Welcome to the MetaViewer Blog!

As recently mentioned in another MetaBlog post, we like to keep up on industry news and happenings. Occasionally, a few members of the Metafile team also contribute our knowledge to leading outlets and resources within the industry.

Recently, Steve Gregory, Partner Channel Manager here at Metafile participated in an interview for e-media publication, Channel Marketer Report. The interview focuses on a few of our company’s practices and methods in creating a healthy channel ecosystem and our crawl-walk-run approach to channel sales and marketing. Steve shares a few trends taking place in the marketplace and what makes the Metafile approach different, and inevitably beneficial for our partners. Readers also get a few insights as to what we have in development for 2013 and what potential partners should expect for the remainder of the year.

You can read the full article here.

Earlier this week, we also had the pleasure of contributing a blog post to a retail and customer experience focused website, Retail TouchPoints.  The post entitled, “Conquering Seasonal Sales”, which was authored by Vice President of Marketing Nick Sprau, focuses on the importance of internal financial processes and automated technology that enables improved workflow efficiencies during seasonal peaks for retailers.  For many retailers, automated technology is the perfect solution to unlock the value of business-critical content to enhance customer service, improve workflow efficiency and reduce financial risks.

The full blog post can be read here.

We often update our Twitter feed, @MetaViewer with the latest stories from various publications and associations. Feel free to leave a comment below if there is a topic you would like to hear more about. 

As busy professionals, finding the time to read the latest industry news and happenings can fall pretty low on the daily “to-do” list. Between team meetings, calls and everyday responsibilities, it seems our busy schedules as business professionals prevent us from keeping up to date. Some people look to RSS feeds and email subscriptions as a means to stay updated, while others dedicate a few moments every morning to peruse the headlines of major websites and blogs.

Thankfully, social media sites like Twitter help busy professionals easily filter and read headlines in a snap. Many of the leading news publications and journals frequently update their feeds with the latest stories and only include the pertinent information to meet the 140 character tweet limitations. Let’s face it, when we are short on time, 140 characters are a perfect way to quickly digest pertinent information.

With that in mind, we have compiled a few of our favorite Twitter handles that are great resources for those in the ERP and Microsoft Dynamics space:

@MSFTDynamicsERP – This handle is ideal for those interested in the news and information related to Microsoft Dynamics. The official handle for Microsoft Dynamics ERP, the account is managed by Microsoft team members dedicated to keeping their fingers on the pulse of all things related to Microsoft Dynamics from new releases to events and product updates.

@erpsoftwareblog – The ERP Software blog includes various editorial insights from ERP and accounting professionals from across the nation. The editorial team regularly provides updates that include new stories from the blog and vendor case studies.

@erpandmore – This thread provides a great mix of implementation success stories and resources for individuals interested in software evaluation.

@msdynamicsworld – In addition to contributing to the MSDynamicsWorld site, our team likes to stay updated on other industry insights and news from this independent leader in the Dynamics space.

@MSDynamicsWins – Another great Microsoft owned handle, this thread shares news on solutions and customer stories that are always a great inspiration to remain creative and innovative in implementation.

@MetaViewer – Last, but certainly not least, our own MetaViewer handle! We publish stories from a host of sites and enjoy live tweeting from industry events and conferences. Readers can find the latest MetaBlog entries and news stories that include insights from the Metafile team.

Do you have a favorite ERP or Microsoft Dynamics Twitter handle? Would you like for our team to check yours out? Feel free to leave the handle name in the comments section below.

When going swimming, people take several different approaches to deal with the cool temperature of the water. Some like to stick one foot in the water to get acclimated, while others may start at the steps of the pool and go one step at a time until they are fully submerged in the water and then there are the brave ones who just cannon ball into the water and take it all in at once.

Raj Sabhlok, president of enterprise IT management software firm ManageEngine, compared the swimming analogy to big data, saying it’s better to take a toe-in-the-water approach than jumping in with both feet. Sabhlok shared these thoughts in an article, “Big Data: Start Small, Think Big” for InformationWeek.

In the article, he discussed how the world of IT has changed drastically in the last 10 years, there was once a time when there wasn’t enough data to manage; now there is too much. With information coming from several different avenues, how do you manage it all? Sabhlok suggests starting small.

Big data has a lot of upsides, including helping an enterprise discover how well their in-house IT team is performing. But if you don’t take the time first to investigate your current system, it’s easy to get in over your head quickly.

Have you ever purchased something new that came with instructions of how to assemble it? But, instead of following the step-by-step instructions, you tried to put it together without them and it turned into a complete disaster? Switching to a new management system without doing the proper research can put you right back in that situation.

A few points Sabhlok made that we found helpful are:

• Don’t take on a full-blown big data project, start off with little data
• Look at the reporting capabilities of your company’s existing tools
• Spend more time focusing on a data system’s reporting capabilities, instead of the bells and whistles.

I invite you read the full article, which you can access here, and let us know your thoughts.

In many ways, the company server room functions like a heart to the human body.

Just as the heart pumps blood to vital organs enabling optimal performance, the server room acts as the company lifeline. The technical fortress is composed of multiple “chambers” that protect data and ensure information is shared smoothly.

While we all may be familiar with the benefits of keeping your heart healthy, it is just as important to keep your server room in the same happy state. This is especially important for organizations that run multiple solutions and service a number of users both internally and externally. In many instances, the server room is an afterthought for many departments outside of IT.  However this is a great opportunity for operations, finance and IT leaders to work together as many key stakeholders may be impacted.

Many organizations use a mix of solutions like the MetaViewer Subscription on Premise Solution, in addition to cloud-based offerings, to create greater efficiencies among suppliers, vendors and remote team members. In this case, it is important to consider how external parties will be impacted by an on-premise solution error caused by a server room issue. With anything involving technology, as is it is always better to be proactive in avoiding issues that may cause delays in the overall business process.

I recently ran across a great infographic while reading digital IT magazine, eWeek, which showcases the five ways to keep your server room cool and safe. The infographic highlights the severity of server room errors and shares tips on how they can be avoided. For example,many of the issues included in the infographic are a result of human error and are avoidable.

I encourage you to take a look at the infographic below, and consider if your server room is “heart happy” or if it can use a few updates to avoid outages and downtime.

Big data is probably one of those buzz words with as much ambiguity as “the cloud.” While people still wade through the murky waters to determine the specific business value of big data investments, one thing is for sure, big data is a big deal. Almost every industry stands to benefit from the insights big data can provide.

When there are multiple departments and many moving pieces within your business at any given time, managing the copious amounts of data produced can become a cumbersome task. Many business decision makers question, “What can we do with all of this information?” and “How it will benefit my business operations?”

Microsoft recently executed research among 282 U.S. IT decision-makers, with more than half within the manufacturing, healthcare and financial services industries, to understand current business intelligence technology use and big data implementation plans.

Here are a few key findings:

Nearly half (49 percent) rated managing data growth as extremely challenging when managing their companies’ business intelligence (BI).Nearly one-third (32 percent) of respondents expect the amount of data they store to double in the next two to three years.53 percent rated increased amounts of unstructured data to analyze as extremely important.

You can view the full results of the survey in this Global Enterprise Big Data Trends: 2013 infographic, which shows the monumental implications of big data as the amount of information produced and stored is anticipated to grow. In a recent big data focused blog posted on Microsoft’s News Center, Susan Hauser, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s Enterprise and Partner Group, says “Big data absolutely has the potential to change the way governments, organizations, and academic institutions conduct business and make discoveries, and it’s likely to change how everyone lives their day-to-day lives.”

While big data analysis continues to grow as valuable asset for businesses, we will continue to monitor how different industries implement solutions to incorporate big data into the overall business process.

Too often we hear reports of businesses falling victim to security breaches and losing sensitive data to vicious viruses resulting in compromised client and customer information. As a result, data security is no longer a responsibility solely placed on the shoulders of the IT department. Many businesses now have a heightened sense of awareness regarding how information is shared both internally and externally. Especially in an “bring your own device” or BYOD era where employees’ personal devices also act as their business device, understanding the implications of malware and malicious hackers is critical.

A couple weeks ago, we discussed the rising trend in mobile adoption within manufacturing, highlighting the efficiencies mobile apps provide and the increased use of consumer devices among younger, more tech savvy executives. While mobile device integration in the workplace provides greater employee flexibility and productivity, recent findings from Cisco’s 2013 Annual Security Report (ASR) show that the most common sites visited by employees, such as retail and social media webpages, produce the most significant amount of malware.

After reviewing the security report, TechJournal reported, “Security risks rise in businesses because many employees adopt “my way” work lifestyles in which their devices, work and online behavior mix with their personal lives virtually anywhere — in the office, at home and everywhere in between.”

For IT departments on the front lines of keeping the infrastructure safe from security threats, the task becomes more difficult once employees introduce multiple personal devices into the network.

So how can you ensure that your sensitive company information is safe?

If viewing financial information via an app or mobile web browsers, ensure your device has proper security features and has been approved by your company’s finance and IT departments. When dealing with sensitive financial information on invoices and billing forms, security is essential to avoid theft and other malicious attacks.

