Push instead of pull
Smithfield's accounting department is now fully digitized: incoming invoices are sent to their electronic archive in different ways. Incoming invoices received by email are stored directly from Outlook. Paper invoices are quickly stored after scanning. In both cases, DocuWare reads important index terms straight from the documents. Access is then immediately possible, either via a search mask or directly from their DeFacto ERP system.
In the next step, DocuWare compares the invoice information with open order data to approve payment. If these match, the invoice is released; otherwise an automated approval process begins. The DMS sends a link to the archived documents by email to the responsible managers for approval. DocuWare even recognizes up to what amount can be approved by each manager in order to comply with internal guidelines. If the amount exceeds the limit, a higher-level colleague is included. For payment, the DMS then compiles the released invoices every 14 days in a digital file that is available at the push of a button.
Digital archive saves 85% time
The paper archive is now gone - documents are simply shredded after scanning. The 3,000 pounds of paper now saved annually for feeding the external archive is hardly insignificant, but there were many other benefits. Thanks to DocuWare, employees can easily access digital documents without having to re-file them afterwards. The company saves one thing above all else - a lot of time. Even escalation management is handled by the DMS. For example, tasks are driven through automated notifications or mobile access via smartphones.
As part of a study, the company was able to see that for approximately 100 hours previously spent monthly on search and archiving processes, their new digital processes have recaptured approximately 85 percent. This is particularly noticeable because employees can now concentrate on their core tasks - an essential building block for achieving the company's growth targets.
Smithfield Foods is a customer of DocTech, an Authorised DocuWare Partner in the United Kingdom.