategy
Most organizations migrate 6-12 months of historical invoice data for reporting continuity and vendor payment history. Critical considerations include data cleansing requirements, mapping legacy formats to new structures, and maintaining audit trail integrity during the migration process.
Phase 3: Testing and User Training (3-4 weeks)
Comprehensive Testing Strategy
Unit Testing
- • OCR accuracy validation
- • Workflow rule verification
- • Integration point testing
- • Security access validation
- • Performance benchmarking
Integration Testing
- • End-to-end process validation
- • ERP data synchronization
- • Payment processing flows
- • Exception handling scenarios
- • Reporting accuracy verification
User Acceptance Testing
- • Real invoice processing scenarios
- • Mobile approval testing
- • Exception resolution workflows
- • Report generation and distribution
- • Performance under normal loads
Training and Change Management Program
Effective training programs are critical for user adoption and system success. Design role-specific training modules that address individual user needs while providing comprehensive system understanding for power users and administrators.
Training Program Components
- • Administrator training (system configuration)
- • Power user training (exception handling)
- • End user training (basic operations)
- • Approver training (mobile and web interfaces)
- • Help desk training (support procedures)
- • Executive briefings (reporting and analytics)
Change Management Activities
- • Stakeholder communication plan
- • Benefits realization messaging
- • Resistance management strategies
- • Success story documentation
- • Feedback collection and response
- • Continuous improvement processes
Phase 4: Go-Live and Optimization (2-4 weeks)
Phased Rollout Strategy
Implement a controlled rollout approach that minimizes business risk while allowing for rapid issue identification and resolution. Start with a pilot group of users and gradually expand to the full organization based on success metrics and user feedback.
Pilot Phase (Week 1)
- • 10-15% of invoice volume
- • Selected vendor subset
- • Power user group participation
- • Intensive monitoring and support
- • Daily metrics review and adjustment
Full Rollout (Weeks 2-4)
- • Gradual volume increase to 100%
- • Department-by-department rollout
- • Extended support hours
- • User feedback collection
- • Performance optimization
Success Metrics and KPI Monitoring
Processing Metrics
- • Processing time per invoice
- • OCR accuracy rates
- • Exception handling efficiency
- • First-pass processing rates
Business Impact
- • Cost reduction per invoice
- • Early payment discount capture
- • Staff productivity gains
- • Vendor satisfaction scores
User Adoption
- • System usage rates
- • Mobile approval adoption
- • Training completion rates
- • User satisfaction surveys
Critical Success Factors
Organizational Readiness
- ✓Executive Sponsorship: Secure visible leadership support and communicate benefits throughout the organization to drive adoption and remove barriers.
- ✓Cross-functional Team: Include representatives from AP, IT, purchasing, and business units to ensure comprehensive requirements coverage.
- ✓Change Management: Develop comprehensive communication and training plans to address user concerns and resistance to new processes.
- ✓Data Quality: Clean and standardize vendor master data, GL codes, and approval hierarchies before implementation.
Technical Considerations
- ✓System Integration: Plan for robust API connections, real-time data synchronization, and proper error handling between systems.
- ✓Security Framework: Implement role-based access controls, audit trails, and compliance monitoring from the beginning.
- ✓Scalability Planning: Design workflows and system configuration to handle future growth in invoice volumes and complexity.
- ✓Disaster Recovery: Establish backup procedures and business continuity plans to ensure uninterrupted AP operations.
Vendor Onboarding and Management
Effective vendor onboarding and management are crucial components of successful AP automation. Streamlined processes for bringing vendors into the system and maintaining accurate vendor information directly impact processing efficiency, compliance, and fraud prevention capabilities.
Digital Vendor Onboarding Process
Automated Onboarding Workflows
Modern AP automation platforms include self-service vendor portals that streamline the onboarding process while ensuring data accuracy and compliance with organizational requirements. These systems reduce manual data entry and accelerate vendor activation timelines.
Self-Service Portal Features
- •Profile Creation: Vendors complete comprehensive profiles including business information, tax details, banking information, and certification documents.
- •Document Upload: Secure upload capabilities for W-9 forms, certificates of insurance, business licenses, and other required documentation.
- •Workflow Integration: Automated routing of vendor applications through approval workflows with status tracking and communication.
- •Validation Checks: Real-time validation of tax IDs, banking information, and business registration data against external databases.
Compliance and Risk Management
- •Sanctions Screening: Automated checking against OFAC and other sanctions lists to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- •Duplicate Detection: Advanced algorithms identify potential duplicate vendors based on multiple data points including name variations and banking information.
- •Credit Checks: Integration with credit reporting agencies for financial risk assessment and payment terms determination.
- •Audit Trail: Complete documentation of onboarding activities, approvals, and changes for compliance and audit purposes.
Vendor Master Data Management
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date vendor master data is essential for efficient AP processing. Automated data management capabilities ensure information quality while reducing manual maintenance overhead.
