Although all organisations have established systems to manage finances, HR and procurement, there are lots of processes around those systems that touch staff right across the organisation. Many of our customers have huge numbers of untamed business procedures around these applications, leading to delay and inconsistency in the application of business rules.

For example, processes around HR such as appraisals, new starters, leavers and leave approvals are processes that cross departmental boundaries and need to be followed consistently and compliantly. Similarly, processes around finance are used by many managers and professional staff. Requisitions, purchase order approvals, new supplier approval, travel approval and

Challenges of Paper Solutions

For all these procedures, there is a high risk that, if the processes are left manual, they can be accidentally or deliberately ignored. The consequences of non-compliance vary depending on the procedure, but they can include lost man-hours spent putting things right, poor staff morale and compromised management if HR processes are not followed correctly. With paper-based financial processes, it can be very time-consuming to get a purchase approved or a payment authorised; and that holds back business plans. And, of course, lack of control in financial processes typically leads to overspending.

Finally, for unique processes like contractor and staff vetting, the consequences of failing to carry them out properly can even be life threatening. And because the processes involve multiple individuals and departments, vetting can be slow, leading to delayed projects and missed deadlines.