Automated supplier invoice data entry: zero typing, zero errors

Photograph your invoices, OCR extracts everything and sends it to your accounting software. Save 300-500 EUR/month.

• The problem it solves
• The solution: Dext (formerly Receipt Bank), Tiime, or Libeo
• Real-world example: Electrical contractor
• How to implement this solution
• Alternatives and comparison
• Available funding to finance this investment
• Conclusion

The problem it solves

Every day, SMEs and tradespeople waste time and money on tasks that technology can automate. 5–10 hours per month on manual accounting data entry — that's exactly what this solution eliminates. Time spent on these tasks is time not invested in business development, customer relationships, or innovation.

The solution: Dext (formerly Receipt Bank), Tiime, or Libeo

Dext (formerly Receipt Bank) is one of the most accessible tools in this category. It can be set up in a matter of hours, requires no advanced technical skills, and the return on investment is visible from the very first month.

How it works

The tool integrates with your existing systems (email, calendar, CRM, accounting software) and automates repetitive tasks. The AI learns from your habits and improves over time. You stay in control of the decisions that matter — the AI handles the rest.

Key benefits

• 24/7 availability: the tool keeps working even when you're on-site or away for the weekend
• Zero data entry errors: the machine never misreads figures or dates
• Scalability: volume can triple with no significant additional cost
• Full traceability: everything is logged and instantly retrievable

Real-world example: Electrical contractor

An electrician photographs supplier invoices with his phone directly from the job site. Dext automatically extracts the amount, VAT, and supplier name, categorizes the expense, and sends it to his accounting software. No manual entry, no typos — and his accountant receives clean data that cuts their fees by 20%.

How to implement this solution

Step 1: Assessment (1 day)

Step 2: Free trial (1–2 weeks)

Step 3: Rollout (1–2 weeks)

Step 4: ROI measurement (months 1–3)

Alternatives and comparison

Several solutions exist in this category: Dext (formerly Receipt Bank), Tiime, and Libeo. The right choice depends on your company size, budget, and existing tech stack. For an SME with fewer than 20 employees, the simplest solution is usually the best — team adoption matters more than advanced features.

Available funding to finance this investment

As a French SME, you may be eligible for several support schemes:

• France Num: digital vouchers worth 500 to 6,500 EUR for the digitalization of micro and small businesses
• Crédit Impôt Innovation (CII): reclaim 20% of your innovation expenses
• OPCO: funding for training associated with the tool
• BPI France: innovation loans and digital transformation grants

Go further: check out our Digital transformation for SMEs: the ultimate 2026 guide for a comprehensive overview of the topic.

Conclusion

With an investment of 30–80 EUR/month and savings of 300–500 EUR/month (bookkeeping or accountant fees), the math speaks for itself. This solution is one of the "quick wins" that every SME or tradesperson should prioritize. The risk is virtually zero thanks to free trial periods, and the results are immediate and measurable.