subject: Data Entry - Finding A Document Management Solution [print this page] Before we get started, some of you may be asking what's document management?
Document Management is the ability to manage all of your paper documents in an electronic format. Let's define "paper documents in electronic format".
Essentially, you will find 2 kinds of document management systems, either an in-house solution, or an outsourced hosted solution.
Therefore, which one will most fit your needs? Good question. Most businesses base their decision on available staff to maintain these systems, and the technical abilities of those personnel members. Price of a solution is also a deciding factor. While the cost of an in-house solution is greater up front, having the technical personnel to support it, it usually pays off in the long term because of the calculated Return On Investment (ROI) The reduced price of a hosted solution is appealing to many businesses simply because this solution puts the technical responsibilities on the solution provider. It's also beneficial in that most of these solutions are web-based. While some companies can truly gain from the hosted solution, numerous cannot because of confidentiality of the information contained within their organization.
Finding a solution to fit your company's needs can be a time consuming venture. We suggest you first determine what solution fits your organization greatest, then shop for a solution with the features greatest suited to your business requirements.
How much office space can I restore? Great question. It depends on the amount of paper files you have taking up your valuable office space.
In most offices, you will find filing cabinets everywhere. We've become attached and reliant on our paper files. Because most businesses are mandated to keep their records from 3 to 7 years, that adds up to an exhaustive quantity of paper needed to be maintained and stored. Where do you store it? In your office? A records storage company? What are those expenses? All these concerns direct this topic in a new direction. Why are you currently keeping these records in paper format? Why not an electronic format?
