Choosing the right accounts receivable platform can transform your collections process and significantly impact your cash flow. Both ÉquiSettle and Kolleno offer sophisticated AR automation for UK businesses, but their approaches and strengths differ considerably. This comprehensive comparison examines both platforms to help you make an informed decision based on your specific business needs.

With UK businesses losing £1.6 billion annually to late payments and the average SME owed £21,000 in outstanding invoices, selecting the right AR solution has become critical for business survival and growth. Let's explore how these two platforms address these challenges.

Company Overview and Market Position

Équisettle

ÉquiSettle has established itself as a comprehensive accounts receivable and collections platform that goes beyond traditional invoice automation. The platform combines AR management with advanced case management capabilities and supply chain risk monitoring, creating an integrated ecosystem for managing complex collection scenarios. With over 10,000 users worldwide who have recovered more than £30 billion in late payments, ÉquiSettle has proven its effectiveness across diverse industries.

The company's recognition includes Best Technology Provider at the Credit Strategy Awards (2024) and Xero App Partner of the Year (2023), demonstrating industry acknowledgment of its innovative approach. ÉquiSettle's focus on solving complex collection challenges makes it particularly valuable for businesses dealing with high-value accounts or complicated payment situations.

Kolleno

Kolleno positions itself as an AI-driven accounts receivable platform designed to make cash flow predictable for B2B companies. The platform emphasises automation and AI capabilities to streamline back-office processes, with users reporting a 32% reduction in DSO and 50% reduction in outstanding receivables. Kolleno's approach centres on bringing all AR processes into one unified platform, eliminating the need to switch between multiple systems.

The company has gained recognition in recent industry roundups and maintains a strong presence in the UK market. Kolleno's focus on AI and automation appeals to businesses seeking to minimise manual intervention in their AR processes.

Core Features Comparison

Case Management Capabilities

ÉquiSettle excels in case management, treating each customer relationship holistically rather than as isolated invoices. The platform's case-based approach allows businesses to:

• Track all interactions and communications in one place
• Manage complex payment negotiations and disputes
• Coordinate team efforts on high-value accounts
• Maintain complete audit trails for potential legal action
• Handle multi-invoice situations with sophisticated workflows

This comprehensive case management system proves invaluable for businesses dealing with complex B2B relationships, disputed invoices, or customers requiring special attention.

Kolleno focuses more on automation than case management. While the platform tracks communications and maintains customer histories, it lacks the sophisticated case-handling features that ÉquiSettle provides. Kolleno's strength lies in streamlining straightforward collection processes rather than managing complex scenarios.

Automation and Workflows

ÉquiSettle offers intelligent workflow automation that adapts to different scenarios. The platform's workflows can:

• Adjust based on customer payment history and behaviour
• Escalate automatically when certain conditions are met
• Route cases to appropriate team members based on complexity
• Integrate payment plans and partial payment handling
• Accommodate industry-specific requirements

The automation maintains flexibility, allowing manual intervention when judgment is required.

Kolleno emphasises AI-driven automation as its core strength. The platform automates:

• Outbound communications across multiple channels
• Payment matching and reconciliation
• Task management and prioritisation
• Data analysis and insights generation

Kolleno's automation is comprehensive but may lack the nuanced flexibility needed for complex situations.

Risk Management and Monitoring

ÉquiSettle uniquely offers supply chain risk monitoring, providing early warning signs of customer financial distress. This feature:

• Monitors customer business environments for risk indicators
• Alerts users to potential payment problems before they occur
• Integrates with credit reference agencies for continuous monitoring
• Provides risk scoring based on multiple factors
• Enables proactive intervention to prevent bad debts

This proactive approach to risk management sets ÉquiSettle apart in preventing payment problems rather than just managing them.

Kolleno includes credit profiling and monitoring features, offering:

• Integration with credit agencies for reports
• Real-time notifications of credit profile changes
• Basic risk assessment capabilities

While useful, Kolleno's risk management features are more reactive than ÉquiSettle's comprehensive supply chain monitoring.

