Streamlining Audit Management: A Comprehensive Solution for SBA

Customer Overview

Customer

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Industry

Government Administration

Products and Services

  • Power Apps
  • Power BI

Client Challenge

The SBA faced significant challenges in managing audit recommendations and requests from GAO and OIG. Without a centralized system, manual and fragmented processes across various SBA offices and external entities created inefficiencies. Inconsistent communication and approval workflows among Office Directors and Officials further complicated operations. Additionally, the absence of robust dashboard functionality and notification systems hindered timely decision-making and responsiveness. 

Client Solution

MERP developed a Comprehensive Case Management System tailored to SBA’s needs. Key aspects of the solution included: 

  1. Centralized Audit Tracking: Unified platform for managing all audit recommendations and requests in one place. 

  1. Workflow Automation: Streamlined approval processes and eliminated inefficiencies with automated workflows. 

  1. Enhanced Dashboards: Provided real-time insights into audit activities, improving visibility and accountability. 

  1. Notification Enhancements: Reconfigured over 130 email templates for consistent and timely communication. 

  1. Integration with Power Platform: Utilized Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI for seamless functionality and scalability. 

  1. Improved Responsiveness: Enabled timely responses to audit requests and recommendations through better coordination and tracking.

Business Challenges

  1. Fragmented Processes: Manual and inconsistent workflows across multiple offices and external entities led to inefficiencies. 

  1. Inadequate Communication: Lack of a streamlined communication system caused delays and inconsistencies in audit activities. 

  1. Limited Dashboard Functionality: Existing tools failed to provide adequate visibility into audit recommendations and progress. 

  1. Approval Workflow Issues: Inconsistent and inefficient approval processes slowed down response times. 

Business Benefits

  1. Centralized Audit Management: A unified system streamlined the tracking and management of audit recommendations and requests. 

  1. Improved Efficiency: Automation of workflows reduced manual effort and minimized errors. 

  1. Enhanced Communication: Reconfiguration of over 130 email templates ensured timely and consistent communication. 

  1. Transparency and Accountability: Dashboards provided real-time insights into audit activities, improving visibility and accountability. 

  1. Scalability and Adaptability: The system supports evolving SBA needs and can be easily scaled to meet future requirements.

Key Features

  1. Centralized System: Unified platform for tracking and managing GAO and OIG audit recommendations and requests. 

  1. Automated Workflows: Streamlined approval processes across multiple SBA offices and audit entities. 

  1. Advanced Dashboards: Real-time analytics and insights enable better decision-making and monitoring. 

  1. Notification System: Enhanced alerts and communication features ensured timely updates and actions. 

  1. Integration with Power Platform: Leveraged Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI for a seamless and efficient solution. 

The system improved efficiency, transparency, and accountability, empowering SBA to manage its audit activities more effectively while laying a foundation for future scalability and adaptability. 

This solution addressed the county's immediate challenges and positioned them for long-term success by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring compliance with FOIA regulations.