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How much paper does it take to run a university? A lot less now.
As part of a series of green initiatives, University Technology Services (UTS) has begun implementing an electronic reporting initiative with its clientele throughout campus, one that will see McMaster University save time, money and the environment. Nancy Gray, Director of Finance for the University says "Financial Services has been providing financial e-reports since April 2010 to its customers. We are still issuing the paper reports until the end of December to ensure all users have been given access and are able to view the reports."
Ultimately the conversion from a printed, paper-based system to an electronic monthly financial reports, will save over 75,000 sheets of paper a month, many person-hours of sorting and will reduce emissions previously spent for delivery. The new electronic online reports are more quickly available in easy-to-use, downloadable formats.
"This marks a giant leap forward in the way McMaster University does business," John Kearney, McMaster CIO remarked. "Now, FAS reports will be available faster and will be accessible to multiple users at the same time. Plus, reports are delivered in a more secure manner."
"Not only is E-Reporting good for the environment, but we’ve witnessed many other benefits," states Tracie Long, Associate Director, Student Financial Aid. "Report recipients are notified via email when a new version of the report is available. Reports are consistently delivered to recipients on time, are able to be developed in multiple report formats, can be electronically searched, sorted and manipulated and thus have aided in the streamlining of other office processes. Multiple versions of reports can be stored on the repository and are easily archived to SFAS drives. What’s more, reports can be accessed from remote locations."
Kathleen Blackwood, Assistant Director of Finance, Faculty of Health Sciences, offers, "Receiving electronic information not only improved timeliness but also allowed for distribution of information to the end user and closer monitoring of final results. Accuracy of information has improved tremendously and with the excel extract feature, no more manual rekeying of information! Many work hours have historically been dedicated to both rekeying and filing, now these hours can be used to analyze and review data – much more helpful to the end purposes of the University. As you can probably tell, I am thrilled!"
UTS is working with Research Administrators to provide similar online reports for all Research account holders effective with their September 2010 FAS reports. By the end of the year, all areas of campus will have transitioned to the new system.
These new initiatives are part of a comprehensive program of environmental upgrades, called "GREEN IT", which includes Energy Management, Recycle and Disposal Programs (in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability), Duplex Printing (in conjunction with MPS’s PrintSmart) and working with Purchasing Services to source new IT equipment to lessen McMaster’s environmental impact.
| Hours: | Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Phone: | 905-525-9140 x24357 (2HELP) |
| Email: | uts@mcmaster.ca |
| Location: | Main Campus BSB Rm. 245 |
| Online | |
| http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts | |
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