Data quality can directly affect a company’s — or city’s — profitability
Recently, in a landmark ruling, South African courts ruled against the City of Johannesburg in a billing dispute. The court found that the onus is on the municipality, not the client, to prove the accuracy of the meter readings on which disputed bills are based. Although quite a coup for customers, this ruling also means that the city needs to address its data issues to avoid such issues — issues that not only affect payment, but also have a dramatic effect on the bottom line. Every organisation that does business, transacts. Products or services are sold and invoices are raised to receive payment for them. This billing process is what drives business, and accurate and complete billing data is at the very core of the success of any organisation. As shown by this ruling, billing disputes are bad for business. Not only can they delay, or as in this case, completely cease payments, but they can also cost money in administrative and legal charges. Disputes may arise for many reasons and...
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