Temple University embraces imaging for purchasing operations

Temple University's Computer Business Services Department, which purchases the university's computer hardware, software and related items, is using a document imaging and workflow system to streamline its operations.

The system, designed by Feith, will electronically create, route, store and track procurement documents including RFPs, contracts, and purchase orders. It will also allow department heads to budget and effectively and reduce costs associated with the purchasing process.

"We want to process data and store and distribute information, not paper," said Michael Keller, associate director of Computer Services at Temple. With over 35,000 students and employees, Temple is "painfully aware of the problems a paper based system presents."

Keller expects the system will streamline his department's operations, ultimately making the educational institution more competitive. "We're competing for students and student dollars...we need to use our space for classrooms and laboratories, not storage," he said