Podcast Explores What’s Slowing Down Cash Flow—and How Digital Invoicing and Real-Time Data Help
Austin, TX — Manual processes, delayed payments, and hidden transaction costs still dominate accounts receivable in distribution—despite years of digital advancement. On a new episode of the Driven by DCKAP podcast, Unified A/R CEO John Perez joins host Karthik Chidambaram to explore why many B2B distributors still struggle to modernize A/R, and how automation is closing the gap between order and cash.
Drawing from his 29 years in corporate banking and hands-on work with distributors, Perez outlines where legacy payment systems fall short—and how invoice design, real-time data, and customer behavior all influence payment speed.
Key Highlights
- Payment Delays Start With Paper: Even tech-savvy distributors still rely on paper invoices and manual checks, which introduce delays and errors.
- The Hidden Cost of “Grandpa’s ACHâ€: Perez breaks down how transaction fees vary based on how payments are submitted—and how some payment methods cost far more than others.
- Distributors Push for Simpler Tech: As digital payments grow more complex, distributors are demanding tools that are easy to implement and don’t feel like traditional IT projects.
Payment Delays Start With Paper
Despite the rise of ERP and eCommerce systems, Perez says many distributor transactions are still routed through physical invoices, mailed checks, and non-integrated ACH transfers.
“You walk into a back office and there’s still a ton of paper,†said Perez. “We try to reduce the paper trail, simplify how the invoice is delivered, and make payment as easy as possible—with links embedded in a digital invoice and real-time order history attached.â€
When payments are initiated digitally and applied automatically into ERP systems, cash comes in faster—and with less staff time required to chase it down.
The Hidden Cost of ‘Grandpa’s ACH’
Perez also highlighted how companies often misunderstand their true transaction costs. The same credit card can cost more or less depending on whether it’s keyed in, swiped, or used online. And in some states, distributors may be able to apply surcharges legally—something many are unaware of.
“Two payments from the same customer can have completely different costs depending on how they’re made,†he explained. “We walk clients through a cost assessment to show them what they’re really spending and where they can cut back.â€
Distributors Push for Simpler Tech
Many distributors hesitate to upgrade A/R systems because of the perceived burden on internal teams. Perez said that early conversations with members of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) made it clear: any new solution had to be fast to deploy and easy for customers to adopt.
“We were told early on: don’t build another IT project,†Perez said. “Distributors want simple, secure tools that don’t require six months of onboarding.â€
To meet those expectations, Unified A/R focused on fast implementation and familiar user experiences—taking cues from consumer platforms like Amazon. Perez noted that customers often see payments start flowing within hours of going live.
Solving the Hidden Costs of Getting Paid
Distributors know the pain of waiting on checks, reconciling payments manually, and navigating unclear fees. This episode dives into practical ways to improve accounts receivable processes and get paid faster.
More Information
- For more details, visit the Driven Podcast portal or tune in on YouTube or Spotify.
- For information about ERP integration, check out the DCKAP Distributor Blog.
- Subscribe to the Driven by DCKAP Podcast.
About the Driven Podcast
The Driven by DCKAP Podcast is an audio and video show that explores leaders’ stories, digital journeys, and insights on trends in B2B and distribution. The podcast is hosted by Karthik Chidambaram, Founder & CEO of DCKAP, who grew the company from a start up to a global team of more than 200 employees. DCKAP earns several trust badges by G2.com, the world’s largest tech software marketplace, including category “Leaderâ€, “High Performer Americas†and “Users Most Likely to Recommend.â€
About DCKAP
DCKAP is a leader in digital solutions that help distributors systems’ talk to each other. Its technology solutions simplify software integrations, e-commerce, and product information management for B2B companies. DCKAP’s flagship product, DCKAP Integrator, helps distributors and manufacturers to automate data between ERP, e-commerce, and CRM systems. Founded in 2005, DCKAP is a global and distributed team headquartered in Austin, TX. Visit DCKAP at dckap.com or follow on LinkedIn.
About Unified A/R
Unified A/R simplifies B2B accounts receivable and payment acceptance processes. Its tools eliminate paper-based workflows, simplify payments, and reduce transaction costs, helping companies get paid faster. Learn more at GoUnified.com.
