OnBase - Data, Documents, Workflow and Processing no longer a chore
Use Cases and Deployment Scope
OnBase is our Enterprise Electronic Content Management system. 30+ departments use OnBase for retrieving documents that have been entered by Building Services, Clerk's Office, Finance, HR, PD, Public Works, Purchasing, Risk Management or Utilities. We have over 50 workflows automating many processes - to name a few: Agenda Management, Boards & Commissions (using Workflow & WorkView processes, HR Personnel Form approvals, Finance AR/AP/Payroll Report Approvals, Public Works using barcodes, Insurance Certifications/renewal notifications and PD Citation processing/Case Management. We have eliminated a lot of cumbersome emails and attachments by filing the
supporting document in OnBase and automatically have a notification sent to the required personnel with a hyperlink to the filed document.
Different modules used in conjunction with Workflow have significantly reduced the time it takes to complete tasks.
Pros
- Automated forms processing through workflow: Retrieve information from external database, update form, send notifications, acquire approvals.
- Outlook Integration: File and retrieve emails or documents from OnBase while remaining in Microsoft Outlook.
- Use barcodes to automatically import and index documents with no user interaction required.
Cons
- Training. Hyland offers Premium Subscription training, but there is a cost. I feel that since upgrades are part of our maintenance agreement, we should be able to access the training required for using and understanding the upgraded modules.
- Workflow Documentation. Workflow generates documentation for either the Admin or the User. Neither one is easily modified to acquire only the information we really need and the users will understand.
Most Important Features
- Workflow is the most important and most used feature - constantly adding new LifeCycles to automate more processes
- WorkView is new to us but starting to be used more - have new requests coming in for additional processes to be converted to WorkView
- Outlook Integration is widely used throughout the City
- Reporting Dashboards is a recent purchase and requests are increasing for additional dashboards.
Return on Investment
- Automated HR Personnel Action Forms - eliminated paper, eliminated routing through inter-office mail (saves days and reduces possibility of being lost), email notification requesting approval includes hyperlink for immediate access.
- PD automation for Traffic Camera Citations - combines citations to create a case. Workflow generates packets when preparing for Court. Eliminated Access database, spreadsheets and thousands of folders. 70% savings on time and 95% on paper reduction.
- Workflow timers can automatically move items through workflow based on different criteria with no user interaction required.
- Finance Reports are swept into OnBase and enter Workflow. Unity Form used to determine specific keywords for reports for which notifications are then sent out requesting approval. Automated tracking on a different form until all period reports are received. Entire process is automated in OnBase. No manual requirement except the individual approval (clicking a task).
- Citizens submit an application to be on one or more City Board or Commission. Application enters workflow for approvals(s). Documents are generated for Council approval. Information is then added to WorkView - all through workflow.
Other Software Used
Microsoft 365, Oracle PeopleSoft ERP, EnerGov










