In an era where AI is writing emails and analytics tools can forecast next quarter’s spend, it’s surprising how many organizations still rely on paper forms, email chains, and spreadsheets to handle purchase requests.

In fact, studies show that between 50% and 70% of U.S. businesses still use manual or paper-based processes for at least part of their purchasing or accounts payable functions. And while the digital transformation continues to gain traction, the reality is clear:

  • 73% of businesses have not yet fully automated supplier payments.

  • 50% still rely on manual methods for core purchasing functions.

  • Only 17% have fully automated workflows.

  • Nearly half (49%) of finance professionals mix paper and digital processes, citing “comfort” with traditional methods as a main barrier.

  • And more than 53% of procurement and supplier management processes remain only partially digitized.

That means lost time, delayed approvals, and a mountain of avoidable costs.

The Hidden Costs of Manual Purchase Requests

While spreadsheets and PDFs might seem “good enough,” they hide inefficiencies that quietly drain productivity:

  • Approval delays caused by email bottlenecks and misplaced forms.

  • Lack of visibility into purchase status, budgets, and compliance.

  • Duplicate or unauthorized purchases due to disconnected workflows.

  • Wasted time on repetitive data entry and manual tracking.

Each of these problems compounds over time — especially as an organization grows. What once worked for a small team quickly turns into a tangled mess when dozens (or hundreds) of purchase requests need to be reviewed and approved each month.

Enter NITRO Purchase Requests: Automation That Just Works

NITRO Purchase Requests eliminates the chaos of manual purchasing with a streamlined, automated solution built for modern organizations.

It enables employees to easily submit purchase requests through a simple, intuitive interface in Microsoft 365 & Teams — while routing those requests automatically for approvals, tracking, and budget validation.

No more lost emails. No more uncertainty about where a request stands. And no more surprises in monthly reports.

With NITRO, you get:

  • Automated workflows that reduce approval times and errors.

  • Integration with ERP systems to streamline purchasing without additional licensing costs.

  • Clear visibility into requests, spend, and supplier performance.

  • Scalable design that grows with your organization’s needs.

By digitizing your purchase request process, your finance and procurement teams can focus on strategy — not spreadsheets.

Why Now Is the Time to Automate

The cost of inaction is rising. Every hour spent managing manual requests is time (and money) lost. Automation doesn’t just speed things up — it standardizes processes, strengthens compliance, and improves spend visibility, laying the foundation for smarter purchasing decisions.

And with tools like NITRO Purchase Requests, automation isn’t a luxury — it’s a competitive advantage.

Ready to Stop Chasing Paper?

Manual purchasing might feel familiar, but it’s holding your organization back. The sooner you digitize, the sooner you can redirect your team’s energy to what truly matters — controlling costs, improving efficiency, and supporting growth.

Isn’t it time to automate your purchasing process and finally leave paper behind?

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