Your Accounts Receivable Data Template

Universal process mining template
Your Accounts Receivable Data Template

Your Accounts Receivable Data Template

Universal process mining template

This is our generic process mining data template for Accounts Receivable. Use our system-specific templates for more specific guidance.

Select a specific system
  • Essential data fields for tracking invoice lifecycles
  • Standardized activity definitions for consistent process mapping
  • Scalable structure compatible with any financial management tool
New to event logs? Learn how to create a process mining event log.

Accounts Receivable Attributes

This section details the recommended data fields to include in your event log to ensure a comprehensive analysis of your invoicing process.
5 Required 8 Recommended 2 Optional
Name Description
Activity Name
ActivityName
The description of the event or action performed on the invoice.
Description

This attribute defines the specific step or status change that occurred in the invoice lifecycle. Examples include Invoice Created, Payment Posted, Dispute Opened, or Credit Memo Issued.

By analyzing the sequence of these activities, process mining tools reconstruct the process map. This allows organizations to identify bottlenecks, rework loops (such as repeated dispute updates), and deviations from the standard collection procedures.

Why it matters

It is the mandatory Activity field required to define the process steps.

Where to get

Found in transaction logs, change documents, or status history tables.

Examples
Invoice CreatedPayment ReceivedDispute RaisedDunning Letter Sent
Event Timestamp
EventTime
The specific date and time when the activity occurred.
Description

This attribute captures the exact moment an action took place within the source system. It is critical for establishing the chronological order of events within a case.

Analysts use this data to calculate throughput times between process steps, such as the time from Invoice Sent to Payment Posted. It is also the basis for determining the duration of specific activities and identifying delays in the cash collection cycle.

Why it matters

It is the mandatory Start Timestamp required to order events and calculate duration.

Where to get

Found in system logs, transaction entry timestamps, or change history tables.

Examples
2023-10-01T14:30:00Z2023-10-05T09:15:00Z2023-11-01T16:45:00Z
Invoice Number
InvoiceId
The unique identifier for the specific invoice or billing document.
Description

This attribute represents the fundamental case identifier for the Accounts Receivable process. It distinguishes one billing transaction from another and serves as the primary key for tracking the lifecycle of a receivable from creation to clearing.

In process mining analysis, this attribute is used to group all related events, such as invoice creation, updates, disputes, and payments, into a single case. It allows analysts to visualize the end-to-end journey of a specific bill and calculate performance metrics at the transaction level.

Why it matters

It is the mandatory Case ID required to reconstruct the process flow.

Where to get

Typically found in the transaction header table or the main accounts receivable sub-ledger table.

Examples
INV-2023-001900004321US-10234B55432
Last Data Update
LastDataUpdate
The timestamp indicating when the data was extracted or refreshed.
Description

This attribute records when the dataset was last updated in the process mining application. It serves as a metadata field to inform users about the freshness of the analysis.

It helps analysts understand if they are looking at real-time data or a snapshot from a previous period. This is crucial for accurate reporting and ensuring that decisions are based on the most current information available.

Why it matters

Provides context on data latency and reliability.

Where to get

Generated by the data pipeline or ETL tool at runtime.

Examples
2023-11-15T00:00:00Z2023-11-16T08:00:00Z
Source System
SourceSystem
The name or identifier of the system where the data originated.
Description

This attribute identifies the software application or environment (such as SAP, Oracle, or HighRadius) from which the record was extracted. In complex landscapes with multiple ERPs, this helps distinguish data sources.

It is particularly useful when comparing process performance across different regions or business units that may utilize different underlying technologies. It ensures traceability of data back to its origin.

Why it matters

Essential for filtering and validating data in multi-system environments.

Where to get

Usually added as a static string during the ETL process.

