Establishing a definition
We get this question a lot, “What is Document Management?"
The answer to that is not always easy. To different organizations it can mean different things. To some, Document Management is as simple as buying some file cabinets and folders. To others it requires a server, high speed scanner, and software package. Or it can be a combination of the two.
My answer is this, Document Management is a process. It is a process that combines technology, people and a plan.
Few people would argue that documents are the lifeblood of a company. Without them, you have no business. However, as more information floods into companies in the form of papers, e-mails, contracts etc, the problem of getting your arms around them and transforming them it something useable grows.
Scanning and storing in a file tree system or in Outlook isn't the answer. How often have you spent more time looking for something that you stored on a computer than it would take to recreate it? We've all done it. Or you forget how you named a document. It's fairly common.
This is where Document Management comes in. Like I said earlier, it's a process incorporating a well thought out plan, the appropriate technology, and your people to build and maintain. The challenge is most people don't know how to start or what technology is out there. Then there's the question of is it affordable?
In fact, Document Management is affordable, it is attainable, and it can be easier than you think. At Fisher's we have a team that is available to come in, review your business processes with you, make appropriate technology recommendations, and help you implement Document Management. We do this with the philosophy that it should be easy, make your work life better, and give you the security you need.
If your organization is considering improving you Document Management strategy, give us call. We can help.