Content Management is Critical for Web Accessibility

By Andy MacIsaac

Addressing A Priority for Higher Education

A recent Chronicle of Higher Education article highlights a major challenge for colleges and universities. They must update millions of web pages and digital assets to meet new accessibility rules. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has updated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These changes set clear rules for web content. Public colleges and universities must now act to make their digital platforms accessible to everyone.

As the Chronicle states, “Colleges must update existing digital content, including course materials, to meet these standards. They must also follow these standards for any new content they create or use.”

Many schools use a decentralized system for content creation. Websites, learning platforms, and marketing teams all produce content separately. Now, they must change their approach. Schools need to shift from fixing issues when they arise to making content accessible from the start.

Understanding the Challenge

Colleges and universities create a vast amount of digital content. Many struggle to track:
  • The number of web pages they have.
  • Who creates and manages content.
  • How accessible their content is for people with disabilities.

The new rules require a structured approach. Schools must improve content management, workflows, and compliance tracking. This is a big change for institutions that have operated without central control.

Steps to Improve Web Accessibility with Content Management

To meet these requirements, colleges and universities should use better document, content, and process management systems. Here’s a simple plan to get started:

1. Centralize Accessibility Resources in Managed Repository
  • Audit Documentation: Store accessibility guidelines, reports, and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards in one place.
  • Version Control: Keep track of content updates to avoid confusion.
  • Training Hub: Provide tutorials and best practices to help faculty and staff create accessible content.

2. Automate Workflows
  • Task Management: Assign and track responsibilities for reviewing and updating digital content.
  • Approval Process: Ensure all new content meets accessibility standards before publishing.

3. Improve Collaboration and Tracking
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Use collaboration tools to track progress on accessibility work.
  • Team Coordination: Connect content creators, web developers, designers, and accessibility experts.
  • User Feedback: Gather input from students, faculty, and staff with disabilities to find and fix accessibility issues.
  • Issue Tracking: Create a system for reporting and solving accessibility problems.

4. Monitor Compliance
  • Audit Trails: Keep records of content edits to show compliance.
  • Reporting Tools: Generate reports to track progress and identify areas needing improvement.

5. Integrate with Existing Systems
  • CMS Integration: Make sure accessibility tools work with the school’s content management system (CMS).
  • IT Compatibility: Connect new tools with existing IT systems to simplify management.

6. Make Accessibility Easy for Everyone
  • User-Friendly Tools: Choose simple, intuitive tools so faculty, staff, and students can easily follow accessibility guidelines.

The Future of Accessibility in Higher Education

The DOJ’s new rules are a turning point. Schools must see accessibility as more than a legal requirement. It is an essential part of creating an inclusive learning environment. By improving content management, automating workflows, and encouraging teamwork, colleges and universities can:
  • Reduce the risk of legal issues.
  • Improve digital experiences for everyone.
  • Create an inclusive space for students, faculty, and staff.

This challenge is also an opportunity. Schools that act now will build a strong, accessible digital system for the future and improve engagement for all.

Accessibility is not just a rule—it is a responsibility. By focusing on inclusive design and content management, colleges and universities can lead the way in providing equal access to education in the digital age.

How Laserfiche Can Help

Laserfiche provides a comprehensive solution for colleges and universities tackling web accessibility challenges. With powerful document management, workflow automation, and compliance tracking, Laserfiche helps institutions:
  • Centralize and manage digital content efficiently.
  • Automate workflows to ensure accessibility compliance.
  • Improve collaboration across departments.
  • Maintain clear audit trails for accountability.

By leveraging Laserfiche, institutions can transform their approach to digital accessibility, ensuring compliance while creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Get started today and build a stronger, more accessible digital experience with Laserfiche.

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Implementing Integrations Across Your Systems

How Financial Services Firms Can Address DORA Requirements

In the past two decades, nearly one-fifth of reported cyber incidents have affected the global financial sector, causing $12 billion in direct losses to financial firms. The European Union has taken decisive action to bring these figures down, focusing efforts on greater data transparency and imposing stringent regulations for the financial services sector. With the Digital Operational Resilience Act, or DORA, businesses are now legally obligated to prioritise transparency. However, many organisations may not have the systems or processes in place to address this new regulation, or don’t know where to start.

Let’s dive into what this regulation means for the financial sector, how to overcome hurdles to provide higher levels of transparency and delve into the solution to support compliance – record management and digitisation.

What is DORA? And why should I care?

