Image Integrators, a document management and purchase to pay specialist, has been shortlisted as one of only three finalists for the European Retail Solutions Awards in the back office integration category. The entry is based on the Image Integrators PROCURA automated invoice processing solution delivered to creative kitchenware retailer Lakeland Limited. The solution seamlessly integrated with the existing CODA-Financials finance system, providing Lakeland Limited users with the ability to rapidly access and approve purchase invoices within a paperless environment.
Prior to the implementation of the solution, Lakeland Limited had recognised that existing, paper-based processes were highly inefficient with paper purchase invoices often having to go to different approvers within different departments. The manual passing of purchase invoices around the business meant that Lakeland Limited was often unsure with whom the purchase invoice resided and at what stage of the approval process it was at. Paper invoice storage was also proving costly with valuable floor space being taken up that could be better utilised.
Having identified the inefficiency of paper purchase invoices within the process, Lakeland Limited spent considerable time and resource choosing Image Integrators, looking at a range of outsourced and onsite technologies in the process. The solution needed to be simple to use, scaleable, meeting all the Lakeland Limited requirements including the ability to seamlessly integrate with the existing finance system. In addition, it was very important to Lakeland Limited that the company selected was a business partner they could build a relationship with and would understand the inefficiencies, providing a custom solution to optimise efficiency and reduce costs.
David Fielding, Chief Accountant adds "We have been delighted with the solution and service from Image Integrators. The users have said they never wish to go back to the paper based system. We scan all incoming purchase invoices and have them automatically routed for approval. Since the solution was implemented we have realised massive efficiency gains and we no longer suffer paper inefficiencies."
Today, Lakeland 's purchase invoice approval is paperless, streamlined and optimised through the PROCURA web-based solution. It fully integrates with the CODA-Financials system, automatically notifying users when they have invoices that require approval. Once notified, approvers click on a link from within the email to the approval system where they enter a username and password and securely approve purchase invoices, all with a full audit trail.
The levels of integration achieved allows Lakeland Limited users to securely access purchase invoice images and information from any location, even through the simple click of a button from within CODA-Financials. A full audit trail ensures that Lakeland Limited know exactly the status of every invoice within the approval process and with the legal admissibility of images, Lakeland Limited no longer have to store the paper documents.
Gerrard Kennedy, Managing Director of Image Integrators adds "We are delighted that PROCURA is being recognised for the levels of innovation, integration and retail sector benefits that it brings. Retailers are rapidly identifying the benefits of PROCURA and recognising Image Integrators as retail sector specialists within finance departments in driving paperless environments with improved efficiency and optimised payment processes."