Examples
SAP_ECC_NAOracle_CloudNetSuite_GlobalHighRadius_Prod
Business Unit
BusinessUnit
The internal division, subsidiary, or company code issuing the invoice.
Description

This attribute represents the organizational entity within the enterprise that owns the receivable. In systems like SAP, this corresponds to Company Code; in NetSuite, it is the Subsidiary.

It allows for comparative analysis across different branches or divisions. Management can use this view to benchmark collection performance, standard process adherence, and DSO metrics across different parts of the organization.

Why it matters

Allows for benchmarking performance across different organizational divisions.

Where to get

Found in the invoice header or financial accounting document header.

Examples
US01EMEA OperationsSubsidiary A1000
Clearing Date
ClearingDate
The date when the invoice was fully paid or offset.
Description

This attribute records when the open item was closed in the system, typically through the posting of a payment or a credit memo. It signifies the end of the collection lifecycle for that invoice.

This date is mathematically critical for calculating the actual cycle time and Days Sales Outstanding (DSO). It helps distinguish between open and closed invoices and is used to measure the efficiency of the cash application process.

Why it matters

Essential for calculating cycle time and actual Days Sales Outstanding.

Where to get

Found in the accounting document line item or status history.

Examples
2023-11-202023-12-052023-10-15
Customer Name
CustomerName
The name of the entity or organization responsible for the invoice.
Description

This attribute identifies the debtor associated with the invoice. It allows for the aggregation of data at the account level.

This is essential for analyzing payment behaviors of specific clients. It enables the identification of strategic customers who frequently pay late or dispute invoices, allowing for targeted relationship management and customized collection approaches.

Why it matters

Enables account-level analysis and identification of problematic payers.

Where to get

Found in customer master data tables joined with the invoice header.

Examples
Acme CorpGlobal IndustriesTech Solutions Ltd
Dispute Reason
DisputeReason
The category or code explaining why an invoice is contested.
Description

This attribute captures the classification for why a customer is refusing to pay part or all of an invoice. Common reasons include pricing errors, damaged goods, or missing documentation.

This data is vital for root cause analysis. By aggregating dispute reasons, organizations can identify systemic issues in upstream processes (like fulfillment or pricing) that are causing payment delays and administrative rework.

Why it matters

Key for identifying root causes of payment delays and rework.

Where to get

Found in dispute management modules or specific dispute case tables.

Examples
Price DiscrepancyDamaged GoodsMissing PODuplicate Invoice
Due Date
DueDate
The date by which the customer is expected to make payment.
Description

This attribute specifies the deadline for payment as agreed upon in the terms of sale. It is the baseline for determining if an invoice is current, past due, or delinquent.

Analysts use this date to calculate early or late payment metrics. Comparing the actual payment date against the due date reveals customer compliance behavior and the effectiveness of collection strategies.

Why it matters

The baseline for calculating aging, delinquency, and payment compliance.

Where to get

Found in the invoice header or calculated from baseline date plus payment terms.

Examples
2023-12-012023-10-312023-11-15
Invoice Amount
InvoiceAmount
The total monetary value of the invoice.
Description

This attribute represents the financial value of the claim against the customer. It typically reflects the gross amount including taxes and surcharges.

In analysis, this field is fundamental for calculating financial KPIs such as Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) weighted by value, identifying high-value accounts at risk, and prioritizing collection efforts. It enables the segmentation of processes based on financial impact.

Why it matters

Critical for financial impact analysis and prioritizing high-value collections.

Where to get

Found in the invoice header or accounting document header.

Examples
1500.00250.5010000.0045.99
Is Automated
IsAutomated
Flag indicating if the activity was performed without human intervention.
Description

This boolean attribute distinguishes between manual user actions and system-driven events. It is often derived by checking the User ID against a list of known service accounts.

This is the primary driver for calculating automation rates. It helps organizations understand the return on investment for robotic process automation (RPA) and identify opportunities to automate repetitive manual tasks like cash application or dunning.

Why it matters

Crucial for measuring digital transformation and process automation rates.

Where to get

Derived from User ID or specific transaction flags.

