In each module, under the Setup Menu, Setup Options; you can turn of batch processing if you don't need batch processing. 

You do not have to update "one by one" at all.  Just select multiples before clicking Proceed.

Batches allow multiple users to work at the same time, without interfering with each other (like someone entering invoices while someone is working on a credit memo).  One or two extra clicks to deal with batches for significant benefits.