How to Choose a Document Management System
Posted on 28th Oct 2020
Document management software helps organize your digital records and allow teams to make edits on the fly.
User permissions allow certain users to view or edit documents based on their role in your organization.
Document management software comes in on-premises and cloud-based systems; you can choose whichever implementation works for your business.
This article is for small business owners who want to organize their digital documents for easy access and revision.
Gone are the days of paper storage. A good document management system is essential to any small business. You can set your business up for success by storing your important documentation digitally and securely.
But where should you start when choosing a document management system? After all, it's a crowded field with a lot of different vendors. This guide will help you understand the basics of document management systems and provide you with a roadmap for the procurement process. If you want a reliable shortlist to choose from, you can always check out Business News Daily's best picks for document management software.
What is a document management system?
Document management systems are essentially electronic filing cabinets your organization can use as a foundation for organizing all digital and paper documents. Any hard copies of documents can simply be uploaded directly into the document management system with a scanner. Oftentimes, document management systems allow users to enter metadata and tags that can be used to organize all stored files.
Most document management software systems have a built-in search engine, which allows users to quickly navigate even the most expansive document libraries to access the appropriate file. Storing sensitive documents as well? Not to worry – most document management systems have permission settings, ensuring only the appropriate personnel can access privileged information.
Choosing the right document management system starts with accurately assessing your organizational needs. The main choice you'll have to make right off the bat is whether you want an on-premises or cloud-based solution. Each type of system offers the same functionality, but there are several key differences in the way maintenance is performed and data is stored.
By Adam Uzialko