Case Study: Billerud achieves 25% cost savings and 90%+ automated PDF validation with Basware's SmartPDF AI Instant Learning

AI Transforms Financial Operations at Billerud

Billerud, a global paper and packaging manufacturer operating across Europe and North America, faced growing complexity after its merger with Verso doubled sales and exposed IT and finance challenges. The finance team needed to harmonize processes, curb manual, non‑value AP work, and drive continuous improvement while maintaining flexibility.

They implemented Basware’s SmartPDF AI Instant Learning to replace legacy OCR, using AI/ML to extract and transform PDF invoices into e‑invoices with minimal validation. The solution delivered rapid value—over 90% of PDF invoices now validate automatically, validation needs fell from 15% to 9% in three months, PDF data extraction costs dropped 66%, total invoice costs fell 25%, and ROI was achieved within months, freeing the AP team for higher‑value tasks.

Billerud

Jesper Persson

Business Developer