PNC Bank is forecasting sunny days ahead for small businesses, and recently announced additional features to Cash Flow InsightSM, a suite of online tools specifically designed to help small businesses better manage incoming and outgoing funds.

The enhanced technology automates the payables and receivables processes, taking paper out of the equation when sending invoices, making payments and tracking approvals. PNC says it is the first major bank to offer small businesses an advanced online solution that automatically links payment information with the business’ bank account and popular accounting software. This eliminates duplicate data entry, reduces errors and provides cash forecasting in real-time.

Locally there are 10 branches offering business account services and Cash Flow Insight: East Bradford, West Chester, Westtown, Exton, Concordville, Longwood, Malvern, Thorndale and Lima.

The enhancements to Cash Flow Insight were developed based on the Bill.com business payment network. They also allow business owners to look ahead at expected incoming and outgoing funds, informing more strategic business decisions such as hiring and purchasing.

.PNC’s most recent Economic Outlook survey is bullish on U.S. small businesses. PNC says 22 percent plan to add full-time employees – a six percentage point increase from last spring and the most since 2012. The full outlook is here: http://pnc.mediaroom.com/2014-04-03-Small-Business-Owners-Warm-To-Hiring

Cash Flow Insight allows businesses to make and receive electronic payments from the business checking account; create and electronically send branded invoices; view the status of accounts payable; and manage and archive invoices, bills and contracts online.

“We recognize the challenges our small business customers face, finding the time and resources to effectively manage their money,” Troy Baker, deputy manager of PNC’s business banking said in a company news release.

“With these enhancements to Cash Flow Insight, business owners can stay organized and focused, as well as manage and forecast cash flow to make strategic business decisions in one place online,” he said.

Bill.com is a leading business payments network, with more than 400,000 members paying and being paid more than $10 billion per year. Bill.com ties finance and accounting programs, banks, customers, vendors, accounting professionals and documents.