Many mobile devices have automatic updates that flag when an operating system upgrade is available. When you update your mobile operating system you will have access to the most up-to-date security features to protect your phone and data.

When traveling or working remotely, having access to Wi-Fi can be imperative to staying connected. Only join secure Wi-Fi hotspots that require users input a password before having access to the network. An open internet connection can be easily compromised and doesn’t provide any security to those working within the network.

As the BYOD trend continues to gain momentum, we will be sure to keep you updated with tips to keep your business safe. We encourage you to read the full article here and share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

As new technologies emerge, various roles within the C-Suite will have differing priorities when it comes to new solutions that will benefit the business: CIOs want to improve internal efficiencies and help employees more effectively do their job; CMOs wish to drive sales and effectively market to their constituents; CFOs want to achieve efficient cash flow and invest in solutions that will bring a significant ROI.

While these differing priorities may seem complicated, strategic involvement of the IT department can help unify all of the C-Suite’s goals. According to a recent PricewaterHouseCoopers report, executive teams which collaborate the most across the board room and include IT are four times more likely to be top performers.

Why is that the case? Companies that combine their business and IT strategies better than their competitors are able to adapt more quickly to meet market changes. Additionally, IT projects were more likely to be on time, on budget and within the initial scope. Because technology is an amplifier of business performance, executives who integrate things like social into the business strategy are able to build a superior and sustainable edge over their competitors.

At Metafile, we understand the importance of encouraging collaboration between the C-Suite and IT to drive success and growth. Businesses that are strong collaborators with IT are often quicker to deploy new products and more responsive to customers and to the market. Furthermore, a solid understanding of IT allows strong collaborators to be better at knowing tech-related issues like basic infrastructure, but also understand how to turn key data into real, actionable insights.

How well does your C-Suite collaborate with your IT department? Let us know in the comments section!

For the past couple years, the world has been reading with some skepticism about how the economy is bouncing back; however, the turnaround has benefited certain industries faster than others. According to a recent article in SearchManufacturingERP, manufacturers are finally seeing the rebound, as multiple markets emerge and younger, more tech savvy executives join the ranks. This positive momentum is setting the stage for increased IT spend for many manufacturers who had to tighten budgets and eliminate spending in recent years.

Among the technology trends outlined in the article are increased adoption of mobile apps, cloud computing, big data and social media. These technologies are providing more insight into internal processes and helping businesses to be more effective than ever.

One particular trend that we found interesting was that enterprise mobility solutions have been steadily rising. As more manufacturing-specific applications emerge and consumer-focused devices like tablets continue to enter the workplace, that trend will only increase, as businesses are seeing mobility as necessary for business growth:

“According to data from a recent Mint Jutras survey of 300 businesses -- more than half of which were manufacturers -- 27% of respondents consider access to ERP data on mobile devices to be a "must-have," while 38% consider it "important." This shows a significant increase from last year's numbers, which were 19% and 28%, respectively.”

Having access to ERP software from any device in any location is something we hear from our customers every day. We know that the cloud has lent itself significantly to that capability, but we’re excited to see the evolution into more enterprise-focused mobile applications for ERP as mobile becomes a priority for manufacturers.

Check out the full article on SearchManufacturingERP (free membership required) to learn about more trends in the coming year. What kinds of technologies are you considering for this year?

At Metafile, we constantly read articles from both industry-specific outlets to national business and technology-focused media to keep ourselves informed, but we especially love reading about businesses and industries that have seen major success with Microsoft Dynamics solutions.

Recently, we came across an article in Forbes that we found fascinating. The article, entitled, “Meeting the Business Challenges of the Government,” was written by Laura Ipsen who is the Corporate VP, Worldwide Public Sector at Microsoft. Her article looks at similarities between business and government organizations, noting that businesses aim to identify which technology solutions will help them do more with less and “new” with less so that they can compete and succeed, and that the government sector is no different.

Ipsen goes on to explain how Microsoft Dynamics has helped several government organizations drive innovations, increase agility and realize their full potential. There’s a great example of how Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System Ltd (DIMTS) – which coordinates and contributes to the mobility of Delhi’s more than 16.3 million people – was able to re-engineer and consolidate their internal processes with Microsoft Dynamics AX to make them faster and able to deliver greater value to the many public transport projects across Delhi and the citizens who need them.

We love hearing how great solutions like Microsoft Dynamics are helping businesses of all sizes and across all sectors – even large governmental organizations across the world – streamline their processes and enable them to focus on larger and more important projects. What has Microsoft Dynamics allowed you to do? We want to hear about it in the comments section!

Commerce is in no way limited by geographic borders. There is a constant flow of money, resources and goods between organizations conducting business overseas, as well as global corporations with locations around the world.

For businesses looking to take advantage of the global marketplace and expand their operations beyond U.S. borders, this often means establishing partnerships with foreign suppliers and corporations that have the expertise and geographical advantage to aid in expansion. When operating on a global scale, special provisions must be made within financial departments to ensure compliance with international tax laws and regulations. One of which is the submission of a Form W-8, a form the IRS recently updated to allow for greater submission automation.    

A Form W-8 provides documentation to financial institutions allowing foreign entities to establish status as a “non-resident” and claim exempt status from certain taxes. Submitting the form is necessary for AP departments executing business in compliance with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). Many AP departments are rejoicing after a recent memorandum was released from the IRS Office of Chief Counsel stating a signed Form W-8 can be scanned, e-mailed or faxed as an accepted method of submission.

For businesses, as well as financial institutions interested in taking advantage of the policy changes, there are a few IRS-established safeguards that must be met. The original memorandum lists these stipulations in the general requirements section and addresses the necessary parameters with which the document may be accepted. In a recent Financial Operations Matters article, Diane Sears discusses the implications of the new provision and taps a Washington, D.C., law firm to provide a clear analysis of the memorandum.

An excerpt from the analysis explains the ways senders can ensure their forms are properly submitted:

• Print it out
• Fill it out
• Sign it
• Scan it
• Email or fax it
• Verify the sender
• Validate the form
• Receive a memorandum of understanding (MOU) from the IRS that it received the form

You can read the full analysis here and stay updated on the latest IRS news by visiting the IRS News and Events page.

The beginning of a new year is a time of both planning for the future and reflecting on the past. In a previous post we shared our 2013 predictions, so this week we thought it would be appropriate to highlight a few of our favorite blog entries from the past year. With so much activity packed into 12 months, it was hard to narrow down our favorites!

As has been the case for a couple of years now, cloud computing technology continued to be a hot topic of discussion in 2012, and we don’t anticipate the momentum slowing down in 2013. We shared an informative infographic from Microsoft, which highlights the nearly 14 million new jobs that cloud computing will create globally. Additionally, we looked at the top three things to consider before adopting new cloud technology.

Many of us know that being knowledgeable about new technology and the happenings within the industry provide a valuable competitive edge. With that in mind, we highlighted a few interesting articles to keep readers updated on technology trends and forecasting. One of our favorites was a piece from Financial Operations Matters discussing how advancements in mobile, content management, and cloud computing will increase efficiencies in the financial process as well as establish more access to imperative financial documents regardless of location.

Speaking of mobility and location, it seemed as though several of our team members were constantly on the go last year! Our team attended numerous industry events in 2012 that were both informative and fun. We joined 16,000 other Microsoft partners in Toronto for an electrifying World Partner Conference and had a blast working with a few Microsoft OEMs to participate in the OEM Test Drive, a program that allowed Partner Channel Manager, Steve Gregory, to make his on-camera debut on Microsoft's MPN Live show throughout the conference.

Last year was a truly action-packed and fun year and we certainly look forward to continuing the momentum in 2013!

Many professionals shy away from actively engaging on social media, either because of time constraints or uncertainty surrounding how to become an active participant. While it can seem daunting, it is well worth the time investment, especially with sites like LinkedIn that provide targeted and often educational interactions. Professional networking sites can be a great resource for generating potential leads, identifying leaders within the industry and staying in touch with colleagues.

One of the great resources found on LinkedIn is its robust “Groups” feature, which allows users to create and contribute to digital communities with individuals that are similar in profession, education, or business, without being bombarded by overly self-promotional posts. During our own time on the site, we have found that there is a diverse mix of groups dedicated to Microsoft Dynamics and ERP professionals that are interested in networking with other experts in the industry.

We have compiled a few of our favorite groups that are great resources for those in the Microsoft Dynamics and ERP space:

• ERP Community provides members with active discussion boards on relevant topics such as implementation strategies, how to select software and answers to questions posted by users interested in executing ERP projects for their organization.
• ERP Project Management is a highly targeted group of individuals, usually apart of ERP implementation teams. Here, members can share professional experiences with peers that understand the unique challenges that come along with bringing an ERP solution to life. Recent discussions include the challenges of project management and effective project management tools. This is a great group for those that want to stay sharp with easy access to whitepapers, case studies, and interesting news updates.
• The Microsoft Dynamics Consultants group requires administrative approvals before being allowed access; however that shouldn’t deter you from joining. Once approved, Microsoft Dynamics ERP consultants have access to a wide network of more than 22,000 professionals, with many experts in NAV (Navision), GP (Great Plains), AX (Axapta) and SL (Solomon) systems.
• If you’re interested in connecting with Microsoft Dynamics ERP professionals, consider joining the MS Dynamics group. The large group of Dynamics pros had over 90 discussion threads last month. Although a large group, there is a lot of opportunity to connect with seasoned professionals, network and share the latest news in the MS Dynamics community.

