{"id":14617,"date":"2026-07-03T04:03:01","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T08:03:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/?p=14617"},"modified":"2026-07-03T04:03:03","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T08:03:03","slug":"order-to-cash-process-otc-o2c","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/order-to-cash-process-otc-o2c\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the order to cash process?"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is the order to cash process?\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIf you manage business finances or operations, the order to cash process shapes how quickly you invoice, collect payment, and convert revenue into working capital. Learn the key steps, KPIs, and how to improve your O2C cycle with automation.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-03T04:03:01-04:00\">July 3, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"What is the order to cash process?\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/order-to-cash-process-otc-o2c\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/author\/joechurchwoods\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/05\/Joe-Yard-2-crop-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Joe Church Woods\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Joe Church Woods<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Order to Cash (O2C) process is the end-to-end business process that starts when a customer places an order and ends when payment is received, applied, and recorded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For finance and operations teams, a strong O2C process improves cash flow, reduces manual work, and gives you better visibility across orders, billing, collections, and reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To position your business for success, start with a thorough understanding of the O2C cycle, common challenges, and best practices to simplify the process with automation and AI.<\/p>\n\n\n<section id=\"key-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-sage-key-takeaways\"><div class=\"sage-key-takeaways__inner\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-h-3-font-size\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The order to cash process covers every step from receiving a customer order to collecting and recording payment.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A well-managed O2C cycle helps you improve cash flow, reduce manual errors, and create a better customer experience.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Common order to cash challenges include invoice errors, delayed collections, poor visibility, and disputes that slow payment.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automation and AI can help you streamline the order to cash process by improving accuracy, speeding up collections, and giving your team better visibility into performance.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-here-s-what-we-cover\">Here\u2019s what we cover:<\/h3>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-o2c-versus-qtc-what-s-the-difference\" data-level=\"2\">O2C versus QTC: What&rsquo;s the difference?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-is-the-order-to-cash-process-important\" data-level=\"2\">Why is the order to cash process important?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-are-the-steps-in-the-order-to-cash-process\" data-level=\"2\">What are the steps in the order to cash process?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-potential-challenges-to-the-o2c-process\" data-level=\"2\">Potential challenges to the O2C process<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-to-optimize-your-order-to-cash-process\" data-level=\"2\">How to optimize your order to cash process<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-the-role-of-ai-in-automating-your-order-to-cash-process\" data-level=\"2\">What is the role of AI in automating your order to cash process?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-sage-can-help-you-improve-your-order-to-cash-process\" data-level=\"2\">How Sage can help you improve your order to cash process<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-order-to-cash-cycle-faqs\" data-level=\"2\">Order to cash cycle FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-o2c-versus-qtc-what-s-the-difference\"><strong>O2C versus QTC: What\u2019s the difference?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Quote to Cash (QTC) handles sales and quoting while the O2C process focuses on fulfilling orders and managing payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>O2C and QTC are related, but they vary in scope and play different roles in your business\u2019s accounting and operations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>O2C: <\/strong>kicks off when a customer places an order and wraps up when you receive and record the payment. This process includes order fulfillment, invoicing, and payment collection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>QTC: <\/strong>covers a broader scope, including everything from pricing and contract reviews to order management, invoicing, and accounts receivable. It starts earlier in the sales cycle and includes negotiation and contract approval.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding the difference can help refine your process and boost efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-the-order-to-cash-process-important\"><strong>Why is the order to cash process important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your O2C process affects everything from your supply chain and inventory management to customer satisfaction and cash flow. That\u2019s why optimizing your O2C system can make a huge difference to the success of your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a quick breakdown of the benefits of a solid O2C process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Faster payments:<\/strong> a streamlined O2C process helps reduce payment delays, keeping your cash flow healthy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Better customer experience:<\/strong> when your order processing runs smoothly, deliveries are faster, invoices are more accurate, and your customers stay happy. Plus, an efficient system enables your business to turn raw goods into a sellable product more quickly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Improved operational efficiency:<\/strong> automating your O2C workflow cuts down on manual errors, speeds up order fulfillment, and keeps financial reporting on track. Using an order to cash flowchart can give you a clear visual roadmap, making it easier to identify bottlenecks and improve efficiency across your operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stronger finances:<\/strong> a well-managed Accounts Receivable (AR) system reduces outstanding invoices and minimizes bad debt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reliability across your business: <\/strong>a consistent O2C process shows that your team knows how to handle business operations effectively. From sales and marketing to fulfillment, tech, and accounting, every function benefits from a well-run O2C system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-steps-in-the-order-to-cash-process\"><strong>What are the steps in the order to cash process?