In a comprehensive study conducted on behalf of eFax, the world’s leading online fax solution, it has been revealed that IT decision-makers across the UK are accelerating digital transformation of paper-based processes as a direct response to the disruption caused by Brexit.
For organisations dealing in cross-border transport and trading, the UK’s recent departure from the European Union has resulted in a steep increase in paperwork. While 74% of UK IT leaders agree that the technology already in place is sufficient to ensure additional paperwork does not hold up supply chains, there has been concern from 68% of IT decision-makers that the new levels of extra paperwork could create a security risk.
of UK IT decision-makers agree technology exists already to ensure additional paperwork does not hold up cross-border transport and supply chains
Brexit’s Impact on Digital Transformation of Paper Processes
Since the UK officially cut ties with the EU on the 31st January 2020, there have been many instances where essential goods and supplies have been delayed or have not reached their destinations. In almost all cases, this has been due to increased requirements of paperwork, which most trade organisations had not previously accounted for.
As a result, over half of IT decision-makers are accelerating the transformation of paper-based processes in response to these changing trade regulations post-Brexit. However, 77% claim that they would have accelerated digital transformation sooner had they been aware that the additional paperwork would cause cross-border trade and transport to slow down. Interestingly, despite this, only 5% of IT Directors across the country have digitised all their paper-based processes to date.
of UK IT leaders are accelerating the speed of digital transformation of paper-based processes as a direct result of disruption caused by Brexit
of UK IT decision-makers would have accelerated digital transformation sooner if they were aware of the full impact of extra paperwork causing cross border trade and transport to slow down
of IT Directors have completed their digital transformation of paper-based processes.
Although the government has argued this new paperwork will help counter cross-border organised crime, IT decision-makers are still concerned that it could result in additional risks to security.
of IT decision-makers agree extra levels of paperwork required to do business across EU borders creates an additional security risk
agree that workers travelling across borders would benefit from the ability to send, receive and securely sign extra layers of paperwork on the move ave completed their digital transformation of paper-based processes.
What Can IT Leaders Do to Smooth the Post-Brexit Transition?
According to Scott Wilson, Director of Customer Experience, eFax:
The good news is this doesn’t have to be this way. IT decision-makers understand the technology exists today to securely send, sign and receive extra paperwork on the move, to help enable frictionless cross-border trade and transport.
Scott Wilson
Director of Customer Experience, eFax
The eFax research surveyed 100 UK IT decision-makers across organisations in Business & Professional Services, Financial Services, IT, Retail, Distribution & Transport and Manufacturing industries.
