The adoption of specialized tools: My DSO Manager and e-invoicing
Specialized tools, such as My DSO Manager, play a key role in automating and optimizing collection processes. Scarlett explains that this tool, which she uses regularly in her consulting assignments, allows proactive customer reminders with automatic alerts and real-time tracking of receivables. With advanced reporting features, My DSO Manager provides instant visibility on DSO, disputes, and outstanding customer balances. This solution allows us to monitor delays and anticipate the necessary actions. It’s a huge time-saver for teams, who can focus on complex cases instead of manually processing large volumes of receivables.
Scarlett explains.
Electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) is another essential tool for modern businesses. In France, the Chorus Pro system has already demonstrated its value for the collection of public sector receivables. The digitization of invoices not only reduces processing times but also eliminates common client objections (such as I didn’t receive the invoice” or “There’s a dispute.
Scarlett emphasizes that the widespread adoption of e-invoicing in the private sector is a major step forward: it allows invoices to be tracked from issuance to payment, ensuring visibility and immediate follow-up on financial documents. Companies must start preparing now to successfully manage this transformation.
Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Automation is one of the most promising trends in modern credit management, as it reduces repetitive tasks and frees up teams to focus on strategic work. Thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), more and more companies can analyze payment behaviors, identify high-risk customers, and anticipate potential delays. AI makes it possible to analyze large volumes of data and detect trends. For example, we can identify certain customers’ payment habits and adjust our collection actions based on their past behaviors.
explains Scarlett.
AI can also help prioritize follow-ups based on the probability of recovery, allowing teams to concentrate on the most critical cases. Furthermore, Scarlett predicts that AI will increasingly contribute to optimizing payment terms and early identification of doubtful debts.
SEPA payment methods and full digitalization
The adoption of SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) payment methods is another key technological development that simplifies transactions and reduces settlement times. In France, despite SEPA’s presence for over fifteen years, many companies still use costly and outdated payment methods such as checks or LCR (promissory notes). SEPA offers fast, secure, and cost-effective payment options, such as direct debit, wire transfer, and credit card for smaller clients. However, there are still companies that haven’t transitioned to these more efficient methods.
Scarlett points out.
She recommends that companies tailor payment methods according to their clients’ profiles. For example, direct debit may be ideal for customers with regular payment cycles, while credit card payments are well-suited for online payments by SMEs or micro-businesses.
Communication tools: SMS and video conferencing
Technology has also transformed the communication methods used by collection teams. While phone and email remain standard tools, Scarlett notes that new solutions, such as SMS and video conferencing, are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in B2B contexts. Today, SMS can be an effective way to engage with clients who do not respond to emails or phone calls. Given that 90% of SMS messages are read within four minutes of being sent, compared to a 90-minute response time for emails (when there is a response!), collection teams need to be equipped with these tools.
she says.
Video meetings on platforms like Teams or Zoom also help maintain proactive customer relationships when payment issues arise. Scarlett explains that regular discussions — especially with key or high-risk clients — make it easier to understand client constraints and establish personalized payment solutions.
Conclusion: A deep and lasting transformation
For Scarlett Favre-Verand, technology is the future of credit management. It creates value by automating repetitive tasks, reducing human error, and optimizing receivables tracking. Digitalization does not replace the importance of human intervention but allows collection teams to focus on complex cases and ensure more refined management of client relationships.
Stay tuned ! In the next episode, Scarlett will talk about her role as a credit management trainer and the importance of passing on these new skills to the next generation of professionals in the industry.