In a fast-evolving environment where multiple departments handle large volumes of sensitive information, UCM found its document management practices increasingly challenged. The coexistence of siloed systems, inconsistent workflows, and manual handling processes was creating inefficiencies and risks.

As a key support network for entrepreneurs, businesses, and families in Wallonia and Brussels, UCM needed a smarter, unified solution to support its growing responsibilities. Through a carefully planned digital transformation initiative, the organization turned to IRISNext to modernize its document management, enhance collaboration, and ensure compliance, laying the foundation for scalable, secure, and efficient operations.

Project overview

With more than 130,000 self-employed professionals, 30,000 companies, and over 100,000 families relying on its services, UCM operates at the heart of Wallonia and Brussels’ social and economic ecosystem. However, as its responsibilities expanded, so did the complexity of its internal operations.

UCM’s departments, ranging from entrepreneurial support and social secretariat services to family allowances, relied on disparate tools and disconnected systems to manage critical documentation. This fragmentation slowed down operations, increased the risk of errors, and made it difficult to maintain consistent service quality or ensure GDPR compliance.

To address these growing challenges, UCM launched a strategic digital transformation focused on centralizing its document management. By deploying the IRISNext ECM platform, the organization was able to streamline information flows, strengthen security, and empower employees with faster, more reliable access to key documents. The solution was rolled out in phases, with seamless integration into existing systems and a strong emphasis on usability, enabling UCM to drive adoption quickly and deliver measurable value from the start

Challenges

As UCM’s operations expanded, its departments began relying on different tools and systems to manage documents, resulting in siloed information and inconsistent workflows. The lack of a unified document management platform made it difficult to maintain a consistent brand experience or efficiently share information across teams. Everyday operations were slowed down by the need to search through multiple disconnected applications. Employees couldn’t always be sure they had the latest or correct version of a document. There was also no centralized way to control how documents were classified, which increased the risk of errors and duplication. For an organization that handles sensitive data, the absence of a secure, centralized system poses a significant challenge, particularly in light of GDPR and internal security policies.

The solution

To address these issues, UCM chose to implement IRISNext, a flexible and robust enterprise content management (ECM) platform. The project began with a deep audit of existing workflows and documentation needs. Based on this, UCM developed a phased implementation plan to ensure a smooth transition and quick user adoption. IRISNext provided a central repository for all documents, regardless of format. Documents can now be automatically indexed, stored securely, and accessed quickly. The solution was tailored to UCM’s existing IT infrastructure and seamlessly integrated with business applications already in use. This allowed for real-time synchronization and easy navigation between platforms, giving employees an immediate sense of familiarity and confidence.

One of the key advantages of IRISNext was its ability to manage access rights in a precise and reliable way, which significantly reinforced data protection. The platform also introduced a unified customer portal, making documents available directly to clients and members in a secure and intuitive interface.

“With IRISNext, we’ve not only modernized our document management, but we’ve also improved how our teams work together and how we serve our members. It’s a win-win.”

What used to take us hours, searching, printing, emailing, now happens in seconds. It’s a huge shift in how we work.

Sebastian Detinne
Administrative & Financial Coordinator
Le Foyer Jambois


Results

The impact of the new solution was immediate. Employees could now locate documents in seconds, without jumping between systems. Internal collaboration improved significantly, as teams shared files more easily and worked with greater consistency. By integrating directly with UCM’s existing tools, IRISNext minimized the learning curve, and users quickly embraced the change.

Everyone is working from the same information, no matter which site they’re in. That’s a game-changer for collaboration.

Sebastian Detinne
Administrative & Financial Coordinator
Le Foyer Jambois

From a compliance perspective, the platform offered greater control and transparency. GDPR-related requirements were addressed through detailed access logs, traceability features, and a robust archiving system. The new customer portal further strengthened the relationship with members by offering them quick, secure access to their documents, streamlining communication, and reducing the need for manual interventions.

“We finally have one source of truth for all documents. It’s made everything, from collaboration to audits, much easier and more reliable.”

Conclusion

This project has given UCM a strong foundation for future growth. By consolidating its document management practices and implementing a secure, scalable platform, the organization has improved efficiency, reduced risks, and delivered a more coherent experience for both employees and members. With IRISNext in place, UCM is well-positioned to further enhance its services through automation, AI-driven processes, and ongoing digital transformation. More than just a technical upgrade, this initiative represents a strategic leap toward smarter operations and long-term resilience.

This wasn’t just a system upgrade, it was a cultural shift. Our teams have embraced digital processes because they actually make work easier.

The Therefore solution has revolutionised our way of working: documents are at our fingertips, processes run smoothly, and our team saves valuable time.

Sebastian Detinne
Administrative & Financial Coordinator
Le Foyer Jambois

Digital Transformation of Social Housing

Social housing organizations handle large volumes of tenant data and housing-related documents every day. From rental applications and maintenance requests to compliance reporting and subsidy management, a digital-first approach can bring greater efficiency, transparency, and tenant satisfaction. A state-of-the-art Content Services Platform provides the solid foundation needed, with enterprise-grade functionality that supports scaling and adoption across the organization.

At IRIS IMS, we help social housing providers transform their operations with innovative content services that streamline processes and support digital transformation. Our intelligent solutions enable secure, remote access to housing information, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize digital workflows. Just as municipalities modernize their services, housing associations can reduce administrative burdens, improve data protection, and give staff instant, on-the-go access to essential documents and processes.

With a strong track record in regulated sectors, IRIS IMS is your trusted partner in modern information management. Together, we can build smarter, more resilient housing services for the future.

Discover how we can help you

Want to see how digital transformation can revolutionize your organisation? Schedule a consultation with our expert consultants today. We’ll show you how IRIS IMS can streamline document management, boost efficiency, and enhance security — tailored to your organization’s needs.

About Therefore

All-in-one control

Therefore centralizes paper and digital documents in a secure, on-premises repository.

Highlights

  • Automated capture from scans, emails, and cloud sources
  • Smart workflows for approvals and routing
  • AI invoice data extraction
  • Fast search across text and metadata
  • Role-based security and external portal access

Benefits

Streamline capture, storage, and workflows—while keeping full control over your data.

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