Business Partners “Consolidation”
Think Your Document Management Is Too Complicated? You’re Right!
Every person in every department at every company deals with documents. The daily processes of printing, scanning, storing, accessing, sharing and (hopefully) securing documents are collectively known as “document management,” and you’d think companies would make sure that all of it worked as efficiently and effectively as possible.
But most companies do not. Instead of streamlined and time-saving, document workflows are complex and cumbersome. Processes aren’t intuitive and work-arounds are common. Devices aren’t well-integrated. Day-to-day operations aren’t as efficient as they could and should be.
Problem: Too Many Suppliers
Because businesses are constantly evolving, and because business processes are continuously changing, documents technology tends to be purchased on an as-needed, ad hoc basis – often from many different suppliers.
The result? Employees and IT departments are dealing with different models, from different manufacturers, with different user-interfaces, different toner cartridges, and different software and security updates. Systems aren’t optimized, issues aren’t easily resolved, and data security is needlessly difficult to manage. Even worse, by not working with a primary supplier, companies often miss out on the opportunity to fully leverage supplier expertise, which is usually reserved for suppliers’ best customer relationships.
Solution: Fewer Supplier Relationships
Streamlining suppliers simplifies everything. Devices are easier to maintain, consumables are easier to manage, and working relationships are both less time-consuming and more productive. Primary suppliers are typically better able – and more motivated! – to align document systems with their customer-companies’ specific needs and workflows.
With fewer supplier relationships, document management is simpler: fewer invoices, fewer points-of-contact, predictable software and security updates, and regular maintenance schedules.
With fewer supplier relationships, service is better: closer connection with account manager, better understanding of your business’s unique needs, and greater responsiveness when issues arise.
With fewer supplier relationships, efficiency is greater: bulk-buy cost savings, and seamless integration across devices and systems. When documents are well-managed, businesses are well-run. Processes are more efficient, employees are more productive… and if you think that’ll mean a healthier bottom line, you’re right!
