A good ACCOUNTS PAYABLE system can be used to forecast a payment schedule based on cash availability, anticipated income, and past policy practices. Then line up vendors in payment order, according to preference. Some will grumble, but the smart ones know they have little choice. If they don’t play along, it will take that much longer to be paid.

Vendors unhappy with your company’s payment policies won’t be vendors very long. Give preferred suppliers priority status and reward them with more prompt payment. They will likely return the favor with better service and more understanding if your company really gets into a bind.