If you haven’t already, we also encourage you to connect and engage with the Metafile team on LinkedIn, including our Partner Channel Manager Steve Gregory and myself!

Gathering family and friends to share traditions, create new memories and enjoy a feast of turkey and pumpkin pie are just a few of the reasons that Thanksgiving is truly a special holiday.

One tradition that especially resonates with us here at Metafile is to reflect on the things and people for whom we are thankful. With that sharing spirit in mind, our team would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for all of our wonderful employees, customers, partners and readers of the MetaBlog.

Every week we aim to bring you relevant and insightful content, to help keep you up to date on this fast-moving industry. We appreciate your readership and we encourage you to provide feedback or suggest topics that are important to you. We look forward to continuing to engage with all of you and wish each of you a very happy Thanksgiving!

The first day of winter is just over a month away, but that doesn’t mean the ice, snow and frigid temperatures won’t try to catch us off guard as soon as possible. In recent years, winter storms like Snowpocalypse 2010 have dropped record-breaking amounts of snow, which often translates to record-lows in business productivity as many people are discouraged from commuting in the dangerous elements.

Earlier this year, Microsoft Office created a fascinating infographic which illustrates how crippling and costly winter storms can be. According to the research, extreme weather conditions in 2010 resulted in a loss of approximately 50 million total man-hours of productivity in five states.

While facing extreme winter weather seems daunting from a business operations perspective, productivity doesn’t have to disappear if you have the right solutions in place. For example, cloud-based technology allows employees to access data and work from any location, which can be especially important if extreme weather advisories are issued.  Solutions such as MetaViewer Cloud offer your business anytime, anywhere access to paperless workflows which can be essential to maintaining productivity when Mother Nature isn’t being kind. 

Just as you prepare for winter weather by stocking up on hats, gloves and scarves, it’s just as important to make sure your business is ready for the change in seasons. With winter approaching, take some time to think about adopting technology that promotes productivity, even when staff can’t make the commute to the office.

Pre-implementation testing can be a stressful process, especially if the RFP process was lengthy; however testing is one of the most important steps to successfully adopt new technology. A premature or improperly planned deployment can be disastrous and brings the risk of a steep financial loss if not properly managed. Lucky for the team, these tests don't require sharpened pencils, lined paper or calculators; however they do call for rigorous performance demands during this essential phase in the implementation process.

So how should companies approach the testing of a new solution? First, testing should always be executed under controlled conditions such as an isolated system or virtualized space on a server, in which results can be documented and evaluated. When failed outcomes or glitches do occur, they should be resolved and tested again until desired outcomes are produced. If the system can withstand intentional traps, then it will be much more likely to withstand day-to-day activity.

We also encourage testing be performed by a variety of applications teams, especially those not as closely tied to the project. In the case of MetaViewer, we put together teams that consist of IT and finance administrators as well as personnel not as familiar with the intricacies of the technology. Varied opinions are valuable to determining how accurately the technology is performing.

By aggressively testing new solutions, the technology will have already been used heavily in various situations, which will make the rollout to end-users a much smoother and successful process.

Search Manufacturing ERP posted an insightful excerpt of Steven Scott Phillips' book, "Control Your ERP Destiny: Reduce Project Costs, Mitigate Risks, and Design Better Business Solutions," which provides a few best practices for ERP testing and insights on how to achieve ERP software quality assurance.

The implementation process can be a lengthy one, but as the popular saying goes it's always smart to measure twice and cut once. In this case, test twice (or more!) and execute once!

For more insights on this topic, we encourage you to read the excerpt and share your own experiences below in the comments.

When an organization prepares to adopt significant technology like a new ERP solution, a CRM system or a document management solution, it's amazing the excitement and anticipation it sparks throughout an organization. It can be easy for stakeholders to eagerly scrap old solutions and processes in favor of quickly adopting the new tools. But this skips over an essential part of the adoption process that is vital to new technology's success: closely evaluating the old solution for key lessons.

All too often, organizations automatically look at what hasn't been working, but it's also important to consider what did work and what can be carried over or mimicked in the new process. By doing this, companies can identify ways to make the transition from old to new as smooth as possible while troubleshooting issues within processes.

For example, when adopting a new Paperless ERP solution, two-way communication with the end users in the accounts payable department will provide a wealth of knowledge to the IT team that is managing the implementation. The implementation process will often expose holes in the existing business processes, but alternatively, the AP professionals will be able to share details on certain workflow and approval process details that can be carried over or adapted to fit the new solution.

We encourage businesses considering adopting new solutions to do their due diligence in understanding what their organization needs specifically. This may mean rolling up your sleeves and getting heavily involved in the processes, however this step is necessary in creating the foundation needed to implement a successful new solution.

For more on this subject, we recommend "Successful ERP migration requires business process redesign," a recent article on Search Manufacturing ERP (free registration is required).

As responsible adults, we take our cars in for regular service and have annual screenings with our doctors knowing that these preventative check-ups will ultimately ensure the health of ourselves and vehicles, saving us time and money in the future. We think it is equally important to apply this same proactive behavior towards your business' technology.

Performing annual audits (if not more frequently)and evaluating the health of information systems, hardware, and software updates is vital to maintaining your business productivity. For example, employees shouldn't have to fight technology to complete tasks or use cumbersome programs that decrease efficiency. Audits can actively identify vulnerabilities in mission critical systems, as well as ensure sensitive data is secure. It is important to understand what existing technologies are being utilized and evaluate if they are successfully helping your business achieve its goals.  For instance, many companies have found Paperless ERP to be a worthwhile investment as it helps to reduce costs, and streamline processes.

One 'Do-It-Yourself Auditing' article in Biztech magazine lists several key areas to consider in an audit:

• Systems and device inventory (type and number), including software, hardware and patches
• Return on investment on projects run by IT
• Help-desk calls, duration and case closure rates
• Automation levels for system maintenance (i.e., the operations that run the IT applications)
• In-house development and its total cost of ownership compared to projects of existing off-the-shelf prepackaged solutions
• Productivity levels of consultants versus employees in the IT department
• Budget of IT costs versus actual expenditures
• Number of different platforms and databases, and if and how they are able to communicate with each other
• Networked systems inventory and open ports
• Data backup procedures and system logs
• Deciding what to upgrade or what to buy new can be a challenging decision. When considering your choices, evaluate not only the direct-dollar investment, but also ensure that the solution (upgrade or new) provides an acceptable return on investment.

Like your regular car and health checkups, we encourage you to be proactive about auditing your business' technology to discover opportunities to help your business run more efficiently and effectively.   

Recently, MSDynamicsWorld posted an informative article on the "State of Document Management," technology deployment and the cost associated with investing in new technology. The article features two industry experts, Bob Larrivee, Director of the AIIM Learning Center and Jon Casher, President of Casher Associates Inc., both of whom bring a wealth of knowledge to the topic of document management, imaging, and the application of new technologies.

Notably, the article provides valuable insight on the next generation of technologies, such as cloud and mobile, that will impact the way document management and automated workflow solutions are utilized in the accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) functions.

What we found most striking was the discussion surrounding the sophistication that document management and automated workflow technology (such as MetaViewer) has long since achieved and how cloud and mobile technology are just now beginning to catch up. Here is a brief excerpt:

Q. What is the state of technology for document imaging?

A. Casher: A lot of the technology like document imaging, and OCR and even automated workflow have been around for many years-30 or 40 years in some cases. They are very mature technologies. Many of the technologies used in accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) and such are really quite mature. The things that are the least mature are things like cloud computing and software as a mechanism for delivering software. Things like smartphones are also relatively newer technologies.

The initial promises that [were] made by vendors dramatically overstated the capabilities and about seven or so years ago, people sort of held off because of the many [potential errors inherent in the software.] So the vendors sort of stepped back, and rethought the products. And the next generation of products-the ones that are out there today-are actually quite good. They often times allow people to be twice as productive. But when people use things like OCR that doesn't mean [documents] shouldn't be reviewed by human beings.

The full Q&A is available to subscribers of MSDynamics World (registration is free), but we would love to hear your thoughts on the state of document management and ERP in the comment sections.

Many CFOs are growing more interested in establishing the IT department as a resource to drive revenue and contribute to overall business strategy. A few weeks ago, we discussed how IT professionals can be vital assets to the bottom line, encouraging CIOs and IT professionals to take a holistic, business-focused approach when considering new technology. A recent study conducted by CFO Research (the publisher of CFO Magazine) and sponsored by Google, found that more CFOs and financial leaders foresee cloud computing as a driver to lower operation costs and help their businesses succeed in the near future.

