Document management key for going paperless

Implementing a document management system is just one more step in improving office processes, like replacing typewriters with computers and legacy phone systems with VoIP and more efficient communication systems. With any technology upgrade, a business needs to consider the return on investment (ROI) and choose the advances that provide the most bang for the buck, according to Channel Partners contributor Jim True.

In his latest report for Channel Partners, True said a document management system helps a business to utilize digital documents in the same way they would paperwork, making workflow more intuitive. This can be a major benefit for many different kinds of organizations, from government offices to healthcare providers.

Additionally, True stated that a proper business process management solution integrates storage into document management, adding the technology to almost every aspect of operations to a point where it helps improve productivity across multiple departments.

"The goal of a DMS should be the software glue that ties the different software packages together in such a manner that all departments in a business gain efficiencies," True wrote.

Document management helps improve organization, filing, storage, file movement and access and assists in reducing human error related to filling out and filing paperwork. It also removes many of the tedious tasks that professionals perform each day, increasing efficiency. According to True, this allows workers to focus on the more important aspects of their jobs, rather than finding and filing information.

A properly implemented document management system may not be used to completely eliminate paper, but can help streamline the flow of documents in, out and around the office. This allows the company to eliminate the manual processes related to paperwork and integrates documents with email and other digital services to improve communication and efficiency as well.

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