ApprovalMax vs. Basware AP Automation

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
ApprovalMax
Score 9.8 out of 10
N/A
ApprovalMax provides approval workflow automation for cloud accounting platforms such as Xero and QuickBooks Online. It replaces paper- and email-based approval processes with multi-step and multi-role automated approval workflows that enable automated notifications to approvers, automated audit trails, and mobile approvals. Approval workflows include: Invoice approvals / bill review and bill approval Purchase order approval, including the functionality to create…
$54
per month
Basware AP Automation
Score 7.2 out of 10
N/A
Basware’s AI/ML-powered solution provides touchless invoice processing for organizations. Its artificial intelligence and machine learning functionality is available at every point in the process – from invoice receipt and routing to automated matching and coding – adding value by speeding up tasks and eliminating errors.N/A
Pricing
ApprovalMaxBasware AP Automation
Editions & Modules
ApprovalMax Standard
$54
per month per organization
ApprovalMax Advanced
$83
per month per organization
ApprovalMax Premium
$121
per month per organization
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
ApprovalMaxBasware AP Automation
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
YesNo
Entry-level Setup FeeOptionalNo setup fee
Additional DetailsDiscount available for annual pricing and for management of multiple organizations.
More Pricing Information
Features
ApprovalMaxBasware AP Automation
Payment Management
Comparison of Payment Management features of Product A and Product B
ApprovalMax
8.0
1 Ratings
5% above category average
Basware AP Automation
-
Ratings
Customizable Approval Policies9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Financial Document Management9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Payment Status Tracking9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Payment Audit Trail9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Duplicate Bill Detection4.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Accounts Payable
Comparison of Accounts Payable features of Product A and Product B
ApprovalMax
8.5
1 Ratings
17% above category average
Basware AP Automation
8.2
3 Ratings
13% above category average
Automated Accounts Payable Processes9.01 Ratings8.24 Ratings
Vendor Management8.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Best Alternatives
ApprovalMaxBasware AP Automation
Small Businesses
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Score 9.3 out of 10
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Score 9.3 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Square 9 Softworks
Square 9 Softworks
Score 9.3 out of 10
Square 9 Softworks
Square 9 Softworks
Score 9.3 out of 10
Enterprises
Yooz
Yooz
Score 8.8 out of 10
Yooz
Yooz
Score 8.8 out of 10
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User Ratings
ApprovalMaxBasware AP Automation
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
(1 ratings)
7.7
(10 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
5.4
(5 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
8.4
(4 ratings)
User Testimonials
ApprovalMaxBasware AP Automation
Likelihood to Recommend
ApprovalMax
As mentioned previously - able to send invoice based on amount , program code and division code ,supplier is very useful feature ; If an invoice does not fit into approval process than it is rejected and an email is received mentioning the reason
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Basware
The system it self and its functionality is great. Most screens and work flows are easy to understand and use without any training. Its usually obvious what the next step is for the user, e.g adding coding, review etc. The information shown to the user is also built in a good way and the overall "feel" of the system is among best in market. Some of the admin parts require Basware AP Automation help, even though you technically can do it yourself as admin, the documentation available is not enough to help you through it.
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Pros
ApprovalMax
  • choice based on Program codes / division codes - we use Xero accounting system and we have 22 program codes and 11 divison codes ; once invoice is entered in Xero depending on relevant program code and divison code, Approval max automatically send invoice to relevant person depending on approval workflow process . One manager could be handling multiple divison and program codes; if our approval work flow process is properly designed - it is accurate in sending invoice to relevant manager.
  • invoice can also send to various managers based on General ledger codes ; this flexibility makes useful when manager is handling only certain nature of expenses regardless of program codes / divisionl.
  • Approval process can also be designed based on level of amount ; and level of amount is derived from our Delegation policy. it makes audit of application of delegation policy easy ; we give copy of delegation policy and print of approval work flow process to auditor.
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Basware
  • Clear and intuitive software interface.
  • Easy to see the entire history of what happened to invoice.
  • Good integration with ERP system.
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Cons
ApprovalMax
  • date and time of change in approval process ; for example if Mr. A was responsible for all expenses above $1000 in Oct 23 and from Nov 23 it is changed to $5000 . in Dec 23 if it is checked - it will show approval limit of $5000 ; but will not show from which date limit was changed. Auditor always asks this question when the limit was changed in approval max - we cannot prove it.
  • If there is audit trail of who made the changes , when and what changes were made ; will be good.
  • when we are in main page of seeing invoices awaiting approval - there are hundreds of invoices - searching for one invoice from particular supplier is very cumbersome job - we have to go by each and every invoice in order to find that invoice ; it will be good if we have search function on main page itself ; in current scenario we have to go to report section - input all filters and than search for that particular invoice.
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Basware
  • There needs to be an easier way to view past invoices as the current method requires that you select from the pull-down menu each and every time
  • Instructions for the more commonly used features should be available within the program itself rather than having to search the online help index in order to find this information (bubble pop ups would be nice)
  • More functionality should be build into the invoice processing system (you should be able to forward via email, include screenshots, etc)
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Likelihood to Renew
ApprovalMax
No answers on this topic
Basware
We will continue using product and continue renewing as it is widely used product and it has been well adapted by users in our organization. The product is expensive but we will use it. Hopefully the product bugs will be fixed in future and they will provide more HA architecture feather for Basware.
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Usability
ApprovalMax
No answers on this topic
Basware
The GUI and workflows are easy to understand. It makes sense where the "buttons" and menus are located. Design is overall getting improvements constantly as well, so there is updates coming all the time. System is quick, few bugs and errors that cause issues. Up time and accessibility is on a very good level.
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Alternatives Considered
ApprovalMax
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Basware
Basware was not my selection as I was not with the company at the time. It was easy to learn and we have maintained a good working relationship with Basware. It is a very good way to process the workflow of invoices from start to finish
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Return on Investment
ApprovalMax
  • It has certainly made a positive impact ; it is definately worth its value ; when we are processing hundreds of invoices every fortnight ; getting approval of invoices in timely manner for all invoices is of paramount importance . as approval max has its own app - approval can be done on mobile phone also ; this is particularly helpful when staff is travelling .
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Basware
  • faster processing of invoices due to short step process
  • it's user friendly so not much training is needed to use the system
  • templates and favorites decreases time spent
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ScreenShots

ApprovalMax Screenshots

Screenshot of where approval processes are set up  – no matter how simple or complex.Screenshot of the interface to build approval steps that follow any business rules – whether approvals happen one after another, all at once, or only in certain cases. The user can also control who approves based on things like amount, supplier, account code, or category.Screenshot of where to approve bills and purchase orders the way that works best.Screenshot of the interface that matches bills to approved purchase orders from the same supplier to keep coding accurate and control spending. Unmatched bills can also be stopped from being approved.Screenshot of where to mention others in comments to bring them in or get their input – even if they’re not part of the original approval. If they don’t have access, a prompt to add them as a Watcher is sent. Mentions work on web and mobile, sending notifications as soon as access is granted.Screenshot of where to raise purchase orders, approve requests, and extract key details from bills and purchase orders – all on the go with the ApprovalMax mobile app for iOS and Android.