According to a Bitkom study, 22% of logistics companies are already using AI applications, and another 26% are ready to start. So the question is not if, but when you will switch to automated document processing.
Our checklist shows you at a glance whether your organization is IDP-ready – and where there is still room for improvement:
The 10-point checklist
for your IDP readiness
1. Do you have a clear view of your document-based processes?
IDP delivers value where there are bottlenecks, media disruptions, or unnecessary manual efforts. Prerequisite: you know exactly which documents occur in your company, how they are processed, and where the problems lie. A structured process analysis – ideally with an experienced partner – is the first step.
2. Are there digital interfaces for your workflows?
IDP works most effectively in digital environments. Paper-based processes are not necessarily an exclusion criterion – physical documents can also be processed automatically using scans. However, the more systemic connection points exist, the better the integration works. Do you already use an ERP, TMS, or DMS system? That’s a plus.
3. How good is your data quality?
A frequently underestimated challenge. IDP depends on data – and suffers from incomplete, outdated, or incorrect information. Check whether your master data is up to date, whether your documents are standardized, and whether metadata is maintained correctly. Clean data means better recognition, faster processing, and less manual rework.
4. Is there internal know-how about AI and IDP?
You don’t need to build your own data science department. But: a basic understanding of how AI systems work, their potential and their limitations helps set realistic expectations – and gain internal acceptance. Training sessions, webinars, and external sparring partners can help build the necessary basic knowledge within the team.
5. Is there a central project responsibility?
IDP projects need clear responsibilities. Who is driving the topic? Who is responsible for selection, implementation, and further development? Who takes care of stakeholder management? Without a central contact person, projects run the risk of getting lost or stalling.
6. Do you have a concrete use case to start with?
Don’t start with the biggest challenge – but with a clearly defined use case. Ideal pilot processes are frequent, standardized document types with high manual effort. For example: the processing of bills of lading, incoming invoices, or customs documents. This allows quick wins and proves the business case.
7. Can you build on existing systems?
Automated document processing is not a standalone solution. It unfolds its full potential when it can be integrated into existing systems. When choosing a provider, pay attention to interface compatibility, integration capability, and flexibility. Modern platforms like ExB already offer APIs, connectors, and templates for numerous systems.
8. Is your team ready for change?
Technology is one thing – change management is another. Acceptance is created through involvement, training, and transparent communication. Take fears seriously, make successes visible, and create space for questions. Only then will IDP be perceived not as a threat, but as a relief.
9. Are you planning gradual scaling?
Automated document processing is not a big bang project. Those who try to do too much at once risk being overwhelmed. Successful companies start small, learn from initial projects, and then scale in a targeted manner. Important: document successes, quantify benefits, and build an internally scalable rollout model.
10. Do you have realistic expectations? ⏳
IDP can do a lot – but not everything immediately. Expect ramp-up phases, iterations, and some effort at the beginning. But: the return on investment (ROI) usually comes faster than expected. Especially where processes are still heavily manual today, the potential becomes particularly clear.
Automated document processing
is not a nice-to-have – but a game changer
IDP is far more than just an efficiency tool. It is a strategic lever to free up resources, minimize errors, and ensure competitiveness. Those who now check how IDP can be used in their own company secure a real advantage – both technologically and economically.
Still have questions about the checklist?
Let’s talk about it! In a short, non-binding conversation, we’ll clarify open points and show you how to take the next step.