According to the research, finance executives see cloud computing and technology as a vital tool moving into the future:

• 76 percent said a "solid cloud computing strategy" will be important for their company's success within the next twelve to eighteen months.
• 52 percent say their companies are in the process of considering or implementing a cloud-based system.
• 40 percent of respondents said their companies consistently include cloud-based options alongside on-premise options when evaluating new systems.
• 68 percent said cloud-based systems would "meaningfully improve" IT's ability to focus on high-value activities, such as setting corporate strategies.

Moreover, one recent Microsoft study found that by 2015, business revenues from IT innovation enabled by the cloud could reach $1.1 trillion a year.  Cloud technologies provide great opportunities to drive revenue by reducing overall operation cost and better utilizing IT professionals.

We invite you to read the full findings and let us know your thoughts on the cloud's impact on the bottom line in the comments section!

Recently, Metafile made the trip to the Microsoft World Partner Conference (WPC), joining more than 16,000 other Microsoft partners in Toronto. It was truly an electrifying week that offered exciting conversations surrounding topics like Microsoft Dynamics, Windows 8, Office 365, and cloud computing. As expected, partners were eager to learn about the incentive programs and new service offerings that would allow them to aid in the growth their customers businesses.

In a recent post on the ERP Software Blog titled "Microsoft Prepares for Exciting Launch Year: Notes from the Worldwide Partner Conference," we provided readers with an in-depth recap of our learning's from the conference, including insights on Microsoft's upcoming launch year and the implications for Microsoft Dynamics partners and users.

Also while attending WPC, Metafile's Partner Channel Manager Steve Gregory was invited to participate in a fun and unique project with the Microsoft OEM team called the Device Test Drive. At the beginning of the conference, Steve and representatives from six other Microsoft partners were given Ultrabooks from Microsoft's top OEM partners to test throughout the week, resulting in video interviews that were aired on Microsoft's MPN Live show throughout the conference.

Microsoft's Vice President of US OEM Peter Han recently shared his thoughts on the highly successful Device Test Drive in a blog post entitled, "Good Things Pass by Those Who Wait," which includes a link to Steve's video debut (You can also watch Steve's Device Test Drive video by clicking the image below).

As predicted, WPC was an exciting week and proved to be a valuable experience. We're especially excited to see what this year holds for Microsoft and the entire Microsoft Dynamics community with the launch of so many new products, so stay tuned for our insights throughout the year!

What has the capability of creating nearly 14 million new jobs by 2015? While that may seem like a staggering number, Microsoft recently answered that question in a white paper they commissioned through analyst firm International Data Corporation (IDC). The white paper, Cloud Computing's Role in Job Creation, provides insights on the impact cloud computing will have on employment around the world - by region, country, business size and industry. According to the white paper, spending on public and private IT cloud services will generate nearly 14 million jobs worldwide from 2011 to 2015 (with 1.2 million in the U.S. alone). The research also found that IT innovation created by cloud computing could produce $1.1 trillion a year in new business revenues. Here are a few interesting predictions from the white paper:

• Cloud-related jobs will accrue evenly to businesses with 500 or fewer employees and those with more than 500 employees.
• More than one-third of cloud-enabled jobs will occur in the communications and media, banking, and discrete manufacturing industries.
• China and India will account for about half of all new cloud-related jobs.

Accompanying the white paper are two visually-arresting infographics showcasing the growth of cloud-enabled jobs across the world and United States, and there is an additional blog post about the effect of cloud computing across vertical industries as well.

You can read the full white paper, sponsored by Microsoft here.

In past posts we have discussed the increased business efficiencies cloud solutions provide. Utilizing cloud-based solutions allows IT personnel and finance administrators to focus more on revenue driving strategy and less on administrative hiccups. The benefits of increased internal efficiencies easily translate to vendors or clients in the form of timely billing and easier access to information.

Are you interested in learning how your business can benefit from cloud solutions? Please contact our team here.

Recently while on the Journal of Accountancy website, we ran across an interesting article addressing how cloud computing, mobile and analytics impact CPA job functions. In the article, "Technology and CPAs: Visions of the Future" author Jeff Drew states that the accounting profession is undergoing one of the biggest technology shifts "since the introduction of the personal computer three decades ago."

With the increased utilization of cloud-based applications and automation, financial experts forecast the demise of financial data entry all together. Numerous experts contributed to the article providing insights on what CPAs should expect in the next decade. A few interesting highlights:

• Mobile devices and cloud computing dominated the discussion of the most important technologies for CPAs. "(The) cloud and mobile devices (phones, tablets, ultrabooks, etc.) will continue to help further integrate technology into all aspects of a CPA's daily duties," Cieslak said. "We refer to this as pervasive computing."
• With pervasive computing, CPAs increasingly will use mobile devices to access cloud-based applications, communications, and data. This connectivity will help CPAs work more efficiently and exchange information with clients more effectively, Vetter said.
• CPAs also can expect to gain access to more robust business intelligence and data analysis tools, according to several of the experts. Collins, for example, said, "These new tools will likely use XML and XBRL tags, large databases, and sophisticated algorithms to quickly analyze a company's financial activity-sliced, diced, and stratified by many criteria to identify risks, concerns, and potential improvements and opportunities."

You can read the full article here. Are you seeing a significant impact in your financial processes as a result of technology? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section below.

It's no secret that paper can be extremely expensive. According to Reduce.org, the costs of using paper in an office can run as much as 31 times the actual purchasing cost. For example, one ream of paper may retail for $5, but can cost a business up to $155 after copying, printing, and handling. As a result, many AP/AR departments have adopted automated Paperless ERP solutions like MetaViewer to assist in reducing the costs associated with paper.

Implementing an automated Paperless ERP solution aids in creating a more streamlined process when approving and sending invoices, and also establishes a more effective use of resources. We recently discussed the benefits of ditching paper in a two part series for Manufacturing Business Technology. In the series, we shared with readers how paper can be the financial department's greatest enemy and a "blind spot" for management and executives. I recently found some staggering stats on paper waste on Reduce.org:

• The average office worker uses 10,000 sheets of copy paper each year.
• The United States alone, which has less than 5 percent of the world's population, consumes 30 percent of the world's paper.
• More than 40 percent of wood pulp goes toward the production of paper.
• Printing and writing paper equals about one-half of U.S. paper production.

Is your office fighting a battle with paper consumption? Visit our site to learn more about how paperless solutions like MetaViewer can help your office ditch the paper.

We are excited to share the upcoming changes that are in store for our staff headquartered in Rochester, Minn. This week, we'll be moving to our new, beautifully renovated headquarters which has been optimized with state of the art technology and high efficiency capabilities. The new space will allow us to better serve our valued customers and partners and allow for our continued growth in addition to further solidifying our commitment to green business principles.

The new headquarters are a testament to the hard work and commitment our team members provide our clients by delivering effective solutions. As the move draws near, our team is finalizing preparations and aim to make it as smooth a transition as possible for our clients.

We look forward to sharing more news, pictures and updates with you in the coming weeks as the space and transition are complete, so stay tuned!

As the school year comes to a close and summer approaches, students everywhere are participating in graduation and awards ceremonies to honor the "Best and Brightest." In this spirit, we thought it would be beneficial (and fun!) to take a look back at a few news stories and MetaBlog posts from this spring that we consider "Best in Class." Here's how we cast our ballot:

• Valedictorian: Get your head in the tech game (Financial Operations)
• Most Likely to Succeed: Announcing the Newly Enhanced MetaViewer!
• Most Popular: Microsoft's Kevin Turner Ushers in "New Era" of Technology
• Most Likely to Run a Fortune 500 Company: Ditch the Paper
• Most Likely to Change the World: Three Reasons to Consider the Cloud

Is there an article from the past few months that you found especially interesting? Feel free to share your favorites with us in the comments section!

Earlier this month, the Metafile team attended Fusion 2012 in Nashville and, as expected, had a fantastic experience. Whether through conversations with prospects, meetings with partners and customers or participating in educational sessions, we found a tremendous value in taking an active role at FUSION. This year, Metafile presented a few sessions, including:

• Best Practices for Managing Documents and Workflow Automation: Metafile's Regional Sales Manager, Doug Bertram shared how organizations can integrate a document management system into existing business applications in order to reduce operating costs, while simultaneously increasing cash flow and productivity.
• Pitch the Paper Clips and Move to Paperless ERP: Regional Sales Manager, Doug Bertram, discussed how Metafile's MetaViewer Paperless ERP solution goes beyond the electronic file cabinet to offer paperless invoice and order capture with OCR, automated workflow, real-time visibility and full ERP integration.

Thanks again to everyone who stopped by our booth and attended our sessions! If you weren't able to attend and want a quick recap, Karen Kroll from Financial Operations Matters shared a great overview of the conference on the Institute of Financial Operations website.

Fusion 2012 is back and better than ever!The team from Metafile will be in Nashville, TN from May 13-17 to participate in the largest conference for professionals in accounts payable, accounts receivable, document management and procure-to-pay.

This week promises to be full of informative events and speakers: more that 1,700 professionals will be present to participate in education sessions, keynotes, and networking opportunities.

