Building and executing on a partnership: Mekorma and SignUp Software

Note: This article is sponsored by Mekorma.

What does it take to build a successful partnership in the Microsoft Business Applications ecosystem? 

Solution providers Mekorma and SignUp Software recently inked a new agreement to deliver their respective payment and AP automation solutions to the market with greater alignment, and they are now well into their joint effort to support enhanced end-to-end processes. MSDW spoke with Brendan Coffey, Director of Revenue at Mekorma and Bob Monio, Director of SMB Partners and Sales at SignUp Software about progress in the partnership so far.

Both organizations are hearing a strong message from customers and prospects: they expect solution providers to provide clear guidance on future-proof investments that align with strategic goals. Customers are wary of buying point solutions, opting instead to focus on critical capabilities like multi-entity processing, outsourcing payments, and being strategic with AP. Coffey told MSDW that early discussions quickly led to the two teams identifying specific ways to align:

Both companies recognized [the opportunity] after we started discussions earlier in 2024. First, our products are excellent complements to each other and together enable an end-to-end Procure-to-Pay suite, which there is growing demand for in the market. Second, our companies are closely aligned, with a very similar history, highly recognized and respected brands in the channel for decades, and a commitment to doing right by clients, partners, and the world.

The two organizations have had a relationship for years thanks to shared clients and crossing paths at conferences. In forming this partnership, leaders from the two organizations compared notes on future plans. At the time, payment processing wasn’t yet a big part of SignUp Software’s AP business but it was starting to “peak over the horizon,” according to Monio.

SignUp recognized a growing need for AI preparedness, vendor management, fraud prevention, and above all, a strong payments functionality. Monio recalled that as the SignUp team discussed these priorities they focused on CFO feedback about increasing capital preservation. He explained:

The fear CFOs are feeling can be addressed through an integrated solution. Other products are out there but can introduce complexity [in a way Mekorma would not].

Together, the two teams have stressed the importance of an AP solution that streamlines processes from invoice to payment. For Business Central customers, the firms’ joint solution results in faster deployments and happier customers, with additional improvements for partners, they claim. Coffey added that the companies are taking advantage of robust centralized Business Central capabilities without adding extra interfaces:

This configuration is unique in that it is fully embedded and end-to-end; it showcases the true potential of Business Central to be the central nervous system of an organization, not just a bookkeeping system. This solution truly captures the “goldilocks zone”.

For the Business Central market, the two organizations are focusing on helping AP teams understand what’s possible inside the ERP. They highlight existing capabilities like receipt and invoice approvals, multi-entity payments, fraud protection, and automated approvals. Organizations focused on improving procure-to-pay (P2P), for example, need both structure and flexibility, which is where the two companies say their alignment stands out, says Coffey.

By embedding directly within Business Central, Exflow [and] Mekorma provide a seamless user experience that supports every phase of the AP cycle, from invoice capture to vendor payment. What we both bring to the table is a shared focus on ease, control, and security.

Together, we’re not just solving today’s problems; we’re helping shape what comes next for accounts payable automation. Our shared priority is to lead with vision, helping finance teams modernize with clarity, confidence, and care.