At NIST: Less Paper, More Efficiency

By Jennifer Freer, Staff Writer



JUNE 28 ? Materials Communication and Computers Inc., Alexandria, Va., an integrator and software developer, will help the National Institute of Standards and Technology implement technology to reduce paperwork.



By using digital technology, MATCOM will help NIST increase efficiency and reduce costs by replacing paper forms with electronic documents. MATCOM will create a pilot program for 100 employees that automates daily tasks in four areas: bankcard purchase approvals, work orders, time and attendance approvals and local travel reimbursement.



"Our goal is to eliminate as much paper-based administration as possible," said Rick Quintero, senior technical adviser of NIST's Information Technology Laboratory, and project manager for the initiative.



Users will be able to fill out any of more than 200 standard forms electronically and track the approval status of completed forms. The system will use digital signatures and encryption based on public key infrastructure technology to ensure security.



The system is expected to roll out to more than 3,000 employees during 2001.