Payment Processing and Portals

ÉquiSettle provides integrated payment processing through GoCardless and other providers, featuring:

• Multiple payment method support
• Automated payment plan generation and tracking
• Direct debit setup and management
• Payment links in all communication channels
• QR codes for postal communications

The platform's payment portal offers a professional, branded experience for customers.

Kolleno also offers a customer portal with:

• Invoice access and payment history
• Multiple payment method options
• Branded portal customisation
• Self-service capabilities

Both platforms provide solid payment processing capabilities, with ÉquiSettle offering slightly more integration options.

Integration Capabilities

ÉquiSettle Integrations

ÉquiSettle provides extensive integration options:

• Accounting Software: QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, FreeAgent
• Payment Processing: GoCardless, Stripe, multiple banking partners
• Business Systems: Zoho suite, Microsoft Dynamics 365
• Credit Agencies: Major UK credit reference providers
• API Access: Open API for custom integrations

The platform's integration approach ensures seamless data flow while maintaining the flexibility to work with diverse tech stacks.

Kolleno Integrations

Kolleno offers integrations including:

• Accounting Software: Focus on major platforms
• ERP Systems: Various enterprise systems
• Payment Providers: Standard payment processing options
• Credit Agencies: Basic credit checking integrations
• API Access: Available for custom connections

Kolleno's integrations cover essential needs but may lack the depth of ÉquiSettle's ecosystem.

Industry Specialisation

ÉquiSettle's Industry Focus

ÉquiSettle demonstrates particular strength in industries with complex payment structures:

Construction: With 70% of construction companies experiencing late payments, ÉquiSettle provides:

• Milestone payment tracking
• Retention management
• Dispute resolution workflows
• Compliance with construction-specific regulations

Professional Services: Features for project-based billing and complex client relationships

Manufacturing: Supply chain risk monitoring particularly valuable

Technology/SaaS: Subscription management and recurring payment handling

Kolleno's Industry Approach

Kolleno takes a more generalised approach to B2B collections, with features designed to work across industries. While this provides flexibility, it may lack the specialised workflows that certain industries require. The platform works well for businesses with straightforward B2B transactions but may struggle with industry-specific complexities.

Pricing and Value Proposition

ÉquiSettle Pricing

ÉquiSettle offers custom pricing based on business needs, ensuring organisations only pay for features they use. This approach provides:

• Scalability as businesses grow
• Flexibility in feature selection
• ROI-based pricing discussions
• No paying for unnecessary capabilities

While custom pricing requires consultation, it often results in better value for businesses with specific needs.

Kolleno Pricing

Kolleno also uses custom pricing but emphasises quick implementation (10-14 days) as a value proposition. The platform's pricing considers:

• Transaction volumes
• Number of users
• Feature requirements
• Integration needs

Both platforms require consultation for pricing, making direct cost comparison difficult without specific requirements.

Implementation and Support

ÉquiSettle Implementation

ÉquiSettle provides comprehensive implementation support:

• Dedicated setup assistance
• Custom configuration for specific workflows
• Data migration support
• Team training resources
• Ongoing customer success management

The platform offers a 14-day free trial to evaluate fit before committing.

Kolleno Implementation

Kolleno emphasises rapid deployment:

• 10-14 day typical implementation
• In-house modules for faster integration
• Quick data synchronisation
• Streamlined onboarding process

The faster implementation appeals to businesses needing quick solutions.

User Experience and Interface

ÉquiSettle UX

ÉquiSettle's interface reflects its comprehensive functionality:

• Intuitive case management views
• Customisable dashboards for different roles
• Clear workflow visualisation
• Comprehensive reporting interfaces
• Mobile accessibility for remote work

The interface balances power with usability, though the extensive features may require initial learning.

Kolleno UX

Kolleno focuses on simplicity:

• Clean, modern interface design
• AI-powered insights prominently displayed
• Streamlined navigation
• Quick access to key metrics
• Emphasis on automation reducing manual interaction

The simpler interface may appeal to users seeking minimal complexity.

