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A Buyer's Guide to Document Management Solutions
Document Management System Buyer’s Guide
Documents, hundreds to thousands of them, are what keep our business well-guided and managed on its everyday operation. Base on studies, in the last couple of years, about 7.5% of all the documents get lost. Is this true to your company? Another study says that 50% of every professional’s time is being spent on finding the files they need. Are you one of these professionals? Probably, these statistics are among of the reasons why Document Management System (DMS) is of critical importance to every business nowadays. For business’ sake, we do not want to loose our precious time anymore just to look for missing files.
Document Management System (DMS) is consisting of tools that allow you to organize, edit and distribute the important files and records into a central location. Document, in a business perspective, is more than an asset, indeed. When a document gets lost, that could be equivalent not only to revenue losses, but also office issues. This just reminds us that we need to protect our document in every way possible and a reliable DMS can be the best solution. Here is a Buyer’s Guide which we from ITQlick.com would like you to not only read and understand, but to also save in a reliable DMS so that more people in your organization can access them for future plans of buying a DMS solution.
Types
When it’s about the method of deployment, DMS can be classified into four types. They are the web-based, client-server-based, database, and cloud-based. In selecting the right DMS for your business, it is of utmost importance that the ease of accessibility will not be sacrificed no matter where the documents are saved. Let’s examine more these types of DMS.
Web-based
This type of DMS doesn’t require a software package that needs to be deployed in the client’s server. Via the internet or web browser, the DMS can be accessed right away. Most web-based software solutions can support multiple document management operations.
Client-server
Such solution requires software package that needs to be deployed in the client network. This solution is known to be faster and more robust than a web-based solution. It also offers options for customization and integration with other management systems such as CRM and Accounting software.
Database
This type of solution is usually integrated with database structures like Oracle systems and Microsoft SQL servers. It requires a higher level of design and implementation.
Cloud-based
Using a host-server, cloud based solutions combined the features of web-based and power of cloud-computing technology. This solution is accessible via the internet and there is no need to install and configure software packages.
As the technology continues to evolve, so is the method of organizing, securing, and accessing our documents. Although this buyer’s guide is prepared to give you more knowledge and information about DMS, a chunk of idea about other types of management information systems such as File Share, Document Imaging System and Content Management System can give you some tips and hints relevant to buying data storage and retrieval systems.
Features
When it comes to Document Management System solutions, the features are overflowing. Here are the attributes of a Document Management System that buyers like you must spend time with in-depth investigation and analysis before formally proceeding with the software acquisition stage.
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Metadata– tags that provides a short description of the captured document
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Integration– the ability to integrate with other applications and systems
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Capture – accepting and processing images of paper documents from scanners or printers
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Validation– visual validation registration system and important data
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Indexing– tracking and retrieval of document using unique identifiers and other forms
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Storage– covers document storage aspects such as size, location, duration/period, migration, and destruction
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Retrieval– retrieval from simple to complex form such as the use of metadata and unique identifiers
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Distribution– ensures that the format, quality, and integrity of documents prior distribution are in compliance with existing laws and protocols
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Security– covers security features such as document marking in compliance with data security measures
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Workflow– set of rules that controls the routing and handling of documents within an organization
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Collaboration– authority and access rights given to a user or group users
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Versioning– process of referencing or assigning labels to every document that are checked in and out of the system
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Searching– finding or locating of documents using template attributes or full text search
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Publishing– involves procedures that regulates the publishing of documents across different platforms or channels
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Reproduction– ensures that the quality or attributes of a document are retained or in acceptable format during storage and retrieval
Solutions per Business Size, per Vendor
The market for Document Management System (DMS) is big and the competition among players has been producing a lot of echoes in the industry. Among of the best players that offers traditional licensing or on-premise packages are Microsoft, IBM, Open Text, Autonomy, EMC, Oracle, NewGen, and Xerox. When it comes to web-based solutions, among of the up-and-coming providers are Dokmee, Eloquent Records, Doccept, LogicalDoc, Contentverse, PaperSave, and O3Space Workplace. Other providers that offer cloud-based solutions are M-Files DMS, PaperPort Pro, BlueDoc, and FileCenter Pro.
We at ITQlick.com have an excellent system in place when it comes to selecting the right DMS solution for business. Our experts will provide software solution recommendations that are based on the requirements of your business. For on-premise solutions, for example, here are the important things that our experts are taking into serious consideration prior recommending a solution.
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Level of Integration
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Scalability of the solution
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Role of Consultants/Implementers
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TCO/Upfront and Implementation Costs
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Concerns on Data Security
Pricing Considerations
If there is one aspect to carefully look into when buying Document Management software solution, it’s the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). What are the costs covered by TCO? They are the costs of software, services, support, and maintenance. Although there is no short-cut in calculating TCO, there are proven techniques that can give you the best estimate. Software cost can be easily determined from published pricing models on the vendor’s website or by simply asking for quotes. The cost of implementing on-premise solution has a significant value but in most cases, it is equivalent to around 50% of the software cost. Cost of support and maintenance largely depends on the planning and execution strategies of business owners. However, they are generally included in the complete solution package offered by the vendor.
When you check the published pricing models offered by different providers, the price of On-premise solution ranges from $100 to $1,250 per user. Cloud-based solution is relatively lower, from as low as $10 up to about $125 per month per user. For more information about pricing, you can ask our experts at ITQlick.com.
Market Trends
So where is the Document Management System industry heading on? First, many companies are moving their DMS into the cloud, particularly at SaaS. Although many companies are becoming more comfortable with web-based solutions, the client-server market still continues to progress.
The excellent functionality of workflow software solutions, which facilitates the management of the flow of engagement and document information through all of the different steps, will trigger a shift in information systems paradigm.
Also expect to see more DMS applications running on tablets, iPads, and other mobile devices.
DMS will continue to evolve to meet the standards and regulations (ISO, OHSAS, FDA, etc.) as they transition through 2015.
The success of cloud-based platforms not only for DMS but for other management information systems is a clear indication that vendors are really focus on extending the functionality of the systems they offer. What the market needs, DMS solution providers respond back with solutions that highly values consumer demand. A DMS buyer like you should never allow opportunities like these to just pass. Start identifying your needs and find the right DMS solution for your business today.
ITQlick chart - 2024 best Document Management Software
Finding the right Document Management software for your business
Proper Document Management software selections are the precursor to successful deployment and business growth. Finding the right Document Management solutions doesnít have to be complicated, and it doesnít have to take days or weeks of your time.
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