Best Accounts Receivable (AR) Automation Software for Plumbing Supplies Distributors

Plumbing supplies distributors face a cash flow paradox: contractors demand Net 30-90 terms, but suppliers expect payment in 15-30 days. With a significant percentage of wholesale distributors identifying late payments as their main cash flow challenge, choosing the right AR automation software isn't optional—it's survival. For distributors looking to streamline their financial operations while offering flexible payment terms, Resolve's B2B Net Terms platform provides a comprehensive solution that addresses these specific industry challenges by combining non-recourse financing with AI-powered automation.

Key Takeaways

• Plumbing supplies distributors need AR automation that handles contractor credit management, high-volume invoicing, and seasonal demand volatility while maintaining healthy cash flow
• Non-recourse financing solutions help shift credit risk off the balance sheet while providing rapid funding, addressing the industry's extended payment cycle challenges
• AI-powered platforms deliver fast credit decisions and automated cash application with high match rates, reducing manual reconciliation for complex invoices
• Distribution-specialized platforms offer features like multi-location contractor account structures, partial shipment handling, and volume discount management
• Comprehensive AR automation with seamless ERP integration enables plumbing distributors to manage the entire credit-to-cash lifecycle efficiently
• Platforms with customer self-service portals help maintain strong contractor relationships while accelerating payment collection

1. Resolve Pay 

Resolve Pay offers plumbing supplies distributors a unique advantage: non-recourse financing on approved invoices that helps shift credit risk off the balance sheet while providing fast credit decisions and funding as quickly as 24 hours. Unlike traditional AR software, Resolve takes on the credit assessment, credit decision, and majority risk of late payments or defaults on approved invoices, allowing distributors to offer net terms without jeopardizing their cash flow.

Best For

Plumbing distributors need to offer net terms while minimizing credit risk, with fast approvals supporting high-value B2B transactions.

Key Features

• Non-recourse financing on approved invoices helps shift merchant credit risk off the balance sheet
• AI-powered fast credit decisions with up to 90% invoice advance
• Enterprise ERP integration supporting NetSuite, QuickBooks, and Oracle
• Automated AR workflow with payment reminders and collections management
• Funding as quickly as 24 hours that addresses extended payment term challenges
• Seamless integration with Accounts Receivable with AI-Powered Automation

Plumbing Distribution Relevance

Resolve's platform is particularly valuable for plumbing distributors who need to extend credit to contractors, plumbers, and construction companies while maintaining healthy cash flow. The platform's ability to advance up to 90% of invoice value as quickly as 24 hours directly addresses the industry's extended payment cycle challenges. With a significant portion of plumbing B2B sales made on credit, having a solution that manages the entire credit-to-cash lifecycle is essential.

The non-recourse nature of Resolve's financing on approved invoices means plumbing distributors can confidently offer competitive payment terms to grow their customer base while shifting the majority risk of defaults off their balance sheet. This is particularly valuable in the plumbing sector where building long-term relationships with contractors often requires flexible credit terms.

Customer Validation

"Resolve worked with us along the way to understand our needs and managed to fully automate a 2-way integration. Now, the work required from our end has decreased by at least 90%," shared, Accounting Manager at Valley Industrial.

Resolve's AI-powered underwriting provides fast credit approvals compared to the multi-day processes typical of traditional methods, enabling plumbing distributors to respond quickly to customer orders. The platform's automated collections management reduces the administrative burden on AR teams while maintaining professional customer relationships.

2. Versapay

Versapay has proven success specifically in the wholesale distribution sector, with documented case studies from companies like TireHub and Würth Canada. Their collaborative AR platform reduces manual work while accelerating payment collection through customer self-service portals.

Mid-to-large plumbing distributors needing wholesale solutions with distribution-specific features.

Key Features

• Collaborative AR portal with self-service customer access to invoices and payments
• AI-powered cash application with automated payment matching
• Native ERP integrations (NetSuite, Epicor, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage Intacct)
• Mobile AR capabilities for field reps to capture checks on-site
• Designed specifically for wholesale distribution challenges

Versapay is specifically marketed to wholesale distributors and addresses core plumbing distribution pain points: high invoice volumes, multi-location customer structures, check-heavy payment culture, and frequent disputes over pricing/quantities. The platform handles bulk orders, volume breaks, partial shipments, and multi-location customers—common scenarios in plumbing supply operations.

3. Billtrust

Billtrust serves distribution companies across multiple industries, making them an established choice for plumbing distributors. Their platform processes substantial invoice volume and connects to numerous AP portals critical for large contractor customers.