The Metafile team has a lot in store, and here are four great ways to connect with us:

1. LEARN how to leverage the full capabilities of your Microsoft Dynamics or other ERP solution. Members of the Metafile team will be leading several educational sessions throughout the conference, including:
   
   Best Practices for Managing Documents and Workflow Automation
   Tuesday, May 15 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Cheekwood C room
   
   Metafile's Regional Sales Manager Doug Bertram will share how you can can integrate document management system into your organization's existing business applications in order to reduce operating costs, while simultaneously increasing cash flow and productivity.
   
   Pitch the Paper Clips and Move to Paperless ERP
   Tuesday, May 15 from 3:00p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the Magnolia Boardroom B
   
   Regional Sales Managers David Danner and Doug Bertram will discuss how Metafile's MetaViewer Paperless ERP solution goes beyond the electronic file cabinet to offer paperless invoice and order capture with OCR, automated workflow, real-time visibility and full ERP integration.
   
   Vendor Tours
   Wednesday, May 16 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
   
   Metafile will participate in two vendor tours on the exhibit floor: "A Futuristic Look at Document Management Operations" and "Emerging Technology in AP." These round-robin sessions are a great opportunity to hear from many experienced vendors and interact on the show floor to learn what technology is a best fit for your organization.
2. CONNECT with Metafile product experts. Still wondering if MetaViewer is the right solution for your organization? Stop by our booth (#615) and speak directly with our team. They will take you step-by-step through the evaluation process to help you determine if it's right for your company. Be sure to register at our booth for a discount offer on your MetaViewer software purchase.
3. Get a SNEAK PEEK of the latest enhancements to our MetaViewer solution. Metafile team members will be on hand at our booth (#615) to provide you with a hands-on demonstration of the latest upgrades to MetaViewer and will guide you through how our Paperless ERP solution integrates with Microsoft Dynamics and other ERP solutions to maximize efficiency.
4. Gain INSIGHT into what's happening with Metafile and how it will benefit you. Hear directly from our team on what lies ahead for Metafile and how you can become a part of their partner program.

Are you going to Fusion 2012? Let's get together. At IAPP Fusion, that is. Be sure to visit us at booth #615!

April is National Stress Awareness month, and as the month comes to a close, it's an appropriate time to call attention to the increased amount of stress and pressure that is placed on IT administrators with the evolving demands of enterprise companies and franchises alike. A recent study found that more than 60 percent of IT respondents said they've considered switching jobs due to stress and identified managers, the users they support and tight deadlines as their top three stressors.

Aside from the benefits of integrating MetaViewer into your AP/AR process, one of the perks of utilizing MetaViewer is the ease of implementation. Companies can opt to have a Subscription on Premise Solution which allows for automatic storage, rapid implementation and almost instant return on investment.

The solution can also be expanded at any time to adjust to your company's needs and even better, MetaViewer offers full integration modules available for most major accounting and ERP systems.

Providing the IT department with the proper technology, staff and sometimes financial investment can make a world of difference in business outcomes as it relates to your companies IT infrastructure.

So play nice with your IT administrators. It's good for both their stress level and yours.

Earth Day is fast approaching, and with the growing push for individuals to be more cognizant of energy consumption, it's also important to note that businesses small and large can have a significant impact on the environment and should take steps to lower their carbon footprint.

Going green has several benefits: 

• Promotes corporate responsibility and a commitment to reducing a company's carbon footprint. Reducing carbon footprint can be as easy as using more energy efficient lighting, or providing incentives for employees to carpool, lowering the number of vehicles on the road every day.
• Encourages green habits. One of the benefits of a paperless office is being able to easily access documents without being buried in stacks of paper invoices. MetaViewer offers a solution to paper mountains via technology that requires an invoice only be scanned one time. Reducing the need for copies also decreases overall consumption of paper, which, in turn, saves oxygen-producing trees.
• Delivers greater returns on hardware, software and technology investments. Having these technologies in an office are almost synonymous with the term "office." However, you may be able to better utilize existing hardware by allowing it to do the heavy lifting. The Garner Group estimates that an invoice, when handled manually, is usually copied 11 times before being processed for approval. Better partnering hardware with technology that allows a document to be scanned one time, but viewed by multiple users as many times as necessary fully optimizes the existing functions of software and hardware.
• Increases the bottom line. In previous blog posts, we've discussed the financial benefits of trashing paper invoices. One of largest areas for savings can be found by eliminating the need to print, purchase stamps and shipping materials. Eliminating paper invoices allows you to save on printing, postage and storage costs.

Adopting green business habits is good for your business and reflects positively on your bottom line. And with more customers expecting companies, vendors and partners to practice green, there are only positive benefits for your company.

MetaViewer can be a great asset for companies looking to go green. Our site is full of information on paperless ERP and solutions to trash paper invoices.

A company's profitability is often determined by how well vital departments are managed internally, and the amount of time it takes to turn cash into more cash is often a tell-tale sign of how efficient the accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) departments are at managing cash flow.

A recent article in Forbes highlights one measurement that is used to determine the efficiency of a company's cash management, the Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC), which measures the amount of time in which a business can turn over cash on hand. For those that aren't familiar with this measurement, the CCC follows cash through an organization, beginning as inventory, transitioning to accounts payable, moving through sales and accounts receivable, and then back into additional cash for the company. Further, the CCC measures how long a business will be deprived of cash if it increases its investment in resources in order to expand customer sales.

Investors use the CCC, in conjunction with other measurements like Days in Inventory, to determine the overall health of a company, and how efficiently the company manages inventory, accounts receivable and the accounts payable process. A low or gradually decreasing CCC rate should be the goal for companies aiming to stay ahead of competitors and ensure efficiency in management.

So what steps can organizations take to decrease the CCC? Solutions like MetaViewer provide a way for businesses in every industry to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their AP/AR departments, decreasing the amount of time necessary to process incoming and outgoing invoices. The Paperless ERP software allows users to better capture, manage and access data through the lifecycle of an invoice, plus companies save time and money by eliminating the need for paper processing and mailing, as well as simplifying the overall business process.

A well-organized and effective AR/AP process plays a vital role in a company's ability to turn cash into more cash, ensuring that your business' CCC is lower than the competition. Read the full article and then we invite you to explore our website to learn how MetaViewer can increase your CCC.

As we hinted in our post last week, we're excited to announce that our team has made new enhancements to our flagship solution, MetaViewer.

In order to address the increasing need for speed and accuracy in today's dynamic business environment, we wanted to provide our customers with additional features that simplify their processes. With this in mind, MetaViewer's top enhancements include:

• Shift to a "role-based" system: MetaViewer's User Manager Web application allows users to be assigned to one or more roles, eliminating any extra steps needed to create and manage users in the system. This allows hundreds of approver and other internet / cloud users to be added to the system securely and effortlessly.
• More control over search: Enhancing the proven MetaViewer "Google like" full text search, users now have even more control over what documents and pages are returned on an active search, saving time and improving efficiency.
• Simplified activation software: With MetaViewer's new Activation Assistant, there is no longer a need to request unlock codes and wait for Metafile to send license files. This simplifies the implementation process and reduces IT resources needed for deployment.

Read the recent announcement for full details on these exciting updates!

Here at Metafile we're dedicated to exceeding customer expectations - in the technology solutions we provide, the capabilities we deliver and at every touchpoint with our customers and partners.

This is why I'm particularly proud and humbled to share that Regional Manager Matt Akin has been recognized for his dedication to his customers. Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine recognized Matt as one of its 2012 "Pros to Know," an awards program that recognizes individuals from software firms and service providers, consultancies or academia who have helped their supply chain clients or the community prepare to meet industry challenges. These Provider Pros to Know offer thought leadership that is shaping the supply chain industry and advancing it as a respected discipline.

Matt was recognized for his dedication to his customers and has earned the trust and respect from his colleagues, customers and industry partners by demonstrating a thorough understanding of their business needs.

Matt is a tireless advocate for his customers, always taking the time to understand the issues and challenges unique to each organization. Throughout the process, he serves as part of the customer's internal AP/AR team, taking everyone's input is taken into consideration, learning their pain points and ensuring their needs are met.

Please join me in congratulating Matt! I'm proud to work with him and all of the other Metafile team members committed to delivering the best service, counsel and technology available.

Vendor Portals:  Where to Begin?

Last week we began our series on how vendors can make the move to digital invoicing. In Part 1, we covered the basics, including why vendors may want to ditch the paper and pursue digital invoicing. This week we're discussing vendor portals and how vendors can equip themselves to take advantage of this technology.

A vendor self-service portal offers significant time-saving benefits to the vendor and the customer. The AP automation solution automatically keeps the portal data in sync with any changes entered in the ERP solution, so vendors can remain up to date on when invoices have been received, approved, scheduled for payment and when payments have been submitted. With a portal like VendorView from Metafile, automated update emails are sent to the appropriate vendor with a link to the portal. By simply clicking on the link and securely logging in, the vendor has access to the invoice and any related transaction documents at their fingertips. This visibility and automated communication of status can greatly reduce the time-consuming phone tag and searching for documents rampant in traditional paper-based systems and even most other imaging systems.

