Cloud-based workflow software provider XCM Solutions has released XCM 9.0, the next generation of its firm-wide workflow automation software featuring greater customization, expanded knowledge management, and enhanced usability for all roles across the firm.

Glen Keenan

Some of the key additions to the ninth version of the flagship product include customized status creation and automation within the extension process. Knowledge management capabilities throughout the application include information on checklists and within issues/points, questions, and instructions. The software also provides usability enhancements on the My View page, and the ability to designate linked Web pages and files from integrated document management systems to automatically carry forward to the next period.

“We really are moving towards the next generation of workflow,” said XCM president Glen Keenan. “When most firms came in, they were trying to replicate the workflow they had in the past. Now it’s about how to take a process that takes time and make it happen faster, we are supplying the tools to do that. A lot of enhancements [in version 9.0] are related to non-tax processes. Tax was the low-hanging fruit for us in the beginning, but there are lots of things a firm does throughout a day, so you can take [workflow] to hiring, terminating, bookkeeping, engagements and more.”

Keenan also noted that the company is engaged in more consulting work related to workflow as many firms still struggle with how to apply automated workflow processes.

“Firms of all sizes are getting there, bur the difficult part is educating them,” said Keenan. “Our customers are busy four-person to 400-person firms. They need help looking at their processes. They have a culture and psychology and habits that need to change. We are doing more of that these days.”

For more information, visit www.xcmsolutions.com.