Large plumbing distributors with complex AR needs and high transaction volumes requiring payment network scale.

Key Features

• Business Payments Network connecting suppliers and buyers
• Autopilot agentic AI assistant for collections and credit management
• Industry-leading cash application match rate with AI/ML payment recognition
• Automated invoice delivery to major AP portals (Ariba, Coupa, Tungsten)
• Surcharging capabilities to offset credit card fees

Billtrust explicitly serves distribution companies and addresses distributor-specific challenges: invoice delivery to contractor AP portals, surcharging to offset credit card fees, and automated handling of emailed credit card payments through their Business Payments Network. Their experience with distribution companies ensures they understand the unique needs of plumbing supply operations.

4. HighRadius

HighRadius serves 1,300+ customers globally including Fortune 500 companies and processes $18.9 trillion annually. Their enterprise AR automation suite provides comprehensive credit-to-cash automation with recognition from leading analyst firms.

Large multi-branch plumbing distributors ($100M+ revenue) with complex ERP environments.

Key Features

• End-to-end credit-to-cash automation (credit, invoicing, collections, cash application, deductions)
• AI credit risk assessment integrating multiple global credit bureaus
• High straight-through cash application processing rates using AI/ML
• Comprehensive deductions management critical for distributor chargebacks
• Agentic AI capabilities that predict late payments and prioritize collections

HighRadius serves manufacturing and distribution sectors with specific features for high-volume invoicing, deductions management (critical for distributor chargebacks/rebates), and multi-entity support. Their RadiusOne mid-market offering makes it accessible to larger plumbing distributors. Customers report significant DSO reductions and productivity improvements. They're recognized by multiple analyst firms for their invoice-to-cash and AR automation capabilities.

5.  TreviPay

TreviPay processes $8+ billion annually across 27 countries and is purpose-built for enterprises with dealer/distributor networks. Their platform handles multi-entity hierarchies and complex approval structures common in larger plumbing supply operations.

Mid-to-large plumbing distributors with branch locations and complex dealer/fleet network models.

Key Features

• Omnichannel credit support (web, app, EDI, in-store) for dealer/distributor networks
• Credit decisioning with automated underwriting
• Branded buyer servicing to reduce internal AR support workload
• Optional funded model with guaranteed settlement timing
• Global operations with e-invoicing and tax compliance

TreviPay is purpose-built for enterprises with dealer/distributor networks, common in larger plumbing supply operations. The platform handles multi-location contractors, in-store credit programs, and complex approval hierarchies that mid-to-large distributors face. Their optional funded model transfers credit risk off the balance sheet.

6. BILL

BILL serves hundreds of thousands of businesses and offers accessible AR automation for small-to-mid sized distributors with transparent, per-user pricing. Their unified AR + AP automation provides complete financial operations visibility essential for managing thin wholesale margins.

Small-to-mid market plumbing distributors ($1M-25M revenue) needing straightforward AR automation with QuickBooks integration.

Key Features

• Unified AR + AP automation in single platform for holistic cash flow view
• Two-way sync with QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, NetSuite
• Professional invoice templates with auto-numbering and payment acceptance
• Transparent per-user pricing
• Implementation in 1-2 weeks with minimal training required

BILL serves small-to-mid market distributors who need straightforward AR automation without enterprise complexity. Strong QuickBooks integration makes it ideal for the many plumbing distributors using QB. Unified AP/AR provides a complete financial operations picture essential for managing thin wholesale margins.

7.  Tesorio

Tesorio's predictive analytics help distributors manage the unpredictable cash flow challenges inherent in contractor-driven business. Their AI-powered payment prediction achieves high accuracy on payment date forecasting, enabling superior cash planning.

Plumbing distributors needing sophisticated cash forecasting to manage inventory purchases and supplier payments.

Key Features

• AI-powered payment prediction with high accuracy on payment date forecasting
• Dynamic AR dashboards with drill-down from portfolio to invoice level
• Cash flow scenario modeling for liquidity planning
• Deep NetSuite integration with real-time sync
• Machine learning that predicts payment behaviors to prioritize collections

Tesorio's predictive analytics help distributors manage the unpredictable cash flow challenges inherent in contractor-driven business: seasonal demand, project-based purchasing, payment timing variability. For distributors needing sophisticated cash forecasting (crucial for managing inventory purchases and supplier payments), Tesorio excels.

8. Centime

Centime provides the cash flow visibility essential for plumbing distributors managing tight working capital with constant tension between paying suppliers (AP) and collecting from contractors (AR). Their unified platform eliminates the need for multiple vendors.