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The order to cash process typically includes order capture, credit review, fulfillment, shipping, invoicing, accounts receivable, payment collection, cash application, and reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The exact workflow varies by business, but the goal is always the same: move from order to payment quickly, accurately, and with full visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-order-capture-and-management\">1. Order capture and management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The O2C process starts with order management\u2014when a customer orders through your e-commerce store, sales rep, or procurement system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At this stage, a well-organized Order Management System (OMS) helps you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Verify stock availability to avoid backorders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Validate customer details for smooth transactions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirm pricing and discounts to prevent billing issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Route orders to the right fulfillment centres for quick processing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A strong OMS makes sure the right product gets to the right customer without unnecessary delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Credit management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before processing an order, assessing your customer\u2019s creditworthiness is important to avoid financial risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This step helps you make sure you\u2019re selling to customers who can pay on time. It includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Credit checks for new customers:<\/strong> think of it like checking a tenant\u2019s credit score before renting out your property. It helps you spot potential risks early.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Approval of payment terms (e.g., net 30, net 60): <\/strong>if you\u2019re extending credit, setting clear payment deadlines helps manage cash flow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Setting credit limits:<\/strong> just like a credit card has a spending limit, you need to define how much credit a customer can spend before they must make a payment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, if you\u2019re a wholesaler, you might offer net 30 terms (payment due in 30 days).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if a customer has a history of late payments, you might reduce their credit limit or require upfront payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Automated credit management systems make this process easier by assessing risk levels and flagging potential issues before they impact your bottom line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Order fulfillment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the order is approved, it\u2019s time to get the product out of the door. This step includes:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Picking and packing products: <\/strong>imagine an online shoe store receiving an order. The warehouse team would need to retrieve the correct size and style and package it securely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scheduling warehouse operations: <\/strong>orders are prioritised based on urgency, stock levels, and delivery commitments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preparing shipments for delivery: <\/strong>final quality checks happen here, ensuring no one receives the wrong item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if your business offers a one-day delivery promise, you\u2019ll rely on a highly optimised fulfillment process to make it happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Shipping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re handling logistics yourself or relying on a third party, customers expect fast and reliable deliveries\u2014and they won\u2019t hesitate to complain if things go wrong. That\u2019s why nailing this step is so important.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is what\u2019s involved:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Generating shipping labels and tracking details: <\/strong>this keeps you and your customer informed about the package\u2019s location.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Coordinating with logistics providers: <\/strong>whether you\u2019re using the services of renowned companies or your own fleet, having reliable shipping partners is key.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ensuring timely delivery: <\/strong>shipping delays lead to frustrated customers, negative reviews, and potential refunds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine you\u2019re managing the finances for a clothing brand that guarantees two-day shipping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your logistics partner runs into delays, customers won\u2019t blame the shipping provider\u2014they\u2019ll blame your brand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why real-time tracking and proactive updates are essential.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Invoicing and billing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the order is shipped, it\u2019s time to send an invoice. A clear, accurate invoice helps you get paid faster and reduces disputes. This step includes:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Correct pricing and discounts:<\/strong> no one likes unexpected charges. Your invoice should always match the agreed terms.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Transparent tax calculations: <\/strong>automated invoicing makes sure you comply with regulations if you\u2019re dealing with multiple tax rates.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Timely invoice generation: <\/strong>the faster you send an invoice, the faster you get paid.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If your invoicing process is slow, your customers may delay payment simply because they haven\u2019t received a bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One easy way to avoid delays is using electronic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/accounting-software\/invoicing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">invoicing software<\/a>, which reduces errors, automates invoice generation, and speeds up collections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Accounts Receivable (AR)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Managing Accounts Receivable (AR) is all about keeping track of payments and making sure you don\u2019t have too many outstanding invoices piling up. A strong AR system helps you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Track overdue invoices to know exactly who owes you money and for how long.