Paperless Billing Benefits Customers, Businesses

Digital documentation and its benefits have come far enough that it doesn’t just enhance company processes but consumers. Organizations have seen the advantages of invoice automation and have also taken the initiative to involve their customers.

The advantages of digital documentation and automation

Office processes have become more complex due to evolving technology, which has offered businesses options such as document management software and invoice automation. The latter has provided efficiency and smoother processes in the accounts payable department. There are no longer disputes about disappearing invoices, as automation creates electronic statements and arrival receipts.

Paperless offices offer the same kinds of benefits, with all employees able to enhance work strategies from the transition. Paper documents take up space and are easy to lose in an office environment. Filing cabinets serve as outdated security and are a physical nuisance. Document management software offers security and easy access to reports while getting rid of both complications. It also provides additional advantages such as electronic collaboration and remote access for workers.

Invoice automation for consumers

Central Arkansas Water noticed how troublesome paper bills could be for its customers and the company itself and decided to change to paperless. The organization prints and distributes over 125,000 bills a month.

“Our customers have been requesting paperless billing for some time. We are pleased to offer our customers this free and easy paperless billing option as part of our commitment to providing exceptional customer service,” said John Tynan, director of customer relations and public affairs at Central Arkansas Water.

The Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative saw the same advantages and offered its customers the option to use electronic invoices rather than hard-copy statements. To encourage clientele to change to paperless, those who do are entered into a contest for a 2015 Chevrolet Volt.

“This is a yearlong campaign, but we’ve seen a 32 percent increase in paperless billing signups for the first three weeks of this year, compared to the same time last year,” Brandon Moore, communications specialist for Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative, said on its website.

Paperless documentation has provided a competitive edge for companies for years, but it still hasn’t made the impact it should have by now. Enterprises in any industry should research document management software to find one customized for its needs and begin implementing a paperless office.