Regional plumbing distributors ($3M-$75M revenue) needing integrated AR/AP/cash planning without enterprise complexity.

Key Features

• Integrated AR, AP, and cash flow planning in single platform
• AI-powered invoice capture, coding, PO matching for AP; automated AR collection workflows
• Cash flow forecasting combining receivables and payables data
• Branded customer portal for invoice viewing and online payment processing
• Implementation typically takes 2-4 weeks

Plumbing distributors manage tight working capital with constant tension between paying suppliers (AP) and collecting from contractors (AR). Centime's unified platform provides the cash flow visibility essential for this balancing act. Mid-market focus fits regional distributors who need more than basic invoicing but don't require enterprise-scale platforms.

Choosing the Right AR Automation Platform for Your Plumbing Business

Selecting the right AR automation platform for plumbing distribution requires careful evaluation of your specific operational needs, transaction volumes, and growth trajectory. The industry's unique challenges—including contractor credit management, high-volume invoicing, seasonal demand volatility, and thin margins—demand solutions purpose-built for these requirements.

For plumbing distributors seeking to shift credit risk off their balance sheet while maintaining healthy cash flow, Resolve Pay's non-recourse financing model offers a compelling solution. The platform's ability to advance up to 90% of invoice value as quickly as 24 hours while customers maintain their standard payment terms enables distributors to offer competitive net terms without jeopardizing their financial position. This becomes particularly valuable when working with contractors, plumbers, and construction companies who expect flexible payment options.

The fast credit approval capabilities powered by AI underwriting accelerate the order-to-cash cycle, enabling plumbing distributors to respond quickly to customer orders without the multi-day delays typical of traditional credit evaluation processes. Combined with seamless ERP integration supporting NetSuite, QuickBooks, Oracle, and other major systems, Resolve Pay provides plumbing distributors with a comprehensive platform that addresses both immediate cash flow needs and long-term customer relationship management.

As the plumbing distribution market continues to evolve with increasing digital expectations from contractor customers, having an AR automation platform that scales with your business while maintaining operational efficiency becomes increasingly critical. Whether you're a small regional distributor or a large multi-branch operation, the right AR automation platform serves as strategic infrastructure that supports sustainable growth while protecting your cash flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary benefit of AR automation for a plumbing supplies distributor?

The primary benefit is transforming cash flow management by reducing DSO (Days Sales Outstanding) from industry medians to more efficient levels with automation. AR automation platforms like Resolve Pay can advance up to 90% of invoice value as quickly as 24 hours while customers maintain their standard payment terms, eliminating the cash flow strain without requiring customers to change their payment behavior.

How does AR automation handle different payment types like ACH, wire, and credit card?

Modern AR automation platforms provide branded customer portals that accept multiple payment methods including ACH, wire transfers, credit cards, and checks. Platforms like Resolve's B2B Payments Platform offer self-service payment portals where contractors can choose their preferred payment method, while credit card fees are typically passed on to the buyer through the online payment portal.

Can AR automation help reduce the risk of late payments or defaults?

Yes, AR automation significantly reduces late payment and default risk through multiple mechanisms. AI-powered platforms like Resolve Pay provide fast credit decisions using proprietary financial databases and algorithms, ensuring only creditworthy customers receive extended terms. Automated payment reminders and collections workflows reduce human error and ensure consistent follow-up. For maximum risk protection, non-recourse financing solutions help shift the majority risk of late payments or defaults on approved invoices off the merchant's balance sheet.

Is it possible to integrate AR automation software with my existing ERP or accounting system?

Yes, leading AR automation platforms offer native integrations with major ERP and accounting systems commonly used by plumbing distributors, including QuickBooks, NetSuite, Oracle, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics. Resolve's integration platform provides instant plug-ins, flexible APIs, and automated syncing to fit directly into your existing B2B ecommerce and accounting stack, ensuring seamless data flow between systems without manual entry.

How does offering net terms through an automated system benefit my customers and my business?

Offering net terms through an automated system enhances buyer loyalty and unlocks more revenue through repeat purchases and larger orders. For customers, it provides the flexibility to manage their own cash flow while accessing the supplies they need. For your business, platforms like Resolve Pay allow you to offer net 30, 60, or 90-day options while receiving payment quickly, accelerating cash flow and transforming the health of your business without sacrificing customer relationships.

This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult his or her own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this post. Resolve assumes no liability for actions taken in reliance upon the information contained herein.