Getting started with a portal is a simple process. A customer who is equipped with an AP automation solution adds the vendor in the system, which then sends out a welcoming email that invites the vendor to register. The vendor logs in, chooses a password and uploads an electronic W-9 form with the vendor's taxpayer identification number. At that point, the vendor is all set to go digital. Vendors can participate in a portal even if they are still mailing traditional paper invoices, but for vendors to fully reap the benefits of this time-saving technology, however, they should also make the switch to providing digital invoices.

Check in with us next week where in Part 3 of this series, we will get more technical and outline the various ways vendors can submit invoices via a vendor portal.

This past fall, Metafile's vice president of marketing and sales, Nick Sprau, and Steve Gregory, Metafile's partner channel manager, attended the Microsoft Dynamics GPUG Summit 2011 conference in Las Vegas where Metafile was a Premier sponsor of the event..

As a follow-up to their conversation at the conference, Jenny Davis,president of The Partner Channel and managing publisher of GPUG Magazine, spoke with Nick and Steve to discuss Metafile and their experiences with Microsoft Dynamics GP. Here are a few highlights from their conversation:

GPUG: What do you have coming up for customers?
Nick Sprau: We're continuing to integrate more and more with Microsoft Dynamics GP, creating the tools needed for people who are not only inside your organization - but also the people outside of the Microsoft Dynamics infrastructure.

GPUG: What's been the greatest benefit of being involved in GPUG?
Steve Gregory: We've found a lot of benefit in participating in regional chapter meetings, conducting webinars, and being face-to-face with Users. All of these activities have added value and have taken GPUG to the next level.
Nick Sprau: I agree with Steve. The opportunity to attend regional meetings has added strength to our User relationships.

Read the full Metafile feature story, on page 25 in the Winter issue of GPUG Magazine's "ISV Member Showcase."

Recently while reading Supply & Demand Chain Executive, one of the primary sources for industry news, we came across an interesting article that looks at the essential things for organizations to consider when moving towards the cloud. Contributed by Stan Klimoff, the director of cloud services for Grid Dynamics, a provider of scalable engineering and enterprise cloud solutions, the article shares some valuable insights on the adoption of cloud technology, including identifying the business processes that will benefit from the cloud, the data that is touched by each IT process and the value of having a trusted partner.

One of Klimoff's most resonant points was the assertion that when identifying business processes that can benefit from using the cloud, it is important to remember the reasons for moving to the cloud, which include:

• Cost: for the workloads where volume of processing varies significantly from month to month or even day by day, switching to a pay-as-you-go model can provide significant cost savings over the TCO of an in-house infrastructure.
• Business agility: most of the cloud offerings provide a great degree of automation, greatly improving turnaround time of IT-related processes.

Read the full article, "It Isn't Easy," and let us know your thoughts in the comments suggestion!

This year's Microsoft Dynamics Convergence is being held almost a full month earlier than in years past, which means it's already time to start preparing! Taking place in Houston from March 18-21, the conference is the premier event for the Microsoft Dynamics Customer and Partner business community, providing the opportunity to make key business connections and to discover the full potential of Microsoft Dynamics solutions.

Metafile is pleased to announce that we are once again a Gold Sponsor of this event. Our team is still putting together Metafile's Convergence plans, but we will be posting all of our updates here as they develop. We're looking forward to meeting with other Microsoft Partners and Dynamics users. Early registration is still open, so make sure to register and connect with us at the show!

The Aberdeen Group recently published its latest report, "Focusing on Customer Relationships in the Order-to-Cash Cycle," which demonstrates the positive impact that an efficient accounts receivable (AR) process can have on building and maintaining strong customer relationships.

One interesting finding within the report is that, overall, companies are feeling the pressure to improve service levels while lowering customer service costs. This results in an increasing focus on two main strategies: streamlining processes to remove non-value-added steps and increasing their use of electronic invoicing.

Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing some of the key insights from this research, however a complimentary copy of the report can be found on the Aberdeen website for a limited time.

In recent months, we've been sharing insights from our whitepaper "Uncovering the Real Value of ERP for Midsized Companies," most recently sharing our first for best practices as it relates to integrating an AP/AR automation solution with an organization's ERP system.

Here's the next installment of our recommendations:

• Automate what can be automated and streamline the rest. In cases where purchasing or receiving does not have strict rules on a process, such as three-way matching, automating may be difficult and the process should instead be simplified and standardized to the extent possible.
• Don't try to make the initial implementation too large. Consider streamlining certain processes in
  phase 1, automating in phase 2, and streamlining and automating another area in phase 3. Once staff members have seen what the technology can do in its early stages, they will envision other areas where it can be used, and future phases likely will be easier to implement.
• Get executive leadership involved and show them how they can easily gain visibility and business intelligence with the solution. They should be able to see ways that processes have improved, discounts gained and productivity increased for invoice processing and other data.
• Plan to expand the Paperless ERP solution to other parts of the organization that currently maintain paper-based processes. This will help to more easily gain management approval and will maximize the company's investment in its state-of-the-art MetaViewer document management system.

In a couple of weeks we will share our vision of how implementing AP/AR automation solutions (like MetaViewer) will impact midsized organizations in the future. In the meantime, download our latest whitepaper here to learn more about how to properly implement technology to maximize its effectiveness.

As organizations in all industries continue to strive to implement economical and efficient IT solutions, Metafile is proud to announce a newly formed strategic partnership with American Digital to provide customers with access to hardware solutions that are optimized to lend added efficiency to the financial process.

This exciting partnership will offer customers in the healthcare industry one-stop access to IT hardware solutions equipped with Metafile's MetaViewer solution. These hardware / software solutions will not only be easily and smoothly implemented into the organization's IT infrastructure without interruption, but will enhance the efficiency and visibility of the back-office financial processes such as Patient Billing and Accounts Payable.

To learn more about this strategic partnership, read the full announcement here.

The experts at Metafile always strive to stay involved and up-to-date with the latest news and technology, including ERP solutions like Microsoft Dynamics with which MetaViewer is so often integrated.  As part of our efforts, members of our Metafile team will be participating this week in the Microsoft Dynamics Communities User Group Summit 2011 in Las Vegas.

This year, Metafile experts Bob Hawley and Doug Bertram will be speaking at the following sessions:

• Document Management Round Up - On Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., Bob Hawley will be participating in this roundtable discussion that will help attendees understand the differences of document management software solutions. The session will encourage discussion amongst customers sharing their experiences with their chosen solutions, lessons learned and advice for others evaluating the various solutions. It's a can't miss!
• Paperless ERP for Microsoft Dynamics by Metafile - On Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. and Thursday at 9:30 a.m., Doug Bertram will discuss how organizations can use technology to revolutionize the way they process invoices and the benefits of a paperless environment, including reducing the cost of processing invoices and improving cash flow and working capital.

Will your organization be at this year's Dynamics Communities Summit? Be sure to visit us at booth 418!

We often discuss the value of implementing an AP/AR document management system that integrates with an existing ERP solution, and one Metafile customer, Entercom, recently saw that value in action. As one of the five largest broadcasting companies in the U.S., Entercom uses Microsoft Dynamics SL to manage its accounting functions, using a centralized system to process invoices and other transactions for its 23 locations. Within the system, there are 76,000 records from 12,000 to 15,000 vendors who have been active over the last two years.

While Microsoft Dynamics SL offered significant capabilities in connecting the accounts payable process for all of the locations, the company was not capitalizing on the system's potential as it was manually processing paper invoices. Entercom decided to implement an accounts payable automation and workflow solution using Metafile's MetaViewer solution, which provides the ability to scan paper invoices, index them, route them for approval and archive them.

The company began by integrating MetaViewer with its Microsoft Dynamics SL at the corporate level, preceding a planned, strategic rollout to local offices. The company has plans to establish 21 scan stations (some locations have consolidated business offices) where paper invoices will be scanned into MetaViewer locally before being coded at Corporate and subsequently routed back to the office for the necessary approvals.

Entercom anticipates MetaViewer will greatly improve efficiency by allowing employees who currently spend large amounts of time on payables to focus on other areas as well as helping to reduce expenses. Read Entercom's full success story here.

Recently, we've been sharing insights from our whitepaper, "Uncovering the REal Value of ERP for Midsized Companies."  We've discussed the benefits of eliminating paper from the financial process and how to leverage portal technology to ease communications with vendors and customers, but we've found that when determining whether to implement accounts payable/accounts receivable technology, executives best serve their organizations by asking the following questions:

• What is the company's current cost to process an invoice?  How long does it take and what is the dollar value of the man-hours required?  Studies show that this cost will be drastically reduced with an automated AP/AR solution.
• How often does the company miss out on early payment discounts?  Collecting these discounts actually can make the accounts payable unit a revenue generator.
• How much time does AP spend answering vendor inquiries?  With an automated process, staff can immediately determine where in the approval process an invoice is and offer a prompt response.  With a portal, vendors can answer many of their questions themselves.
• Will automating AR improve cash flow as a result of implementing workflow procedures or bank wire transfers in place of checks?  Will the company get paid more promptly?

By taking an honest look at their organization's existing AP/AR process and asking the tough questions, executives are best positioned to make an informed and valuable decision.  Download our latest whitepaper here to learn more about how to determine an organization's technology needs.

