Efficient, Holistic, Streamlined Processing – Integration Without The Coffee And Croissants

By Author: Donald Nason
Total Articles: 48
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Electronic document management solutions store documents so they’re accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the business, and workflow automates processing – but that may not be the end of the processing journey for the data within that document, either within department or across the organisation.

Seamless integration with other line of business systems is therefore essential if multiple data entry is to be avoided, onward processing not subject to delay and interruption, and vital historical information not lost to later processing stages.

With a seamless interface data is passed automatically to kick-start the next phase of a procedure: an incoming POD (proof of delivery) triggers creation of a sales invoice, receipt of customer proof of ID activates the next stage in a verification process; return of a signed form instigates the start of a claim process.

Systems which talk to each other mean staff input time is reduced – the need to rekey information is eliminated, along with the associated risk of mis-keying – and, as few business departments work standalone, passing information between systems ...
... creates a joined-up process. This helps to create and maintain that single version of the truth so essential to business in today’s world of multiple systems and work locations.

As a business grows and develops, so processing requirements within the business change and organisations are increasingly looking to solutions which allow for this development without the need to reinvent the wheel. With technology continually evolving review of system requirements has become an ongoing activity for most organisations. When decision is taken to upgrade to a new ERP, CRM, or line of business system, an organisation needs to feel safe in knowing that this will not require tearing out the rest of their systems. A robust document management solution will integrate with any ERP, CRM or line of business system.

The Penguin English Dictionary defines the verb to integrate as ‘to form or blend (separate elements) into a whole’.

Integrating the separate elements of an organisation’s business solutions creates a holistic, streamlined – and therefore more efficient – approach to processing, and with processes integral to the functioning of a company, the more efficient the processing, the more efficient the organisation.

In addition, with enhanced efficiency comes reduced cost. Staff input time is cut, and eliminated overheads associated with cumbersome processing cycles – payment penalties due to missed deadlines or protracted query processing with vital information locked inside a previous system.

Eliminate the need for manual intervention between systems and a greater degree of system formalisation is introduced. A document management solution audits the transfer of data to a second system – visibility and control which can be lost via a manual procedure.

So with seamless integration, the business gets smooth, streamlined, straight though processing, enhanced security and efficiency, and reduced costs – it means joining up an organisation’s vital procedures, creating a holistic streamlined and efficient whole.

And, as the work of the business demands that employees interface across departments and locations, so too is the integration of business systems a vital ingredient of an effective organisation – and all accomplished without any call for coffee and croissants.