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How to save GBP1b a year in local government as budget pressures increase
(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) SOLACE, Brighton, 20th-22nd October -- Significant and daunting challenges are confronting local government as a direct result of the economic slowdown and at this year's SOLACE conference in Brighton, leaders will be coming together to discuss the challenges confronting the public sector.
At the conference Limehouse Software will also be revealing the results of a unique research project, which it has undertaken into the document production processes within local authorities, which indicates that savings of over GBP3m can be made per tier one authority.
According to Limehouse Software, an Objective Corporation company, councils across the country are missing out on annual savings of GBP1 billion by failing to streamline document production processes that can deliver ongoing cost savings as a result of improved efficiencies. Limehouse is a specialist in collaborative content creation, publishing and stakeholder consultation solutions for local and central government.
Nick Kingsbury, Director, Objective Corporation, stated: "Given the sheer number of statutory documents which need to be produced each year, this study highlights where, when and how real savings can be delivered against a backdrop of declining government support grants and increased pressures for substantial operational cost reduction. In addition, our research suggests business transformation and efficiency programmes can offer local authorities a 'new' means of making savings,"
Over 2,000 documents from 134 councils were examined during the research, which mapped activities, costs and resources supporting the conception of documents through to their publication - C2P processes. The findings have identified a huge untapped area for cost savings and performance improvements in the process from initial conception through the collaborative authoring and consultation processes to final publishing of documents by local authorities.
"We were staggered to find that on average a council produces nearly 1,000 new documents each year. Having studied in detail the processes that are used to create all these publications, we have developed a streamlined "Concept to Publish" (C2P) process that will deliver massive efficiencies and potentially save councils millions every year," added Nick Kingsbury.
Key findings include:
GBP1 billion can be saved from the document production process through improved business processes, design and print
On average a Tier 1 local authority has 2,566 live and current documents in the public domain; Tier 2 has 1,582
The average annual production of documents is 988 for a Tier 1 council, made up of a staggering 13,000 pages of new content (610 documents for Tier 2)
65% of documents produced by local authorities are of low design standard, meaning that there is little or no structure, formatting or style
Half of all documents produced have no branding whatsoever
This activity currently costs a Tier 1 local authority over GBP11 million a year and GBP2.8 million for a Tier 2
In terms of hidden savings a Tier 1 authority could save up to GBP2.6 million by improving business processes; a Tier 2 could make GBP830,000
A Tier 1 authority could make up to GBP290,000 savings as a result of improving the way they use graphic design services, while a Tier 2 could save GBP169,000
Improvements in print management can also deliver significant savings - GBP300,000 for a Tier 1 and GBP60,000 for a Tier 2
"These figures present a very strong case for local authorities to consider revising their document production processes to provide a lucrative and viable option for delivering 'hidden' savings."
"Councils have become experts in managing tight budgets over the years but they are likely to be facing even deeper cuts in the very near future which will extend over a long period of time. We have identified some easy wins through our research which indicates that, in document production, alone just under GBP1 billion can be saved across UK councils," he concluded.
About Objective Corporation and Limehouse Software
Objective Corporation (ASX:OCL) is an established leader and specialist provider of content, collaboration and process management solutions for the public sector. Its solutions empower public sector effectiveness, efficiency and transparency, helping governments deliver public sector outcomes at a lower cost to the community.
Objective recently acquired Limehouse Software, a specialist in collaborative content creation, publishing and stakeholder consultation solutions for local and central government in the United Kingdom and has an emerging presence in North America.
Limehouse Software develops software solutions that unite three key functions - collaboration, document publishing and consultation. Its hosted service provides an integrated collaborative environment to develop policies and strategies; provide unified workspace, publishing and delivery services; and facilitate the involvement of stakeholders through real-time collaboration and consultation with communities.
It helps more than 250 organisations unify information and communication; accelerate the business processes people are involved in; better engage with virtual teams; and encourage socialisation among employees, partner organisations and citizens.
((Comments on this story may be sent to info@m2.com))
(c) 2009 M2 COMMUNICATIONS
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