Which AP automation software offers two-way ERP sync?

AP automation is supposed to make life easier—but the payoff depends on how well it connects to your ERP. When the sync is strong, you stop keying in data twice, reduce reconciliation headaches, and move faster at month-end. But if the integration lags behind or only works one way, you're stuck cleaning up the mess.

That’s why two-way ERP sync matters. It keeps both systems—your AP tool and ERP—talking to each other, so you’re always working with the latest data. For example, Ramp syncs bidirectionally with NetSuite, QuickBooks, and Xero in real time—so what’s approved in one shows up instantly in the other.

In this guide, we’ll break down what to look for in a two-way ERP integration, how it actually works, and how it can help your team stay accurate, aligned, and ahead.

What does a true two-way ERP sync look like in AP automation?

A true two-way ERP sync means your AP automation tool and ERP system continuously share data—so updates in one show up in the other, automatically. Change a vendor record in your ERP? It appears in your AP software too. Approve an invoice in AP? It’s logged instantly in your ERP.

This is different from a one-way sync, where data only flows in one direction. For example, your AP software might push data into your ERP, but any updates made inside your ERP would not reflect back into your AP system. That kind of disconnect can create errors, confusion, and extra manual work.

With a two-way or bidirectional ERP sync, both systems stay in sync, which reduces human error, speeds up workflows, and keeps your financial data clean and current.

Two-way vs. bidirectional

Two-way ERP sync and bidirectional ERP sync usually mean the same thing. But not every vendor delivers it the same way.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Real-time updates: Data changes appear instantly, not hours later
• Full coverage: The sync should include vendor records, invoices, payments, and approvals, not just some fields
• Two-way flow: Changes in either system should reflect across both

Some platforms use the right terms, but only offer partial syncing or batch updates that run once a day. That delay can cause confusion when you're closing books or managing payments. So while the terms are often used interchangeably, it’s worth asking for specifics when you’re comparing AP automation tools.

How do two-way ERP integrations work?

A two-way ERP sync connects your AP automation system and ERP so that updates flow between them automatically. These syncs typically rely on APIs or pre-built connectors to send and receive data securely and consistently.

The sync should cover all key records that affect AP workflows:

• Vendor records: Names, tax IDs, banking details, and addresses should match in both systems to prevent duplicates and reduce the risk of payment errors
• Invoices: Line items, invoice statuses, and linked purchase orders should sync cleanly to avoid delays or discrepancies
• Payment statuses: Once payments are processed in the ERP, that status should sync back to the AP platform to support reconciliation and financial reporting
• Approvals and audit logs: Both systems should record who approved each step and when, ensuring transparency and compliance

And here’s how the flow usually looks in practice:

1. A vendor record is created or edited in the ERP. That change appears in the AP system automatically
2. An invoice is entered in the AP tool. It’s sent to the ERP for coding, approval, and posting
3. After payment is made through the ERP, the cleared status updates in the AP system

A properly configured two-way sync ensures both systems reflect the same information, reducing manual entry and helping teams maintain accurate records across the board.

Why businesses are opting for two-way ERP sync

As accounts payable processes become more complex, relying on one-way integrations—or manual updates—introduces unnecessary risk. Two-way ERP sync provides the infrastructure needed to maintain accurate records, eliminate rework, and scale operations effectively.

It improves day-to-day workflows by:

• Eliminating duplicate entry: Data only needs to be entered once, reducing time spent and chances of conflicting records
• Reducing manual errors: Automated syncs apply standardized logic and validation rules to ensure data accuracy
• Keeping records up to date: Both systems reflect the current status of vendors, invoices, and payments at all times
• Simplifying reconciliation: Payments and approvals are matched automatically, making month-end close faster and more reliable
• Supporting faster reporting: Clean, synced data means finance teams can pull reports without last-minute cleanup

It also strengthens strategic operations and compliance. As teams grow or operate across multiple entities, a two-way sync ensures consistency across systems. It helps businesses meet regulatory requirements by maintaining complete audit trails, supporting real-time approvals, and preserving data integrity for frameworks like SOX.

Who benefits most from implementing two-way ERP sync?

Two-way ERP sync delivers the most impact for companies managing high volumes of transactions or operating with complex financial structures.

Mid-sized to large organizations processing hundreds or thousands of invoices per month are especially at risk for issues when AP and ERP systems don’t stay aligned.

Firms with decentralized finance teams or layered approval workflows also rely on consistent, real-time data sharing. A two-way sync helps ensure that processes don’t break down when multiple people are involved in entering, reviewing, or approving invoices across teams or entities.

Regulated industries like healthcare, financial services, or government often require complete audit trails and strict access controls. For these organizations, two-way syncing supports compliance by preserving data accuracy and capturing every step in the AP process.

Fast-growing companies benefit as well. As invoice volume increases and teams scale, the AP infrastructure needs to keep up—without introducing bottlenecks or compromising visibility.