Whether it's with employees, customers, vendors or third-party industry colleagues, thriving organizations across all sectors are recognizing that communication is a key driver of success. This communication can even extend to the financial process, where transparency and visibility strengthen third-party relationships while streamlining the payment process.

One way this can be achieved is through the implementation of a vendor and customer portal that offers external business partners visibility into the status of their invoices, payments and shipments. Portals can provide an alternative to email for communication and collaboration between the company and its clients and suppliers. Portals can speed communication and resolution of issues and offer a self-service capability that reduces the number and complexity of calls from suppliers or customers, further improving productivity.

Download our latest whitepaper here to learn more about how portal technology can enhance visibility and strengthen communications and relationships with third-party business partners.

We are excited to announce the availability of our newest whitepaper, "Uncovering the Real Value of ERP for Midsized Companies." Based on research performed in collaboration with MSDynamicsWorld.com, we delve into how organizations can leverage technology to maintain their competitiveness and boost process efficiency, especially with fully integrated paperless ERP.

Over the next few months, we will be sharing additional insights from this research, including the benefits of eliminating paper, the efficiency associated with automating manual paper management, the questions organizations need to ask when considering new technology and best practices for integrating with an ERP solution.

We invite you to download the full whitepaper here and let us know what you think!

Several weeks ago, we shared our top publications and resources for IT professionals and C-Suite level decision-makers. To continue this series, this week we are turning our attention to resources for accounting professionals who are on the ground in organizations' accounts payable/accounts receivable departments.

• Accounting Today - AccountingToday.com is a great resource for professionals looking for the most current, breaking industry news. Focusing on providing online business news for the tax and accounting community, this publication also offers in-depth features and editorial analysis.
• PayStream Advisors - Another excellent resource for professionals in the procure-to-pay industry, Paystream is a research and consulting firm that minimizes risks and maximizes value associated with technology investments.
• SearchContentManagement.com - This publication is part of the TechTarget suite of publications, and provides professionals with a wide range of content management and collaboration resources to help organizations more effectively manage and leverage data as a corporate asset. 
• The Accounts Payable Network - This website is devoted to providing accounts payable professionals access to online data, facts, information, downloadable tools and peer-to-peer networking. Metafile works closely with TAPN on webinars and research projects and we look forward to our upcoming collaborations that will be shared here in the future.
• The Institute of Financial Operations (IFO) - As we shared in January, four influential accounting organizations (NAPP, IAPP, IARP and TAWPI) joined forces to create a premier resource for accounting professionals, recently renamed The Institute of Financial Operations (IFO). IFO provides professionals in all areas of the accounting industry with educational resources, ranging from webinars and conferences to whitepapers and articles.

Regional Sales Manager Bob Hawley and I recently returned from the 2011 Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC), Microsoft's annual event for partners. The conference provided Metafile with the opportunity to connect with other partners and Microsoft, as well as learn about the latest developments in Microsoft programs, strategies and cutting-edge technologies.

For Dynamics partners, Microsoft unveiled its updated strategy for cloud-based ERP (enterprise resource planning) software, which will move its four Dynamics ERP suites to the Azure cloud service starting with NAV next year.

What does this mean for Dynamics' partners and users?

Microsoft says the transition will be seamless for partners for they will still be able to host Dynamics' applications after they become available on Azure. They also note that users will be able to quickly set up consistent and repeatable steps common across the life cycle of an ERP deployment.

Since the transition to Azure will also cut down on implementation work, it will allow partners to focus on ISV solutions, such as MetaViewer Paperless ERP.

We will keep you updated as we see rollouts and product upgrades from Microsoft in the coming months, so continue to check back for the latest information and insight.

Did you attend WPC, or do you have any questions about what happened at the conference? If so, please leave a comment below, we would enjoy hearing from you!

As we reach the halfway point of 2011, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the many significant things that have happened at Metafile during the last six months.

One of the most exciting developments was the continued development of our strategic partner program. We are proud to welcome six new technology partners that will sell, service and support the Metaviewer solution for Microsoft Dynamics users:

• Computer Generated Solutions, Inc. - a provider of end-to-end, technology-enabled business solutions including ERP, SCM, PLM, WMS, CRM, portal, e-commerce, application development, project services, e-learning, training, staffing, call center and global sourcing solutions.
• CRI Technology Solutions, LLC - a full-service information technology provider of accounting solutions for companies based in Northwest Florida and Alabama.
• OmniVue - an IT partner that integrates sales, marketing, finance and operations data while providing businesses with the ability to gain visibility.
• SBS Group - a creator of technology solutions that uses industry knowledge, technical savvy and project management know-how to deliver measurable results for businesses.
• Zensar Technologies - an information technology and business process outsourcing (BPO) services company that provides end-to-end services from consulting to implementation to support to over 300 active Fortune 500 and other customers.
• TM Group - provides integrated e-business solutions to more than 250 customers in the Great Lakes area focused on accounting and finance, customer relationship management, e-commerce, human resources, manufacturing, project accounting and supply chain management.

With the addition of these companies, our partner program has grown by 60 percent and continues to see momentum.

We'll be sharing more exciting news in the coming weeks and in the meantime, read more about the exciting year we've had here!

2011 has been a busy year for conferences, but with Microsoft Dynamics Convergence 2011 and IAPP Fusion under our belts, it's time to look forward to our next exciting event: Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC).

This will be our first trip to Microsoft's largest corporate conference, and it's a great opportunity for our team to join the almost 13,000 attendees that will gather in Los Angeles to gain insights into Microsoft's business and technology roadmap for 2011.

Including a keynote from Sir Richard Branson, the founder and president of Virgin Group, this year's WPC will focus on cloud computing and the opportunities it presents for IT partners. We're also looking forward to meeting with and learning from other Microsoft partners and technology experts.

Be sure to follow the WPC conversation on Twitter at hashtag #wpc11 and look for updates from the Metafile team after the conference!

Ask any accounts payable or accounts receivable professional to share their top financial operations goals and the list will likely include automating the financial process.  Recently, Metafile discussed this hot-button topic with Diane Sears from Financial Operations Matters, sharing insights on the cloud's impact on the adoption rate of automation technology and the importance of putting technology in the hands of the end-user.

Click here to read the full Financial Operations Matters cover story, titled "The efficiency imperative:  Is there a 'silver bullet' for speedier finance operations?".  The article features insights from experts in all areas of financial process, making it an excellent, well-rounded resource for any organization that is looking to achieve greater efficiency.

In every industry, relationships are vital to an organization's success.  Whether it's the relationship with other departments, customers, partners or vendors, clear communication and collaboration is essential to building trust and rapport.  This week, we want to take a look at one of our products, VendorView^TM, the MetaViewer Vendor Self-Service Portal, which has helped many of our customers facilitate online collaboration, visibility and communication.

In a paper-based accounting department, AP managers and suppliers often have to play unnecessary phone tag and spend countless hours searching for documents when completing transactions, checking status or resolving disputes.  Implemented as an extension to the MetaViewer Paperless ERP solution, VendorView, provides suppliers with instant access to payment status, past and current invoices and other related transactional documents, essentially eliminating the need for unnecessary follow-up phone calls to the AP department.

In a business world where relationships are crucial to success, it is important for organizations to invest in technology that gives them the visibility and flexibility they need to stand apart among their competitors.

As a proud Microsoft partner, we at Metafile make a point to stay on top of the latest news as it relates to Microsoft Dynamics, whether it be through attending conferences like Convergence 2011 or reading publications that keep us updated with the most current information.

One of our favorite resources is the ERPSoftware Blog, a website where Dynamics vendors provide comparisons and opinions to professionals in the ERP/Accounting software selection process.

Recently, we shared our key takeaways from Convergence 2011 on the ERPSoftware Blog including a look at Microsoft's intensifying focus on the cloud and its call to Microsoft Dynamics partners to champion the cloud's security and agility among fellow partners and their customers.

Read the full blog post here!

Having recently returned from Microsoft Dynamics Convergence 2011 where the focus on cloud computing was clear, we announced an exciting partnership with "Dynamics-in-the-cloud" platform provider SaaSplaza.

We're looking forward to extending that momentum to the upcoming IAPP FUSION 2011 conference, to be held May 8-12 at the Gaylord Palms Hotel and Convention Center in Kissimmee-Orlando, Florida. Visit us at booth 801 on the IAPP FUSION show floor, and hear our own David Danner discuss how organizations can go beyond the electronic file cabinet to an integrated invoice-capture and paperless ERP environment at an onsite session (#205) at 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11. During his session, participants will learn how best-in-class firms:

• Eliminate data entry by efficiently implementing paper and electronic invoice capture
• Use web-based workflow
• Enjoy real-time visibility into the entire AP process
• Retrieve associated documents without leaving their ERP solution
• Easily expand to AR, HR, and payroll to achieve paperless ERP

Will we see you at IAPP FUSION?

Microsoft Dynamics Convergence 2011 is in full swing and so far it's been an exciting and worthwhile experience.