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automate payment reminders to avoid chasing down customers yourself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce Days Sales Outstanding (DSO); the faster you collect payments, the healthier your cash flow stays.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to take your AR operations to the next level?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00a0Using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/accounting-software\/accounts-receivable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">accounts receivable software<\/a> for smart automation eliminates manual follow-ups and makes managing receivables effortless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With features like flexible payment options, unified AR and accounts payable workflows, and automated credit management, you can cut processing time in half and get paid twice as fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Payment collection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ve sent the invoice; now, it\u2019s time to get paid. The smoother you make this process, the faster you\u2019ll receive your money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Offer multiple payment options: <\/strong>credit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, and even cryptocurrency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ensure secure payment processing: <\/strong>secure gateways protect you and your customers from fraud.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduce payment delays with automated reminders: <\/strong>a simple \u201cyour payment is due soon\u201d email can work wonders.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Cash application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once payment is received, your team needs to match it to the correct invoice and post it accurately in the general ledger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fast, accurate cash application reduces unapplied cash, improves reporting accuracy, and closes the loop on the O2C cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Reporting and data management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t overlook the power of financial metrics: they\u2019re your best tool for evaluating whether your order to cash business process is working efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With real-time reporting, you can track key insights like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Invoice aging reports: <\/strong>see how long invoices have been outstanding and identify potential cash flow issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Payment reconciliation: <\/strong>match payments to invoices to avoid discrepancies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Customer payment trends: <\/strong>spot late-paying customers and adjust credit policies or payment terms as needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if your reports show that 30% of invoices are overdue, it might be time to tighten credit policies or send payment reminders earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To take things a step further, consider using smart <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/accounting-software\/financial-reporting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">financial reporting software<\/a> to centralize your financial data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With customizable dashboards and reporting tools, your team can make informed, data-driven decisions with ease. The more insights you have, the smarter your decisions will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-potential-challenges-to-the-o2c-process\"><strong>Potential challenges to the O2C process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The order to cash process often breaks down at handoff points between sales, operations, fulfillment, billing, and finance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When data is siloed or tasks are manual, delays in one step can slow cash collection across the entire O2C cycle.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some common challenges you might face include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Order entry errors: <\/strong>manual data entry mistakes can lead to wrong orders, delays, and frustrated customers.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Invoice discrepancies and disputes:<\/strong> incorrect invoices cause payment delays and unnecessary back-and-forth with customers.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Poor credit controls:<\/strong> extending credit to the wrong customers can increase the risk of bad debt.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Data security and compliance risks:<\/strong> handling sensitive financial data without the right safeguards can expose your business to fraud.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dispute management:<\/strong> when customers question pricing, quantities, delivery status, or invoice details, your team can get stuck in back-and-forth reviews that slow approvals and delay payment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exception handling: <\/strong>without a clear process for resolving disputes and handling exceptions, these issues can drag out your order to cash cycle and hurt cash flow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Automation and AI can help you avoid these inefficiencies, making sure your process runs faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Investing in the right software means fewer headaches for you and a better customer experience. experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-optimize-your-order-to-cash-process\">How to <strong>optimize your order to cash process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To improve the O2C process, focus on the delays that slow billing, collections, and cash application. The biggest gains usually come from standardizing workflows, reducing manual entry, improving visibility across teams, and automating repetitive tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some key strategies to help you streamline the process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Go digital<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It may seem obvious, but it\u2019s time to switch to automated systems if you still rely on manual invoicing or outdated order processing methods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Digitizing these processes reduces errors, speeds up transactions, and improves cash flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Train your team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you know how to optimize O2C, your team needs to be on the same page. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Establish clear standards and workflows to make sure everyone follows a consistent order to cash process flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use real-time inventory tracking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid overselling or running out of stock by keeping a real-time view of your inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Offer multiple payment options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The more payment choices you provide, the easier it is for customers to pay on time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Implement AI-driven credit checks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>AI can quickly assess customer creditworthiness, helping you reduce risk and make smarter credit decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Regularly monitor KPIs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep an eye on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) like DSO and invoice accuracy to spot issues before they impact your cash flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-role-of-ai-in-automating-your-order-to-cash-process\"><strong>What is the role of AI in automating your order to cash process?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>AI-powered automation transforms the O2C process, making it faster, smarter, and more efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Integrating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/sage-ai\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AI into your O2C cycle<\/a> allows you to automate invoice generation, predict payment delays, detect potential fraud, and accelerate credit approvals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The result is a faster, more connected order to cash process that supports healthier cash flow and better decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-sage-can-help-you-improve-your-order-to-cash-process\"><strong>How Sage can help you improve your order to cash process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sage solutions help you streamline workflows, strengthen accounts receivable, and gain better visibility across your finance operations so you can improve cash flow with less manual effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your team is dealing with delayed invoicing, disconnected systems, or slow collections, the right software can help you simplify the order to cash process from order entry through payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the right order management and financial tools in place, you can reduce bottlenecks, improve billing accuracy, and keep your order to cash cycle moving more efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sage supports growing businesses with capabilities that help you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Process orders faster and reduce delays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simplify invoicing and billing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make smarter credit decisions and reduce risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve reporting with real-time financial insights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a more connected, efficient order to cash process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to transform your O2C cycle? Explore how AI-driven <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/accounting-software\/order-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">order management software<\/a> can take your business to the next level today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-order-to-cash-cycle-faqs\"><strong>Order to cash cycle FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1781104590998\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the difference between O2C and P2P?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">O2C covers the customer-facing revenue cycle, from order receipt to payment collection. Procure to Pay (P2P) covers the supplier-facing spending cycle, from purchasing goods or services to paying vendor invoices.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1781104819987\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the difference between O2C and accounts receivable?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">AR is the part of the O2C process that focuses specifically on managing outstanding invoices, tracking payments, and ensuring timely collections to maintain healthy cash flow. Essentially, O2C is the full cycle, while AR is a key component of it.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1781104876571\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Which KPIs should you track in the order to cash cycle?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The most common O2C KPIs include days sales outstanding (DSO), invoice aging, order-to-invoice time, on-time payment rate, dispute rate, and cash application speed. These metrics show where delays and revenue leakage are happening.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1781104634939\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is an example of the O2C process?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">An example of the order to cash process in action is a Software as a Service (SaaS) subscription-based business. Here\u2019s how the O2C cycle works in this model:<br><br><strong>1. Order entry: <\/strong>a customer signs up for a SaaS product and selects a monthly or annual subscription plan through the company\u2019s website.<br><br><strong>2. Order verification: <\/strong>the system automatically verifies the order details, applies any discounts, and ensures that the selected plan meets eligibility requirements.<br><br><strong>3. Order fulfillment: <\/strong>since SaaS products are digital, fulfillment happens instantly. The customer receives an email confirmation with login credentials and access to the platform.<br><br><strong>4. Invoicing and billing: <\/strong>the system generates an automated invoice, detailing the subscription fee, billing cycle, and applicable taxes.<br><br><strong>5. Payment collection: <\/strong>the customer\u2019s credit card or bank account is charged through an automated payment gateway, ensuring immediate collection for monthly subscribers or scheduled payments for annual plans.<br><br><strong>6. Accounts Receivable (AR) management: <\/strong>the finance team monitors unpaid invoices, sending automated reminders to customers with overdue payments.<br><br><strong>7. Credit management: <\/strong>if a customer fails to make a payment, the system might temporarily suspend access until payment is received. For enterprise clients, SaaS providers might offer custom credit terms (e.g., net 30).<br><br><strong>8. Reporting and analytics:<\/strong> the company tracks key financial metrics, such as churn rate, revenue trends, DSO, and payment patterns, to optimise the O2C process and improve cash flow.<br><br>This automated O2C workflow ensures seamless order processing, faster payments, and improved financial health, allowing the SaaS business to scale efficiently.