Across all these scenarios, multiple stakeholders drive the evaluation and adoption of ERP-integrated AP tools:

• Controllers prioritize data accuracy, streamlined reconciliation, and audit readiness
• CFOs want real-time financial visibility to support timely, strategic decisions
• AP managers focus on reducing manual workloads and preventing missed payments

Each group sees a different benefit—but all rely on the same foundation: clean, consistent data flowing between AP and ERP systems.

What to look for in two-way ERP integration

When evaluating AP automation tools, not all “two-way sync” offerings mean the same thing. To assess whether an integration meets your needs, focus on how it works—not just how it's marketed.

A strong ERP integration should:

• Sync in real time so both systems reflect the latest data at all times
• Let you choose what syncs—vendor records, invoices, payment statuses, and approvals—based on your process
• Maintain full audit trails that show who approved what, and when
• Support payment reconciliation by updating statuses automatically after transactions
• Handle 2- or 3-way matching using ERP data to confirm accuracy across POs, invoices, and receipts

These features help you close faster, reduce rework, and ensure compliance. Before choosing a platform, ask questions like:

• What data fields sync—and how frequently?
• Is the sync built on APIs or file uploads?
• Can workflows be customized to fit our approval process?

Answers to these will show how flexible and reliable the integration really is—and how much support your team will need to maintain it.

What implementation typically involves

Setting up a two-way sync usually includes:

• Initial configuration to align your ERP and AP systems
• Testing data flow and exception handling
• Training for the teams using it day to day

Some vendors manage this entirely, while others may require IT involvement or middleware. The right fit depends on your internal resources and timeline.

Before you decide, try to see the integration in action. A live walkthrough of invoice approvals, vendor updates, and payment status syncs will give you a clearer sense of how the system performs with real-world scenarios.

If possible, speak with companies using the same ERP as yours. Their experience can shed light on timelines, unexpected challenges, and support quality.

Which AP software offers two-way ERP sync?

ERP integration is a common feature in AP platforms, but the details matter. Some tools support basic data exports or push-only updates. Others sync more deeply—but only in one direction or on a delay.

To evaluate whether a solution offers true two-way syncing, ask:

• Does data sync in real time—or on a schedule?
• Which records are covered? (Vendors, invoices, approvals, payments?)
• Is the sync managed via API, or does it rely on middleware or file uploads?
• Can the workflows be tailored to your accounting setup?

These answers will tell you how much manual work your team might still need to do—and how reliable the integration will be as your business grows.

Ramp’s ERP integrations: Two-Way Syncing with NetSuite, QuickBooks, Xero, and more

Ramp’s AP automation software offers direct, two-way syncing with leading ERP systems like NetSuite, QuickBooks Online, Xero, and more—ensuring that your accounting environment stays accurate, real-time, and fully in sync. Our integrations don’t override your ERP controls. They honor your existing configurations, empowering your team with visibility, control, and compliance from start to finish.

Here’s how Ramp’s ERP integrations work in more detail:

• Real-time syncing of core accounting data: Transactions, reimbursements, vendor bills, payments, credits, and cashback all flow seamlessly between Ramp and your ERP
• Bi-directional vendor and bill syncing: Start your process in your ERP or in Ramp—with item receipts imported and matched—then complete the flow via Ramp payments
• Multi-functional consolidation: Centralize accounts payable, expense management, travel booking, and treasury

This level of integration reduces complexity, eliminates duplicate data entry, and accelerates your financial workflows—without requiring additional effort from your team. Here’s how we’ve helped Quora by providing two-way sync with NetSuite.

Quora: From 10 Steps to 3, and Hours to Minutes

For the finance team at Quora, Ramp’s seamless two-way sync with NetSuite has transformed day-to-day operations. Previously, invoice processing required over 10 manual steps—from handling PDFs, navigating ERP input, to managing payments and reconciliation. Now, that same process takes just three streamlined steps through Ramp.

With data flowing automatically between systems, Quora has reduced reconciliation errors, gained real-time visibility into changes, and eliminated unnecessary touchpoints. The impact has been measurable: monthly close for cash and credit cards dropped from multiple hours to just 15–20 minutes.

Rather than spending days troubleshooting legacy tools or tracking down vendor payments, the team can now focus on improving accounting processes and building more scalable operations.

“In the old world, there were multiple entry points, and sometimes bills were put into the wrong places. There were 10+ steps to go from PDF processing to NetSuite, to payment and reporting,” say Richard Gobea, Finance Manager at Quora. “With Ramp and NetSuite together we’ve reduced that to 3 simple steps. It’s more efficient and a huge time saver.”

Why bidirectional ERP syncs are a non-negotiable

For modern finance teams, syncing AP and ERP systems in real time isn’t just a feature—it’s the baseline for speed, accuracy, and control. Whether you’re managing invoices, chasing approvals, or preparing for audits, you need systems that talk to each other without added work.

Ramp was built for this kind of connection. With real-time, two-way ERP sync that scales as you grow, your team can move faster, close earlier, and trust the numbers—every step of the way.

Let’s show you how well Ramp’s bidirectional ERP integrations work. Get started with Ramp.