In short, DORA is an EU regulation that requires businesses to effectively manage ICT third-party risks and provide regulators with a log of cyber incidents.

The regulation is specific to the financial services sector and aims to strengthen the IT security of entities such as banks, insurance companies, and investment firms to ensure that the financial sector in Europe can stay resilient in the event of a severe operational disruption. Due to the amount of sensitive and confidential data financial organizations hold on their systems, the ramifications of a data breach are severe. This regulation serves as an extra layer of protection for customers and businesses alike.

What does DORA mean for financial businesses?

Under DORA regulation, businesses need to be able to:
  • Monitor third-party risk providers
  • Effectively share information and intelligence on cyber threats
  • Report major IT-related incidents to authorities
  • Ensure contractual provisions for third-party risk providers

With organisations built on a foundation of customer and corporate trust, failure to meet this new regulation could cause damage to reputation as well as the risk of fines. Disorganised data and siloed records put institutions at operational and regulatory risk when the next audit comes around, and the only way to meet DORA demands is to provide full transparency.

What roadblocks to compliance do financial organisations need to look out for in their current setup? Record-handling presents a significant reporting and compliance challenge for businesses under DORA. Meeting these new standards means overcoming the following hurdles:

Reliance on legacy processes and systems: Many businesses are still using single-point solutions dedicated to specific tasks, meaning that data is often siloed, dispersed across a myriad of different systems. True digitisation means not only digitising information, but making storage and processes simpler, centralised, and transparent – and this is the only way to satisfy regulation.

Long and complicated data retrieval: Retrieving up-to-date and consistent information across systems is a challenge, resulting in wasted time and data inaccuracies.

Balancing data security and accessibility: Every customer account includes a substantial amount of sensitive data and information. Many institutions struggle to optimise compliance costs and address regulations while maintaining a level of data accessibility and security.

Manual processes for staff: Although digitised data has, for the most part, replaced paper documentation, old disorganisation habits have transferred to the digital realm. Often, employees must manually manage large volumes of data – a complex and tedious task that can bog down staff and take away time that could be dedicated to more value-add activities.

How can financial businesses overcome these obstacles and achieve true transparency?

The answer is a fully-connected, digitalised, and centralised document management system.

Organisations need to ensure that all relevant information across business-critical systems can be accessed from a secure location. Easy search and retrieval of updated and accurate content is key. By integrating this single source of truth with, CRM, ERP, and tax planning and compliance systems, financial data can be synchronised for enhanced accuracy and consistency. Resulting reports and documentation are critical to DORA compliance. Organisations can also manage sensitive data and eliminate gaps and siloes in legacy infrastructure, improving security efforts and reducing risk of future cyber-attacks.

Record management systems can also prove vital to simplifying compliance processes with features such as:
  • Audit trails
  • Version control
  • Tagging
  • Document history
  • System activity

Additionally, teams can easily set up a view-only repository for tax authorities and DORA regulators to process audits or compliance checks. Without these technologies, back-office employees must deal with the manual collection, retention and disposal of customer data to address the regulation. 

With greater data transparency and effective digitization of back-office processes, institutions can address emerging compliance requirements as and when they occur. This level of flexibility is the only way that organizations will be able to achieve total transparency in the long term, and satisfy DORA’s regulatory requirements.

Address DORA requirements with Laserfiche’s robust records management tools.

Modernization, AI, and the Future of Government Tech

Content contributed by Andy MacIsaac

An Uncertain Road Ahead

Government leaders are experiencing uncertainty with the federal transition and policy shifts stemming from the new administration.

That’s what I learned at Beyond the Beltway, an event where government leaders discuss their technology objectives and challenges. This event provides an opportunity to hear about technology priorities and pain points from industry leaders across the country.

Staying the Course

Teri Taki, Senior Vice President at the Center for Digital Government , pointed out that the response to this ongoing transition should be measured. Many state and local leaders reinforced this sentiment. They noted that their technology priorities remain steady despite shifting federal dynamics.

A Continued Focus: Efficiency, Modernization and AI

The ongoing push for modernization was a resounding theme across the event. This goes beyond upgrading legacy systems. It means delivering more efficient, citizen-centric services.

Leaders emphasized three major priorities:
  • Enhancing the constituent experience – Making government services more accessible, seamless and user friendly.
  • Leveraging AI and automation – Augmenting the workforce and streamlining service delivery.
  • Ensuring security and compliance – Safeguarding data and privacy amid evolving threats.

