How CEMS saved 15 man-days by switching to fully digital credential management
Key Data
- 1,100 diplomas issued and distributed to 34 member schools worldwide.
- 15 man-days saved through the adoption of 100% digital certification processes
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1,100 diplomas issued and distributed to 34 member schools worldwide.
Institution
Founded in 1988, CEMS is a global alliance of elite business schools, multinational companies, and NGOs, dedicated to delivering a pre-experience Master’s in Management (MIM) program.
With 34 member schools across six continents and over 70 corporate and social partners, CEMS educates over 1,300 students from 78 nationalities to tackle global challenges through ethical and responsible leadership.
The program is recognized for its exceptional academic rigor and multicultural integration, securing a top 10 position in the 2025 QS Ranking and standing in the top 4.8% globally with a score of 90.5 out of 100.
CEMS commits to fostering global citizenship and ethical leadership, highlighted by its focus on sustainable and innovative practices.
Challenges
Before implementing BCdiploma, CEMS's certification process was manual and relied on outdated paper-based systems, which posed significant operational challenges:
- · CEMS was responsible for the labor-intensive task of printing, stamping, and archiving approximately 1,100 diplomas annually. These diplomas were dispatched to 34 member schools worldwide, which then distributed them to graduates. The distribution process required extensive logistical coordination, involving multiple layers of handling and shipping that significantly increased complexity and costs.
- · The reliance on manual processes for printing, stamping, and distributing diplomas increased the likelihood of errors. Meticulous attention to detail was required at every step, and any mistakes could cause considerable delays and necessitate re-issuance, further complicating logistical operations.
- · Additionally, frequent requests from alumni for reprints and replacements of lost diplomas forced CEMS staff to manually scan and archive all issued diplomas annually. This not only added to the workload but also diverted resources and time from other critical educational and administrative functions.
This cumbersome approach clearly demonstrated the critical need for a more streamlined, digital solution to address these inefficiencies and modernize the diploma certification process, leading to the adoption of BCdiploma.
Why BCdiploma?
After a thorough evaluation of major providers, CEMS opted for BCdiploma due to its standout features and alignment with CEMS’s operational needs and values. Here are the key reasons why BCdiploma was chosen:
- · Significant Time Savings due to Ease of Use and Implementation: When benchmarked against other providers’ solutions, BCdiploma stood out due to its user-friendly platform, the speed and ease of managing certificates in bulk, and its seamless integration with business processes through its API, which was the simplest and best-documented among the options considered. This enabled swift and seamless integration into CEMS's existing systems.
- · Unmatched Security and Verifiability: BCdiploma's unique and patented blockchain technology was a decisive factor. This technology ensures that all certificates are secure and verifiable, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of CEMS's credentials. The blockchain framework provided a robust foundation for issuing tamper-proof digital certificates that could be reliably verified by employers and other institutions globally.
- · GDPR Compliance and Data Localization: Given the diverse international student body and the geographical spread of its member schools, CEMS required a solution that adhered to strict data protection regulations. BCdiploma’s compliance with GDPR and its commitment to hosting data within Europe were critical in meeting CEMS's legal and ethical standards for data privacy and security.
- Multilingual Capability: The multilingual feature of BCdiploma was essential for CEMS, as it caters to a global network of students from various linguistic backgrounds. This feature allows students to receive and share their certificates in multiple languages, enhancing the usability and accessibility of their credentials across different regions and cultures.
These factors combined made BCdiploma the clear choice for CEMS, aligning with their need for a modern, secure, and efficient digital certification solution that upholds the highest standards of data security, privacy, and user accessibility.
Results
The shift from a manual, paper-based certification system to BCdiploma's fully digital solution has markedly transformed CEMS's operational capabilities. This strategic move has yielded significant efficiencies:
- Dramatic Time Savings: By transitioning to a 100% digital system, CEMS has saved 15 man-days annually. This substantial reduction in manual tasks related to certificate issuance and management has dramatically streamlined their administrative workflows.
- Enhanced Operational Efficiency: The immediate and considerable time savings highlight the efficiency and effectiveness of BCdiploma’s digital certification solution. This successful implementation has not only simplified processes but also firmly aligned with CEMS's strategic objectives of boosting operational efficiency and embracing sustainable practices.
BCdiploma’s innovative approach not only delivers immediate benefits but also supports CEMS's vision for a sustainable and efficient future, reinforcing its position as a leader in the adoption of advanced digital solutions in the academic sector.
Annual workload
w/ Traditional Certificates
15 man-days annually saved
w/ BCdiploma