Reporting and Analytics

ÉquiSettle Analytics

ÉquiSettle provides comprehensive analytics including:

• Real-time DSO tracking and trends
• Case resolution metrics
• Team performance analytics
• Supply chain risk dashboards
• Customer payment behaviour analysis
• Custom report builders
• Automated report distribution

The platform's analytics support both operational and strategic decision-making.

Kolleno Analytics

Kolleno offers AI-enhanced analytics:

• Predictive payment insights
• DSO reduction tracking
• Collection effectiveness metrics
• Customer behaviour patterns
• Automated insight generation

Kolleno's AI focus provides valuable predictive capabilities, though reporting depth may be less than ÉquiSettle.

Strengths and Limitations

ÉquiSettle Strengths

• Comprehensive case management for complex scenarios
• Unique supply chain risk monitoring
• Industry-specific workflows and features
• Extensive integration ecosystem
• Proven track record with £30 billion collected
• Strong UK market understanding

ÉquiSettle Limitations

• May be overpowered for simple AR needs
• Custom pricing requires consultation
• More features mean steeper learning curve

Kolleno Strengths

• Strong AI and automation capabilities
• Rapid implementation timeline
• Modern, user-friendly interface
• Good predictive analytics
• Effective for straightforward B2B collections

Kolleno Limitations

• Less suitable for complex collection scenarios
• Limited industry-specific features
• Newer platform with less proven history
• May lack flexibility for unique situations

Making the Right Choice

Choose ÉquiSettle If:

• You manage complex B2B relationships requiring case management
• Your industry has specific payment practices (construction, professional services)
• Supply chain risk monitoring would provide value
• You need flexible workflows for different customer types
• Integration with multiple systems is important
• You're dealing with high-value accounts requiring special attention

Choose Kolleno If:

• Your AR processes are relatively straightforward
• AI-driven automation is a primary requirement
• Quick implementation is crucial
• You prefer a simpler, more streamlined interface
• Predictive analytics are more important than case management
• Your industry doesn't require specialised workflows

Customer Success Stories

ÉquiSettle Results

• Users report 54+ days faster payment
• 75%+ reduction in DSO
• 15+ hours saved weekly on AR tasks
• Significant reduction in bad debts through risk monitoring

Kolleno Results

• 32% reduction in DSO reported
• 50% reduction in outstanding receivables
• Quick ROI through automation
• Improved cash flow predictability

The Verdict

Both ÉquiSettle and Kolleno offer valuable AR automation capabilities for UK businesses, but they serve different needs. ÉquiSettle excels for businesses requiring sophisticated case management, industry-specific features, and comprehensive risk monitoring. Its strength lies in handling complexity while maintaining automation efficiency.

Kolleno suits businesses seeking straightforward AR automation with strong AI capabilities and minimal complexity. Its rapid implementation and predictive analytics provide quick value for companies with standard B2B collection needs.

The choice ultimately depends on your business complexity, industry requirements, and strategic priorities. ÉquiSettle's comprehensive platform provides more tools for challenging collection scenarios, while Kolleno offers streamlined automation for standard processes.

Next Steps

To make an informed decision:

1. Assess your collection complexity and industry requirements
2. Evaluate your current tech stack and integration needs
3. Consider your team's capacity for system adoption
4. Request demos from both platforms
5. Test with real scenarios from your business
6. Compare total cost of ownership, not just subscription fees

Ready to transform your accounts receivable management? Both platforms offer trials or demos. For businesses seeking comprehensive AR management with advanced case handling and risk monitoring, book a demo with ÉquiSettle. For those prioritising AI-driven automation for straightforward collections, explore Kolleno's offering.

The key is choosing the platform that aligns with your specific business needs and growth trajectory. In today's challenging payment environment, having the right AR solution isn't just about efficiency—it's about survival and competitive advantage.

‍