XBRL-Driven Business Process Improvement: A Simulation Study in the Accounting Domain

Martin Kloos, Joris Hulstijn, Mamadou D. Seck, Marijn Janssen

Abstract: The eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) has been developed to standardize financial reporting. It could also improve internal business processes. Yet there is no scientific research to substantiate this claim. In this paper we use discrete-event simulation to determine the impact of XBRL on internal business processes. Simulation models of the existing and possible new situation are developed in a case study within the accounting domain. The redesigned processes are validated in a workshop. XBRL allows the merging of accounting and fiscal reporting processes resulting in a reduction of the duplication of activities and higher information quality. In particular, it is demonstrated that information quality, efficiency and lead-time can be improved by adoption of XBRL. In addition to technology-standardization on XBRL, data-standardization is a necessary precondition for realizing benefits.