Examples
truefalse
Payment Terms
PaymentTerms
The agreed-upon conditions defining when payment is due.
Description

This attribute contains the code or description of the payment schedule, such as Net 30, Net 60, or Immediate. It defines the contractual expectation for cash flow.

Analyzing this attribute helps identify if standard terms are being adhered to or if sales teams are granting unfavorable terms to close deals. It is also used to correlate payment terms with actual payment behavior to check for term compliance.

Why it matters

Provides context for the Due Date and helps analyze term compliance.

Where to get

Found in the invoice header or customer master data.

Examples
NT30Net 60 Days2% 10 Net 30Immediate
Collector Name
CollectorName
The name of the agent or user responsible for collecting payment.
Description

This attribute identifies the specific employee or team assigned to manage the customer account and ensure payment. It links human resources to process outcomes.

This allows for the analysis of collector productivity and effectiveness. Managers can compare collection rates, promise-to-pay fulfillment, and workload across different collectors to identify training needs or rebalance portfolios.

Why it matters

Enables workforce productivity analysis and performance benchmarking.

Where to get

Found in the customer master record or specific collection management tables.

Examples
John DoeCollections Team ASystem Agent
Customer Segment
CustomerSegment
The classification of the customer based on strategic value or risk.
Description

This attribute groups customers into categories such as Key Accounts, SMB, High Risk, or Government. It is usually defined in the master data.

Segmenting process analysis by this attribute reveals how different customer types are treated. It helps verify if high-value customers are receiving prioritized service or if high-risk customers are being monitored closely enough.

Why it matters

Allows for strategy analysis across different customer tiers.

Where to get

Found in customer master data or business partner tables.

Examples
StrategicRetailWholesaleTier 1
Required Recommended Optional

Accounts Receivable Activities

Use these key process steps and milestones to capture the necessary timestamps for accurate discovery and bottleneck identification within your accounts receivable workflow.
7 Recommended 7 Optional
Activity Description
Credit Memo Posted
The issuance of a credit note that offsets the invoice balance. This is often the financial result of a valid dispute, a return, or a retrospective discount.
Why it matters

Critical for analyzing revenue leakage, billing quality, and the root causes of non-payment.

Where to get

Found in the accounts receivable transaction table as a document type specifically for credits.

Capture

Link credit memo documents to the original invoice via the reference field.

Event type explicit
Dispute Opened
The creation of a formal case or reason code indicating the customer disagrees with the invoice validity or amount. This usually halts standard collection efforts.
Why it matters

Identifies bottlenecks in the process and helps quantify revenue at risk due to billing errors or quality issues.

Where to get

Identified by the creation of a case in the dispute management module or a status change to 'In Dispute'.

Capture

Capture the timestamp when a dispute case ID is linked to the invoice or a dispute flag is set to true.

Event type explicit
Due Date Passed
A calculated milestone indicating that the current date has surpassed the agreed payment terms date while the invoice remains open. This event flags the transition from current to overdue status.
Why it matters

Crucial for analyzing on-time payment performance and triggering dunning strategies.

Where to get

Calculated by comparing the invoice due date against the system date if no closing event has occurred.

Capture

Generate an event when the system date exceeds the Due Date field and the generic Status is still Open.

Event type calculated
Invoice Cleared
The final state change where the invoice open balance becomes zero. This occurs due to full payment, credit application, or write-off.
Why it matters

Marks the absolute end of the case in the system and is used to calculate the total process cycle time.

Where to get

Derived from the invoice status field changing to Closed, Cleared, or Paid.

Capture

Identify the timestamp when the open item status flag changes to cleared.

Event type inferred
Invoice Created
The initial generation of the invoice record within the financial system, establishing the accounts receivable entry. This event marks the official start of the collection lifecycle and sets the baseline for aging calculations.
Why it matters

This is the anchor event for the entire process, defining the start timestamp for all cycle time metrics and DSO calculations.