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/accounting-101\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAccounting 101\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/business-continuity\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBusiness continuity\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/small-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsmall business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/staying-competitive\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tstaying competitive\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/supply-chain-management\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsupply chain management\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-14628 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-accounting-101 tag-bookkeeping tag-business-continuity tag-business-finances tag-cash-flow tag-small-business business_type-small-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1214\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-1214x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-03T08:23:28-04:00\">July 3, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/accounts-payable-vs-notes-payable\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNotes payable vs accounts payable: Differences and examples\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tAre you part of your business\u2019s accounting team? Understanding the difference between notes payable and accounts payable is key to effectively managing what your business owes. \t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-14634 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-business-strategy tag-financial-insights tag-investments business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/net-asset-value\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0465-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0465-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0465-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0465-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-03T08:20:26-04:00\">July 3, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">11 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tNAV meaning: net asset value formula and examples\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-14612 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-growth-customers category-money-matters tag-accounting-101 tag-erp tag-inventory-management tag-supply-chain-management business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business industry-distribution\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/what-is-order-fulfillment\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_GB-Trucking-Logistics_0826-684x384.jpeg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_GB-Trucking-Logistics_0826-684x384.jpeg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_GB-Trucking-Logistics_0826-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_GB-Trucking-Logistics_0826-1214x810.jpeg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-02T09:22:22-04:00\">July 2, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">13 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is the order fulfillment process?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-14596 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-growth-customers category-money-matters tag-accounting-101 tag-erp tag-inventory-management tag-manufacturing tag-supply-chain-management business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business industry-distribution\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/what-is-order-processing\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_GB-Trucking-Logistics_0713-684x384.jpeg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_GB-Trucking-Logistics_0713-684x384.jpeg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_GB-Trucking-Logistics_0713-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_GB-Trucking-Logistics_0713-1214x810.jpeg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-02T07:35:25-04:00\">July 2, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">21 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tOrder processing explained: Steps, systems, and best practices\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-14581 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-daily-money category-money-matters tag-accounting-101 tag-bookkeeping tag-business-continuity tag-cash-flow tag-payment-processing tag-small-business business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/accounts-payable-debit-or-credit\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0169-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0169-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0169-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0169-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-02T07:15:38-04:00\">July 2, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tIs accounts payable a debit or credit?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you manage business finances or operations, the order to cash process shapes how quickly you invoice, collect payment, and convert revenue into working capital. Learn the key steps, KPIs, and how to improve your O2C cycle with automation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1774,"featured_media":8134,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,7],"tags":[162,224,267,208,210],"business_type":[3,99],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[83],"imagine_tag":[35,49,67],"coauthors":[460],"class_list":["post-14617","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daily-money","category-money-matters","tag-accounting-101","tag-business-continuity","tag-small-business","tag-staying-competitive","tag-supply-chain-management","business_type-small-business","business_type-medium-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-ca","author_name":"Yassir Malik","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1070958794.jpg","imagine_tags":{"35":"accounting software","49":"growing business","67":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice Canada English","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14617","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1774"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14617"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14617\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14627,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14617\/revisions\/14627"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/8134"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14617"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14617"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14617"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=14617"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=14617"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=14617"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=14617"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=14617"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=14617"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=14617"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}