Metafile Predicts Cloud Computing Will Take Center Stage
January 18, 2011
"Over the past year, a cross-industry call for more paperless process automation has cultivated the need to deliver that automation in more ways to address a wider array of business challenges than ever before," said Nick Sprau, vice president of marketing with Metafile. "In 2011, cloud-based delivery of AP and AR automation technology will continue to increase, as will the technology’s use in managing evolving 1099 reporting requirements and intensifying transactional demands in the retail sector."…
Cloud computing, managing evolving 1099 regulations and retail accounting automation will be pervasive accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) document management trends in 2011, according to Metafile Information Systems.
Metafile is a paperless accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR) and human resources (HR) document management and workflow solution provider, and a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. Its flagship product, MetaViewer, is used by more than 15,000 financial professionals to process more than 15 million paperless transactions per week.
Reflective of developments among its manufacturing, wholesale/distribution and retail customer base, Metafile predicts the following in 2011:
• AP and AR automation technology will increasingly take to the cloud. While Metafile offers and supports a traditional, premises-based licensing option, its customers are increasingly requesting the time, cost savings and flexibility that cloud-based solutions can offer. Metafile’s MetaViewer Online is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) option that offers secure Web-based access without infrastructure and software-license expenses.
• AP and AR automation technology will be critical in helping businesses manage evolving 1099 reporting requirements. The added reporting burden associated with the prospective expansion of 1099 reporting requirements will require technology that can scale to meet them. Metafile’s VendorView online supplier self-service portal can automatically capture tax identification numbers and supporting information to help make the reporting process easier.
• AP and AR automation technology in retail will intensify, cultivating increased sales potential. As retailers evaluate their holiday performance, preliminary sales results generally show improvement over last year’s numbers. Sustaining the improvement will require the entire retail chain –including retailers themselves and the manufacturers and wholesalers/distributors that support them – to have AP and AR automation and workflow technology in place that can keep pace with tracking, managing and reporting the increased volume of sales activity all year long. More automation across the entire retail chain supports smarter and better business decisions rooted in up-to-the-minute data.
These cross-industry trends cap several developments in Metafile’s products and services, client base, industry presence and organizational growth in 2010, including:
• The launch of Metafile’s Microsoft Dynamics partner program. Just three months after the launch of Metafile’s Microsoft Dynamics partner program, Metafile reports significant early recruitment momentum among value-added reseller (VAR) and referral partners and systems integrators to sell, service and support its MetaViewer paperless ERP solution to Microsoft Dynamics users. Recently signed partners include Tribridge, Integrated Business Group, Zensar Technologies, Workflow Heroes and Celenia Software.
• MetaViewer’s integration with Microsoft Dynamics. All MetaViewer functionality easily integrates with all four Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions (GP, AX, SL and NAV) – the foundation of many organizations’ ERP infrastructure in a variety of industries.
• Growth in Metafile’s staff. Most notably, Metafile welcomed Steve Gregory, its Microsoft Dynamics partner channel manager. Metafile also grew its roster of solutions analysts by approximately 50 percent in 2010, and plans to continue that growth in the coming year.
• The on-boarding of new customers and expansion of existing customer relationships. New Metafile customers in 2010 include Masco Corp., Fortis Properties, International Electric Supply Corp (IESC), Dupont Community Credit Union, Marlen International, Harsco Rail, ADTRAN, WS Packaging Group, Koniag, Inc., Vista Foods, Entercom Communications Corp., Laminate Technologies, Automated Packaging Systems and Factory Design Labs. Notable expansions of customer relationships in 2010 include GEXPRO, Rexel, New City Transit, Wakefern Foods, Baltimore County Public Schools and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Business growth. Metafile’s revenue and net income increased by approximately 15 percent and 40 percent respectively over last year’s results.
"Many thanks to Metafile’s customers for their shared commitment to intelligent AP, AR and workflow automation," said Sprau. "Metafile will continue to answer the cross-industry call for greater automation in 2011 and beyond."