Where to get

Typically found in the transaction header table or creation logs of the ERP system.

Capture

Extract the creation timestamp of the unique invoice document number.

Event type explicit
Invoice Sent
The transmission of the billing document to the customer via email, print, EDI, or portal. This represents the handover of the payment obligation to the customer.
Why it matters

Calculating the lag between creation and sending helps identify internal processing delays that retard cash flow.

Where to get

Derived from output management logs, email transmission records, or EDI status updates.

Capture

Identify timestamps where the invoice output status changes to sent or completed.

Event type explicit
Payment Posted
The recording of an incoming cash transaction applied to the invoice. This represents the primary goal of the AR process.
Why it matters

The most critical event for calculating Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and evaluating cash flow health.

Where to get

Found in the payment application or cash receipt tables.

Capture

Capture timestamps from payment receipt documents linked to the invoice number.

Event type explicit
Bad Debt Written Off
The act of declaring the remaining invoice balance uncollectible and removing it from the accounts receivable ledger. This represents a process failure and financial loss.
Why it matters

Important for analyzing the total cost of the credit process and identifying high-risk customer segments.

Where to get

Captured from journal entries or adjustment transactions with a specific write-off reason code.

Capture

Filter for adjustment documents classified as write-offs linked to the invoice.

Event type explicit
Collection Contact Made
An interaction with the customer regarding an open invoice, such as sending an automated dunning letter or logging a phone call. This tracks the proactive effort exerted by the collections team.
Why it matters

Essential for measuring collector productivity and the effectiveness of dunning strategies on payment speed.

Where to get

Sourced from correspondence logs, CRM activity history, or dunning journals.

Capture

Map entries from customer interaction logs or automated dunning tables linked to the invoice.

Event type explicit
Dispute Resolved
The conclusion of a dispute investigation, resulting in a decision to credit the customer, write off the balance, or enforce payment. This unblocks the invoice for final settlement.
Why it matters

Marks the end of the exception handling process and allows the cash cycle to resume.

Where to get

Captured when the dispute case status moves to Closed or Resolved.

Capture

Identify the timestamp of the final status change in the dispute management system.

Event type explicit
Dispute Status Updated
A change in the progression of a dispute case, such as moving from initial review to active investigation. This tracks the workflow of the resolution team.
Why it matters

Allows for the analysis of dispute resolution cycle times and identify stalls in the investigation process.

Where to get

Derived from the history log of the dispute case object linked to the invoice.

Capture

Track changes in the status field of the linked dispute case entity.

Event type inferred
Partial Payment Posted
The application of a payment receipt that reduces the invoice balance but leaves a residual amount due. This often indicates a dispute, inability to pay, or short payment.
Why it matters

Highlighting partial payments helps analyze customer payment behavior and process complexity.

Where to get

Recorded when a payment transaction is linked to the invoice but the payment amount is less than the open balance.

Capture

Identify payment applications where the applied amount is less than the outstanding invoice amount.

Event type explicit
Payment Reconciled
The matching of the internal payment record against the external bank statement line item. This confirms that the cash has physically been received in the bank account.
Why it matters

Differentiates between book cash and bank cash, highlighting delays in the cash application process.

Where to get

Sourced from bank reconciliation modules or cash management logs.

Capture

Identify when the payment document is marked as cleared or matched in the bank ledger.

Event type explicit
Promise to Pay Recorded
The recording of a formal commitment from the customer to pay a specific amount by a specific date. This is typically entered by a collection agent following a successful contact.
Why it matters

Provides visibility into expected cash flow and measures the reliability of customer commitments.

Where to get

Found in collections management modules or notes fields associated with the invoice.

Capture

Extract records where a PTP date and amount are logged against the invoice ID.

Event type explicit
Recommended Optional

Extraction Guides

How to get your data for process mining.

Extraction methods vary by system. For detailed instructions,

read our ETL guide

or select a specific process and system.