When utility bills are sent out, every number and detail matters. No one wants to make headline news because of an error! Too often, the process of ensuring accuracy and balance can feel like a throwback to a bygone era. For too long, achieving this precision has meant reverting to methods that belong in the past. Have you ever used a ruler to double-check your usage report line by line? The green bar paper might haunt your dreams at night...
The first ruler dates back to 2650 BC. Yes, almost 5,000 years ago. But, we love antiques, right?
There's something almost quaint about using a ruler to line up columns of figures. It harkens back to a time when ledger books and mechanical calculators were cutting-edge technology.
But when there are high usage errors in your data, the traditional response has been to use these manual checking methods. For many public servants, this scene is a little too familiar. Printing out tons of sheets, bringing out the 18-inch ruler, lining everything up, skipping lunch... Sigh.
We know that using a ruler to line up data might seem quaintly precise. But it’s an inefficient process that hinders productivity and takes up way too much time. This method is more than just outdated—it's a significant drain on your time and resources.
The problems with this manual approach are numerous:
It's time-consuming, taking hours or even days to complete what should be a quick process.
It's prone to human error. Even the most diligent eye can miss a misplaced digit after hours of checking.
It's physically and mentally draining, leading to decreased productivity and increased stress.
It kills a lot of trees! #SaveEarth
Here at SSI, we understand the challenges you face. We've been there! All the way back in 1978, the era when the first personal computer was invented. And we saw that there was an easier way to do utility billing. That’s why we developed our comprehensive VIP Utility Billing software.
At SSI, we believe it's time to retire the ruler for good. Our ERP software suite is designed to bring utility billing operations into the 21st century. Our cloud-based financial software is engineered to streamline and automate your processes. And the best part? It will allow you to retire that ruler, for good!
Error Prevention: Built-in safeguards and review features to help pinpoint potential billing errors. In fact, they help prevent them before they happen.
Efficiency and Speed: Our ERP software automates repetitive tasks, which frees up your time and resources. This allows your staff to focus on more strategic initiatives.
Real-Time Reporting: Get up-to-the-minute billing data at your fingertips, without waiting for manual checks to be completed.
Automated Accuracy: Our software automatically checks for discrepancies, eliminating the need for manual line-by-line reviews.
Cloud-Based Convenience: On VIP Cloud, access your billing data from anywhere, anytime, without the need for physical printouts.
Many local governments and utility companies have already made the switch to SSI’s ERP solutions and are reaping the benefits.
Take Boone County, KY, for example. They were using the ruler, too, until the office manager took initiative. She recognized the company's need for modern software. She would know, having spent 19 years at the company in various roles.
Yes, they had some hurdles. Like timing, employee buy-in, and learning curves. But they got through it. With the help of our customer support and implementation teams. And--bonus--they started utilizing parts of the software for unexpected purposes. Operations and efficiency improved and now their ruler is hanging up on the wall (not really, but you get the point...).
See more of their story here.
In an era where technology is revolutionizing every aspect of our lives, there's no reason for public finance management to be stuck in the past. By retiring the ruler and embracing modern ERP solutions, you're not just saving time and reducing errors—you're freeing up your team to focus on what really matters: serving your community.
Or contact us.