The solution involves all of the processes necessary to pay invoices for the NIH by utilizing imaging and workflow technologies. After the documents are scanned, data attributes are assigned to the images and the document images are routed to individuals for processing. Based on particular attributes, work to be processed is automatically prioritized and routed in accordance with NIH business rules. The workflow system is tightly integrated with the ADB system, NIH's financial system. Data attributes from the image are automatically placed into mainframe fields and mainframe data is automatically placed in selected image attribute fields.
Data validation occurs when appropriate, such as dates and dollar amounts.
The user may also be presented with pick lists for data selection. Users are also able to electronically route documents to other functional areas for additional processing. At the completion of document processing, the documents are archived to optical storage. All users, in particular Customer Services, are able to access the optical storage and retrieve documents to resolve discrepancies or to answer inquires from vendors. Workpacket tracking tables are used to track and locate documents that are in the workflow.