Basware has unveiled advanced AI agents as part of its Invoice Lifecycle Management (ILM) platform, focusing on autonomous accounts payable processes and real-time invoice dispute resolution.
Originating from Finland, the company has introduced two new agents aimed at managing invoice disputes and payment inquiries. These tools also assist in resolving processing questions through natural language interaction for accounts payable clerks. This expansion follows the launch of InvoiceAI in November 2024, which integrated generative AI, natural language processing, and deep learning into the entire invoice lifecycle from start to finish.
Capabilities and Governance Model
The recently added agents include the Supplier Agent, responsible for automating supplier communications, summarizing outcomes of calls, and documenting subsequent steps. Another introduced agent is the AP Pro Agent, which helps accounts payable staff address processing questions in real time via natural language queries. Previously launched with InvoiceAI were the AP Business Agent providing context-based guidance on invoice handling, and the AP Data Agent allowing users to query invoice data using natural language, such as seeking out outstanding approvals by country or early payment discounts by supplier.
Basware has organized its AI implementation through a central policy engine and a series of autonomy gates. Each action taken by an agent must pass these gates, applying each customer’s business rules, compliance requirements, and risk thresholds to ensure full auditability for every decision made autonomously.
Market Context and Customer Adoption
According to a survey by FT Longitude on behalf of Basware involving 200 finance leaders from the United States, the UK, France, and Germany, 61% had deployed AI agents mainly for experimental purposes. Additionally, one in four respondents admitted to having limited understanding of what an actual AI agent entailed. Billerud, a paper and packaging materials company, reported enhancements in invoice processing quality and achieved positive returns on investment shortly after implementing InvoiceAI. Further AI capabilities are set to be rolled out throughout 2026.