While these priorities are not new, the accelerated adoption of AI-driven automationis what stood out.

Automation is meant to improve internal processes and service delivery. It is not only about cost savings, but also about reducing inefficiencies, breaking down silos and improving collaboration.

Laserfiche’s Role in Enabling Smarter Government

We help government work more efficiently, collaborate better and deliver improved services. Our secure content management and process automation platform enables agencies to:
  • Automate manual workflows to free up staff for higher value work.
  • Unlocking insights and improving decision-making with AI.
  • Reduce bottlenecks and improve collaboration.
  • Strengthen security and compliance while maintaining operational efficiency.

Hundreds of state and local governments use Laserfiche to modernize their processes. We remain committed to helping government leaders navigate the evolving #GovTech landscape. We work to ensure that automation enhances both the citizen and staff experience.

The Path Forward: Thoughtful, Measured Innovation

While the drive for efficiency is critical, the approach must be measured and strategic. Technology should enhance rather than disrupt service delivery.

Process automation can overcome manual roadblocks, promote collaboration, and deliver secure, scalable solutions. With process automation, government agencies can achieve both efficiency and long-term value.Cut Content Management Costs in Half

At Laserfiche, we are committed to working with government partners to turn their priorities into reality.

For example, the City of Long Beach implemented a three-pronged strategy: consolidating IT services, increasing transparency and digitizing processes. Working with Laserfiche, the city cut annual ECM costs by 50%.

Empowering the delivery of the next generation of smarter, more responsive public services is our mission. We would love to hear your thoughts—what modernization trends are you seeing in the government space? Let’s connect! Contact us to learn how we can help you accelerate service delivery.

Clear the Path to Rebuilding: Laserfiche Can Speed Up Permitting and Recovery

The LA wildfires left behind more than just burned homes and scorched landscapes. They left thousands of residents waiting—waiting to rebuild, waiting for approvals, waiting for their lives to return to normal.

For local governments, the challenge is not about issuing permits; it’s about restoring hope and stability. And they need to do it as quickly as possible. But the traditional permitting process wasn’t designed for disasters. It’s slow, paper-heavy and frustrating for both officials and residents.

What if there was a way to cut through the backlog and get permits approved faster? Laserfiche is an industry-leading ECM platform that makes that possible.

When Every Day Counts

Imagine a homeowner who lost everything in the fire. They have insurance money ready, a contractor lined up and blueprints in hand. But before they can break ground, they need permits.

They submit their application, but local permitting offices are overwhelmed. Stacks of paperwork cover desks, phone lines are busy and approvals move at a snail’s pace. Weeks turn into months. Frustration builds.

Now, imagine a different scenario. The homeowner submits their permit online through a simple portal. The system automatically routes their application to the right department.  Any missing information is flagged upfront. Officials review and approve it digitally, cutting out unnecessary back-and-forth. The homeowner gets their permit in days instead of weeks.

That’s the power of Laserfiche.

Make Permitting Faster and Easier

Laserfiche transforms outdated, manual permitting into a fast, automated process. This automation helps local governments do more with less and keep up with demand.

Digital Applications Instead of Paper Piles

Rather than requiring residents to stand in line at government offices, Laserfiche allows them to:
  • Submit applications and supporting documents online.
  • Track their permit status in real time.
  • Receive digital approvals without having to visit multiple offices.

For government teams, this means fewer phone calls, fewer lost documents, and a smoother process from start to finish.

Streamline Workflows and Boost Efficiency with Automation After a wildfire, the volume of permit requests can overwhelm city staff. Laserfiche eliminates bottlenecks by:
  • Automatically routing applications to the right people for review.
  • Sending notifications when approvals are needed.
  • Setting up reminders so permits don’t get stuck in the system.

This keeps things moving, reducing unnecessary delays and helping homeowners start rebuilding sooner.

Make Smarter Decisions with GIS

Rebuilding isn’t just about speed—it’s also about safety. Some areas may be too fire-prone to redevelop with standard building practices. Some properties may need extra environmental and safety reviews before construction can begin.

Laserfiche connects directly with Esri ArcGIS, allowing officials to:
  • Link permits and inspection reports to real-time maps
  • Identify high-risk zones and flag permits that need extra review
  • Track rebuilding progress across the entire community

By combining permitting data with GIS mapping, governments can make informed, responsible decisions. These decisions can help protect communities and property owners from future disasters.

