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What Is 3 Way Match In Accounts Payable & Why Do You Need It

By 28/09/2021September 17th, 2025Bookkeeping

3 way match

It helps to ensure that any issues can be quickly addressed and resolved and that the supply chain runs smoothly. The system also helps to improve communication between the supplier and the customer. It helps ensure that potential problems are identified and addressed on time. The invoice also consists of the quantities of goods or services purchased and the total amount due. The invoice must match the purchase order and delivery note for the three-way match to be successful. The concept of “matching” is used in various areas, including accounting.

What Is Three-Way Matching?

3 way match

In the meanwhile, the 4-way match provides one additional checkpoint. The 3-way matching method is generally deployed when an invoice is received from a supplier or service provider. Deskera ERP is a complete solution that allows you to manage suppliers, track supply chain activity in real time, and streamline a range of other company functions. Cloud Technology is expected to become the primary medium for three-way matching. It will make it easier for companies to access and store data in one central location.

  • Download our data sheet to learn how to automate your reconciliations for increased accuracy, speed and control.
  • They meticulously inspect incoming goods, comparing what actually showed up against what was ordered.This team creates the goods receipt notes (GRNs) that serve as legal proof of delivery.
  • They check the invoices against corresponding purchase orders and order receipts.
  • Assigning roles ensures accountability among your employees and can ensure the timely processing of invoices.

Three-Way Matching Improves Business Relationships

3-way matching adds a receiving report confirming the goods or services were delivered. This extra step makes 3-way matching more secure for high-value or inventory-related purchases. With the right automation, companies can move beyond manual matching, reduce costly errors, and free up AP teams to focus on strategic priorities like working capital and supplier engagement. HighRadius enables this shift by helping you modernize AP without compromising financial control.

Invoice

Company DOES require to record Asset and Liability after receiving goods. As the risk and reward are already transferred, we need to record assets (inventory, fixed asset, or expense) depending on the nature of purchasing items. Moreover, we have to record accrue liability even if the invoice is not yet received. Since manual processes are run by people, the chances of https://ativanx.com/2018/09/16/overwhelmed-by-the-complexity-of-practice-this-may-help/ misplacing or damaging documents, data oversight, and misinterpretation are very high. To be successfully verified, the invoices must satisfy matching tolerances.

The main benefits of using a 3-Way match in the P2P process are:

3 way match

It does the task quickly and ships the brochures to the designated location. The four-way match takes the longest but is the most thorough of the procedures. Only when stringent compliance or verification is required should it be done. We faced problems while connecting to the server or receiving data from the server. Three way matching includes Purchase Order, Goods Receipt Note and Invoice.

3 way match

Powerful AR Automation

A goods receipt note is a document that confirms the acquisition of goods or services. It should include your receiver’s signature, the name of the vendor, date and time of delivery, products delivered, and quantity of each product. The goods receipt note should be provided to the department ordering goods or services and the finance department.

  • Unfortunately, fraud happens, and it’s up to your business to have a system in place to prevent it, internally and externally.
  • With the sheer volume of invoices passing through your department each month, keeping track can take a lot of work.
  • The AP department is under tremendous pressure when it has to hunt down details caused by inadequate or lost paperwork and when it has to deal with a growing backlog of bills.
  • Accelerated processing and discounts from on-time vendor payments improve cash flows by opening up working capital.

While it offers less control than three-way matching, its operational simplicity makes it a strategic choice in the right contexts. When paired with AP automation, two-way matching helps organizations scale efficiently, reduce costs, and maintain healthy supplier relationships. In enterprise finance, invoice approval is not just a back-office task—it directly affects cash flow, supplier satisfaction, and audit outcomes. For finance leaders managing thousands of invoices a month, two-way matching provides a https://ordercialisjlp.com/?p=153 streamlined approach to invoice validation that balances speed and oversight.

Example of Three-Way Matching

3 way match

Explore the essentials and benefits of three-way matching, from key components to advanced techniques and its impact on financial accuracy and efficiency. Using a three-way https://www.ournhs.info/category/uncategorized/ match to confirm orders improves accuracy of your books while developing a trusted relationship with your suppliers. When it comes to tax time, more accurate financial records lead to better returns and reduced chances of an audit from the CRA.