Case Study: University of East London achieves 110,000 hours saved and streamlined paperless workflows with Adobe Acrobat Sign

University of East London digitises workflows for optimal efficiency

The University of East London (UEL), serving over 17,000 students from 135 countries, needed to digitise and streamline complex, paper-heavy workflows—student placements and apprenticeship agreements, tenancy contracts, international partnerships and large procurement deals—challenges that were amplified by COVID-19 and slow postal systems. Reducing paper use, speeding approvals, and improving security and coordination were central to the university’s Vision 2028 goals.

UEL implemented Adobe Acrobat Sign in December 2020 to digitise signatures and automate document flows across departments, including the Business Centre, international office and procurement. Adoption grew 119% in one year, saving more than 110,000 hours and delivering over £90,000 in positive financial impact, while improving security, traceability and user satisfaction; UEL now plans wider rollout and integrations with Microsoft apps and its Student Management System.

University of East London

Ionel Ursu

Digital Adoption and Engagement Team Leader