Ricoh UK announces new partnership with Westminster City Council to power its digital transformation

Ricoh will help the council reduce overall reliance on paper, enabling new and more efficient processes

London, November 05, 2015 – IT services company, Ricoh, has today announced a new partnership with Westminster City Council. Ricoh will support the council as it continues to embrace the Government’s Digital by Default strategy.

The firm will help the council to streamline its Print and Document Management processes, by reducing paper usage and saving space - converting more of the traditional paper documents to a digital format. This includes transferring previous print mail services - such as large planning documents and licensing applications - to digital.

An example of where the new partnership will introduce service improvements will be with the planning department. As the busiest planning authority in the UK, handling over 12,000 hefty planning applications every year, Westminster is currently undertaking a comprehensive redesign of its existing business systems and operational processes to introduce paperless working practices for the planning application process.

As part of its vision for the future, the council will also harness Ricoh’s technology to enable residents to self-help, providing facilities for them to access and pay for services through digital channels, cutting the reliance on paper and allowing council employees to tackle more challenging user demands. The IT services company will also support the council as it seeks to enhance its relationships with its residents and local businesses through connecting users both digitally and via post.

The council is also committed to streamlining its internal Print and Document Management processes to improve efficiency internally, as well as improving services at the front end for residents and visitors. Also as part of its future plans, Westminster City Council will utilise Ricoh’s advanced archiving, scanning and indexing expertise, to store archived documents digitally, with the ability to easily search and retrieve documentation at the touch of a button – saving time and space.

With its extensive expertise in document management, Ricoh has considerable experience in the safe and secure digital storage of documents, avoiding the potential of stolen or lost printed documentation and the additional risk of data leaks.

Anthony Oliver, Chief Procurement Officer at Westminster City Council, said:

“As a forward-thinking council, we are committed to ensuring we provide services in the most efficient and environmentally-friendly manner; reducing our reliance on paper and investing in digital to provide services – and Ricoh’s expertise will be fundamental in ensuring we can achieve this.

“In today’s connected world, increasingly our users demand the ability to access information and services online and this partnership will in the future support us to meet these demands – while streamlining our processes internally.”

Alasdair McCormick, National Sales Director at Ricoh, said:

“Our technology will enable Westminster City Council to further improve productivity internally, supporting the organisation to provide better services on a daily basis at a reduced cost to the taxpayer.

“Alongside these benefits, we will also work with the council to help it connect with residents, businesses and visitors through digital channels in the future, strengthening relationships and providing access to vital services to increasing numbers of users.”