The firm will help the council to streamline its Print and Document Management processes, by reducing paper usage and saving space - converting more of the traditional paper documents to a digital format. This includes transferring previous print mail services - such as large planning documents and licensing applications - to digital.
An example of where the new partnership will introduce service improvements will be with the planning department. As the busiest planning authority in the UK, handling over 12,000 hefty planning applications every year, Westminster is currently undertaking a comprehensive redesign of its existing business systems and operational processes to introduce paperless working practices for the planning application process.
As part of its vision for the future, the council will also harness Ricoh’s technology to enable residents to self-help, providing facilities for them to access and pay for services through digital channels, cutting the reliance on paper and allowing council employees to tackle more challenging user demands. The IT services company will also support the council as it seeks to enhance its relationships with its residents and local businesses through connecting users both digitally and via post.
The council is also committed to streamlining its internal Print and Document Management processes to improve efficiency internally, as well as improving services at the front end for residents and visitors. Also as part of its future plans, Westminster City Council will utilise Ricoh’s advanced archiving, scanning and indexing expertise, to store archived documents digitally, with the ability to easily search and retrieve documentation at the touch of a button – saving time and space.
With its extensive expertise in document management, Ricoh has considerable experience in the safe and secure digital storage of documents, avoiding the potential of stolen or lost printed documentation and the additional risk of data leaks.