As enterprises in all industries intensify their focus on the value of cloud computing, we announced today at Convergence a strategic partnership with SaaSplaza , the SaaS hosting service provider of choice for Microsoft Dynamics partners. As our MetaViewer solution easily integrates with all four Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions (GP, AX, SL and NAV), Convergence is the perfect venue to share this exciting news.

Together, Metafile and SaaSplaza will advance and simplify integrated accounting automation of Microsoft Dynamics ERP technology installations in the cloud among Metafile's value-added resellers (VAR), referral partners and systems integrators.

Stay tuned for more on this exciting new partnership and how it will positively impact Metafile's customers and partners!

Organizations that have fully integrated an accounts payable automation technology with its ERP solution have likely benefitted from the visibility that is achieved by intelligent automation, which has long been a strategic priority that is paying dividends for Metafile and our customers.

Recently, Lisa Yoon from CIO Magazine interviewed Boris Groysberg, associate professor at Harvard Business School, and Jeremy Hanson, who manages the North American Financial Officers Practice for Heidrick & Struggles, about trends affecting C-suite executives - most notably the CFO.

One of the key points made by Groysberg and Hanson is the notion that, as the level of cross-team collaboration increases, CFOs must be knowledgeable about business functions outside of their specific responsibilities - and their impact to the business - in order to be successful. For example, a CFO must understand the priorities and projects of the CIO, and how they impact the bottom line.

This perspective shows the case for intelligent automation has never been stronger, as the visibility and business intelligence it affords is becoming more and more valuable to C-suite executives, all of whom rely on it to make informed decisions.

There's no denying that cloud computing is playing and will continue to play an integral part in the future of IT, software development and services for businesses large and small.  In the eyes of CIOs and other business and technology decision-makers, one of the largest perceived drawbacks for cloud computing is uncertainty surrounding security.

Security in the cloud is a valid concern, and one that Metafile takes very seriously. No matter how MetaViewer is deployed, be it hosted or on-premise, we take steps to prioritize security of information, ensuring that data is only accessed by the right people at the right time .

In a recent CRN article titled, "Microsoft Bangs Drum For Cloud Trust," Microsoft urges its partners, vendors and developers to work to establish cloud trust with customers, acknowledging the importance of instilling confidence in this technology. It's up to Microsoft partners like ourselves to join the cloud trust movement. It is our hope that businesses everywhere will embrace cloud computing as a trusted solution.

Read the full article on CRN  here.

One of our most anticipated events of the year, Microsoft Dynamics Convergence 2011, is fast approaching. As a Gold Sponsor of the event, we are excitedly preparing for what is sure to be a great conference. If you are unfamiliar, Convergence will take place April 10-13 in Atlanta, and is a great opportunity for Microsoft Dynamics customers and partners to network and discuss current Dynamics topics, including strategies for optimizing Dynamics investments.

We attended last year's Convergence conference and found that, in addition to broadening our Dynamics knowledge base, we also were able to meet and collaborate with many like-minded businesses that recognize Dynamics as an integral tool for creating efficiency within an organization.

If you're planning on attending Convergence, be sure to visit Metafile at booth 201 and if you are on Twitter, follow the Convergence hashtag #Conv11. Our conference planning is still underway, so check the MetaBlog often for updates as Convergence nears.

Distributors must continually manage a global ecosystem of suppliers, partners, and customers, so they are required to be nimble and efficient in order to handle their stakeholders' vastly different accounting and transactional needs. In a recent Industrial Distribution article, Jim Mandt, our vice president of technical services, shares strategies for leveraging AP automation technology to help distributors achieve accounting process.

Within the article, Jim recommends evaluating the existing accounting process for inefficiencies and investigating and implementing the right accounting automation technology, and stresses the importance of integrating paperless accounting automation technology with the ERP solution to achieve intelligent automation.

This is a great read for professionals in the distribution industry and others who want to apply these same principles within their organizations. Read the full article in Industrial Distribution here.

Recently, PayStream Advisors, a research and consulting firm that specializes in minimizing risks and maximizing value associated with technology investments, published the results of an interesting survey in PayStream Voices, its online community for financial operations technology and automation.

The survey asked financial operations professionals to rate the level of advancement their company had achieved with regard to adopting accounts payable, accounts receiveable or other financial automation technologies.

Only 21 percent of respondents identified their organization as an innovator that has "made significant investments in automation." The most common response, selected by 33 percent of respondents, was that the organization is "evaluating some advanced tools, but (has) not yet adopted them."

In this economic climate, Metafile believes that organizations with innovative accounting departments will be the ones that thrive. By implementing an AP/AR automation solution that integrates with ERP systems, organizations stand to gain enhanced visibility and workflow efficiency, enabling them to make strategic decisions and handle significant industry challenges, including anticipated changes to 1099 regulations.

See the full survey here.

Earlier this month, The National Association of Purchasing & Payables (NAPP) announced that it is merging with three influential organizations: International Accounts Payable Professionals (IAPP), and its sister organizations International Accounts Receivable Professionals (IARP) and The Association for Work Process Improvement (TAWPI).

The announcement notes that the procure-to-pay process is becoming an increased focus for IAPP, IARP and TAWPI. Not only is this significant to members of these associations who will benefit from the addition of procure-to-pay content and programming, but it should be recognized by the entire industry as a signal of widespread change.

As the president and CEO of IAPP, IARP, and TAWPI, Thomas Bohn noted, the lines between the accounts payable, accounts receivable and procurement processes are becoming blurred as integration becomes an increased priority. We at Metafile often discuss the importance of achieving automation integration throughout the accounting process and this merger is a positive sign that industry influencers share the same wholistic philosophy.

Read the full announcement here.

As 2010 winds down and we prepare to welcome the New Year, we would like to take this time to thank all of our customers, partners, employees and industry colleagues for making this past year one of Metafile's most memorable and impactful yet.

From the launch of our Microsoft Dynamics partner program to the unveiling of our new website, to our attendance and participation at this year's many exciting industry and technology events to Jim Mandt's recognition as one of a Supply & Demand Chain Executive's "Provider Pros to Know," 2010 has been a great year, and we are looking forward to tremendous success for Metafile and our customers in 2011.

On behalf of everyone at Metafile, here's wishing you happy holidays and a very happy New Year!

We've talked at length about the meaning and value of "intelligent automation" in accounts payable. Intelligent automation is rooted in accounting systems that deliver built-in intelligence across the customer and supplier landscape, ensuring that, after the first time information is entered at any point in the procure-to-pay process, it will never need to be rekeyed and instead will appear automatically as work and data flow. 

For all its value in helping organizations introduce visibility into accounting processes and identify system breakdowns, automation truly becomes intelligent when integrated with the AP department's workflow according to established business rules. Why does workflow automation matter to enterprise?

• Leveraging a permission-based interface, AP leaders and staff can immediately establish and modify routing and approval rules among AP staff. They can adjust those rules according to specific customers, suppliers and other stakeholders, boosting customer service and satisfaction.
• Once modified, newly designated approvers can be regularly reminded via e-mail about invoices awaiting their action. The best solutions also allow alternate approvers to be designated and notified if primary approvers are absent.
• Optical character recognition (OCR) can enable invoice text to be scanned for keywords matching customer and supplier information stored in individual records. Once the correct customer or vendor is identified, the document can be updated and conditionally routed for processing via e-mail according to established rules.

For more on the power and value of AP workflow automation to enterprise, contact us.

With the holiday season upon them, retailers are working harder than ever to meet customers' demands while growing their own sales numbers. One often overlooked aspect of the retail sector is the internal challenges that are faced by retailers' AP and AR departments as they handle and process a high volume of invoices, purchase orders and more throughout the holiday season.

The fact is, retailers should view AP/AR automation as an effective way to improve efficiency and cultivate high visibility into accounting operations to not only improve their internal process, but increase sales as well. As is common during the holidays, more transactions mean the flow of invoices, purchase orders and supporting documentation accelerates. Retailers who are armed to handle the increase in paperwork using automation technology can avoid unnecessary headaches.

As all retailers know, the ability to capture process, and report on accouting information is essential to improving efficiency and informing decision making across the board, as the ability to capture, analyze, and react to data can ultimately save retailers money and nurture increased sales.

To learn more about how accounts payable automation can work for your retail business, check out MetaViewer for Retail.

We are happy to welcome the first of our new Microsoft Dynamics partners to our Microsoft Dynamics partner program.  Welcome Tribridge, Integrated Business Group, KeyQuest Consulting and Workflow Heroes!

Our Microsoft Dynamics partner program enables current and future customers to more easily integrate MetaViewer with their Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions, to cultivate greater cost savings and "paperless ERP" efficiency.

Our newest partners also understand that there has never bee a better time for VARs, referral partners and systems integrators to incorporate affordable, measureable value into Microsoft Dynamics solutions with paperless ERP automation technology.  The value of new customer Microsoft Dynamics ERP sales incorporating MetaViewer can be increased 25 percent, and current customers can be offered a fully integrated paperless ERP solution that affords tangible ROI.

For more information, contact Steve Gregory, Metafile's partner channel manager, at 800.638.2445 x180, or visit our partner area on the website.