FEATURE : DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// business process management solutions . The project would be completed in two phases . The first phase would involve backlog scanning of 100 million documents , followed by another 500 million documents in the next phase as well as the implementation of an ECM solution .
Based on the high volume of the scanning job as well as the emphasis on productivity and accuracy , 20 scanners were used in the first phase of the project . An archive writer was used simultaneously to convert the digital images to microfilm to be stored for the long term .
The digitised files are stored in an Oracle database . The scanning and capture solution integrates with other business systems and all the data stored is encrypted and digitally signed .
The first phase of the project has been completed with 100 million documents scanned and digitised in a period of two years .
Hend Salah , Area Manager , Foreign Relation Department at Microfilm Egypt Co , said : “ We chose the scanners from Alaris because it combines simple operation and time-saving features in a remarkably small and powerful form factor . The scanner ’ s super-sharp image quality makes it easy to capture information accurately and the durability of the scanner is unparalleled in the market .
“ We were using each machine to scan around 15,000 pages per day . Despite running non-stop along with the archive writer for two years , the scanners worked flawlessly , with zero downtime and with a very high scan quality . This is a tremendous achievement that allowed us to deliver the first phase of the project to Central Bank of Egypt on time .”
The digitisation of documents has resulted in huge cost savings in terms of storage space . Document retrieval now takes just a few clicks . Processes that once took weeks are now completed in a few minutes .
Having successfully completed the first phase of the project , Microfilm Egypt Co will now start work on digitising 500 million documents over the next five years . Considering the mammoth task , the company has recommended that more units of Alaris scanners be commissioned .
The next stage will also involve the implementation of an ECM solution including designing workflows and applying business analytics and intelligence to the data . This will enhance efficiency of operations and aid quick e-retrieval of documents , thus saving precious time and energy manually sifting through stacks of papers .
Kassem Mohamed added : “ I commend Alaris and Microfilm Egypt Co on the fantastic job done so far in helping our bank realise our Digital Transformation aspirations . Alaris ’ market leading scanning technology , combined with the highest quality of consultancy , service and support from Microfilm Egypt Co deliver outstanding results .
“ We highly recommend that other banks and financial institutions in the country follow our example and utilise their services in order to truly transform their operations . We now look forward to embarking on the second part of our digitisation journey with the help of Alaris and Microfilm Egypt Co .” •
Digital Transformation needs a business-focused approach
Desmond Struwig , Executive Head of Digital at Decision Inc , says discussions around Digital Transformation in South Africa are putting companies across industry sectors under pressure to embrace it .
There is so much sensationalism around digital transformation that many organisations get lost in the rush to implement the latest and greatest technology tools without considering their business merits .
If Digital Transformation is to be effective in the channel , conversations around the topic need to be simplified and focused on showcasing the reality behind digital .
Fundamentally , it is all about increasing access to information , allowing richer use of data and harnessing advancements in technology to drive efficiency and simplicity .
For example , in the project management space we have worked with a client to develop a mobile application which provides real-time access to data from large infrastructure projects for both government and the private sector .
During the project , data is created with automatically generated reports that enable stakeholders to see how the work positively impacts local communities from project level all the way up to a national level .
In this instance , Digital Transformation is focused on digitising a paper-based environment and democratising access to data for all approved stakeholders .
Another example is our work in industrial measurement and preventative maintenance where certain sites can generate more than 250,000 data points over an inspection period which can last a few weeks . Where previously ,
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