Keeping Up with FEMA and State Requirements

For local governments, disaster recovery isn’t just about issuing permit. It is about making sure everything is documented to receive state and federal funding.

Laserfiche simplifies compliance by:
  • Storing all permit records in a centralized, searchable system
  • Automatically tracking approvals, inspections, and changes
  • Generating reports for FEMA and state agencies without digging through stacks of paper

This ensures local governments don’t miss out on critical funding due to missing paperwork or lost records.

Keep Communities Informed in the Recovery Process

For residents affected by wildfires or disaster, waiting for a permit can feel like waiting in the dark. When will their application be reviewed? Where does it stand in the process? What else do they need to provide?

Laserfiche helps keep communities informed by:
  • Enabling residents to check their permit status via a public-facing portal.
  • Making information easily accessible by streamlining public records requests.
  • Improving collaboration between departments so everyone stays on the same page.

When people know what’s happening, trust in the process grows—and so does confidence in their local government.

Rebuilding Faster, Together

The wildfires may have destroyed homes, but they didn’t destroy the spirit of the communities they touched. Local governments have the power to clear the way for faster rebuilding—and Laserfiche can help.

With content management, automated approvals, GIS integration, and better compliance tools, cities and counties can:
  • Reduce permit approval times from weeks to days.
  • Prevent paperwork delays and lost documents.
  • Ensure compliance with FEMA and state regulations.
  • Speed up inspections and safe rebuilding efforts.
  • Improve communication and transparency for residents.

For families and business owners eager to rebuild, every day matters. The faster the permits are issued, the sooner construction begins, and the sooner life can return to normal.

Let’s Get Started

If your city or county is struggling with permitting delays after the wildfires, Laserfiche can help. Contact us today to see how our automation and workflow solutions can support your recovery efforts. See why Laserfiche is a Leader:
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[Demo] Transform Vendor Management with Laserfiche

[Demo] Transform Vendor Management with Laserfiche

Join us to learn how Laserfiche can streamline your vendor management processes! As an example, we’ll show a demonstration showing how vendor onboarding and review processes can be transformed with Laserfiche’s document management, records management, and process automation capabilities.

In this webinar, we’ll show how you can use Laserfiche to:

  • Store vendor documents and other important records centrally and securely
  • Create intuitive electronic forms to capture important information digitally
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  • Gain visibility into your processes using visual reporting tools

We will also have a live Q&A session with a Laserfiche expert to answer all your questions!

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[Demo] Automate Contract Management with Laserfiche

Join us to learn how Laserfiche can streamline your contract management processes! We’ll show a demonstration showing how contract drafting and approval processes can be transformed with Laserfiche’s document management, records management, and process automation capabilities.

In this webinar, we’ll show how you can use Laserfiche to:

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  • Make processes more efficient with automatic routing and task assignments
  • Gain visibility into your processes using visual reporting tools

We will also have a live Q&A session with a Laserfiche expert to answer all your questions.

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[Demo] Streamline Accounting Operations with Laserfiche

[Demo] Streamline Accounting Operations with Laserfiche

Join us to learn how Laserfiche can transform your accounting operations! As an example, we’ll show a demonstration showing how a purchase order request process can be transformed with Laserfiche’s document management, records management, and process automation capabilities.

In this webinar, we’ll show how you can use Laserfiche to:

  • Store purchase orders, invoices, and other important records centrally and securely
  • Create intuitive electronic forms to capture important information digitally
  • Make processes more efficient with automatic routing and task assignments
  • Gain visibility into your processes using visual reporting tools

We will also have a live Q&A session with a Laserfiche expert to answer all your questions.

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[Demo] Transform Human Resources with Laserfiche

[Demo] Transform Human Resources with Laserfiche

Join us to learn how Laserfiche can streamline HR operations! As an example, we’ll show a demonstration showing how a recruiting and onboarding process can be transformed with Laserfiche’s document management, records management, and process automation capabilities.

In this webinar, we’ll show how you can use Laserfiche to:

  • Store personnel files and other important records centrally and securely
  • Create intuitive electronic forms to capture important information digitally
  • Make processes more efficient with automatic routing and task assignments
  • Gain visibility into your processes using visual reporting tools

We will also have a live Q&A session with a Laserfiche expert to answer all your questions.

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[Demo] Simplify Records Management and Strengthen Compliance with Laserfiche

[Demo] Simplify Records Management and Strengthen Compliance with Laserfiche