Data Quality Management
Data Standardization
- • Address normalization and validation
- • Business name standardization
- • Phone and email format consistency
- • Tax ID format validation
Enrichment Services
- • Business information enhancement
- • Industry classification assignment
- • Diversity certification identification
- • Financial health scoring
Change Management
- • Automated change notifications
- • Approval workflows for updates
- • Version control and history tracking
- • Impact analysis for changes
Compliance and Financial Controls
AP automation significantly strengthens financial controls and compliance capabilities while reducing the manual effort required to maintain these standards. Automated controls provide consistent policy enforcement, comprehensive audit trails, and real-time monitoring of exceptions and risks.
Automated Financial Controls Framework
Segregation of Duties and Approval Controls
Role-Based Access Controls
- •Multi-Level Approvals: Configure approval hierarchies based on invoice amounts, vendor types, and business unit requirements with automatic escalation.
- •Separation Enforcement: System-enforced separation between invoice processing, approval, and payment authorization functions.
- •Delegation Management: Controlled delegation of approval authority with time limits, amount restrictions, and audit logging.
- •Conflict Prevention: Automated detection and prevention of conflicts of interest based on vendor relationships and organizational structure.
Policy Enforcement Mechanisms
- •Spending Limits: Automated enforcement of departmental budgets, project spending limits, and individual approval authorities.
- •Vendor Validation: Ensure all invoices are from approved vendors with current contracts and compliance certifications.
- •PO Compliance: Mandatory three-way matching for purchase orders above specified thresholds with variance tolerance controls.
- •Payment Controls: Automated duplicate payment prevention, payment timing controls, and payment method restrictions.
Fraud Detection and Prevention
Advanced AP automation platforms incorporate machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify potentially fraudulent activity patterns and suspicious transactions that would be difficult to detect through manual processes.
AI-Powered Fraud Detection
Pattern Analysis
- • Unusual invoice timing patterns
- • Suspicious amount clustering
- • Vendor behavior anomalies
- • Approval pattern irregularities
- • Geographic inconsistencies
Risk Scoring
- • Transaction risk assessment
- • Vendor risk profiling
- • User behavior scoring
- • Combined risk indicators
- • Dynamic threshold adjustment
Common Fraud Schemes Detected
Duplicate payments, vendor impersonation, invoice manipulation, ghost vendors, payment redirection, and round-dollar fraud schemes are automatically flagged for investigation through advanced pattern recognition algorithms.
Common Challenges and Solutions
While AP automation delivers significant benefits, organizations may encounter implementation and operational challenges. This troubleshooting guide addresses the most common issues and provides proven solutions based on industry best practices.
OCR and Data Extraction Issues
Challenge: Low OCR Accuracy Rates
Common Causes
- • Poor quality scanned documents
- • Inconsistent invoice formats
- • Insufficient system training data
- • Complex multi-page invoices
- • Non-standard layouts or languages
Proven Solutions
- • Implement vendor template training program
- • Establish minimum image quality standards
- • Create feedback loops for system learning
- • Use confidence scoring for validation
- • Deploy hybrid human-AI review processes
Challenge: High Exception Rates
Root Causes Analysis
- • Incomplete vendor master data setup
- • Overly restrictive matching tolerances
- • Missing purchase order information
- • Inadequate GL code assignment rules
- • Complex approval workflow requirements
Resolution Strategies
- • Optimize business rules and tolerances
- • Enhance vendor data quality programs
- • Streamline approval workflows
- • Implement intelligent routing logic
- • Create exception handling training programs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does AP automation implementation typically take?
Implementation timelines vary based on complexity and system integration requirements. Basic AP automation can be deployed in 4-8 weeks for simple environments, while enterprise implementations with extensive customization and integration may take 3-6 months. Most mid-market implementations complete within 8-12 weeks including testing and training.
What level of OCR accuracy can we expect?
Modern AP automation solutions achieve 95-99% OCR accuracy for standard invoice formats. Accuracy depends on invoice quality, vendor consistency, and system training. Machine learning capabilities improve accuracy over time as the system learns from corrections. Most solutions provide confidence scoring to flag low-confidence extractions for manual review.
How do we handle exceptions and non-standard invoices?
AP automation systems include exception queues and workflows for handling invoices that don't match standard patterns. These might include non-PO invoices, amount variances, missing information, or new vendor invoices. Exception handling typically involves automated routing to appropriate personnel with tools for quick resolution and system learning from manual corrections.
What security measures protect our financial data?
Leading AP automation solutions implement enterprise-grade security including data encryption in transit and at rest, role-based access controls, audit trails, and compliance with standards like SOC 2, SSAE-18, and GDPR. Many solutions offer bank-level security with multi-factor authentication, IP restrictions, and comprehensive activity monitoring. Data residency options are available for organizations with specific compliance requirements.
Can AP automation integrate with our existing ERP system?
Most modern AP automation platforms offer pre-built integrations with major ERP systems including SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Dynamics. Integration typically involves bi-directional data synchronization for vendor information, purchase orders, general ledger codes, and payment data. API-based integrations enable real-time data exchange and can usually be configured without custom development.
How do we measure the success of our AP automation implementation?
Success metrics should be established before implementation and tracked consistently. Key performance indicators include processing cost per invoice, cycle time reduction, error rates, early payment discount capture, user adoption rates, and vendor satisfaction scores. Most AP automation platforms provide built-in analytics dashboards to track these metrics and demonstrate ROI. Baseline measurements should be captured during the current state analysis phase.