The Economist Group Automates Invoice Processing With Hyland's OnBase

The Economist Group has selected software from Image Integrators Limited, a reseller of Hyland Software's OnBase, for processing supplier invoices and automating workflow. The solution includes the latest version of Hyland Software's fully integrated enterprise content management (ECM) software suite – OnBase 7.

The Economist Group owns, manages and develops intelligent media brands across the world, aimed at an audience of international business people and decision-makers. It is the leading source of analysis on international business and world affairs, delivered in newspapers and magazines – including its flagship publication, The Economist – and through conferences and meetings. The Group employs over 1,000 staff throughout the world, with offices in London, Frankfurt, Paris, Vienna, New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore, Tokyo and India.

Because of its steady business growth, purchase invoice processing has increased to 3,000 documents being received monthly in London and document volumes reaching 1,000 and 600 for the New York and Hong Kong operations respectively.

To address these volumes without the requirement for further recruitment, The Economist Group evaluated a number of suppliers offering solutions of varying complexity. Image Integrators evaluated the company's requirements and proposed a solution based upon in-house scanning and storage, integrated with The Economist Group's existing Peoplesoft system.

Explained Nick Shippin, Group Financial Controller at The Economist Group: "We chose Image Integrators because of its industry expertise and its honest approach. Most importantly, its solution allows us to leverage our investment in Peoplesoft."

The company opted for an integrated and distributed PROCURA solution to support local document scanning in the New York and Hong Kong offices, with images sent via The Economist Group's network to London for central storage. Head office documents are scanned and stored on-site.

Concluded Gerrard Kennedy, Managing Director of Image Integrators: "Wherever possible, we advocate that our clients use systems that they've already invested in. We specified precisely what The Economist Group needed, rather than persuading it to acquire something it didn't."

SOURCE: TAWPI