What is Enterprise Content Management?

Enterprise Content Management (ECM) integrates document imaging, capture, search and management processes and enables the creation of a centralized data repository. With all documents stored electronically, employees can quickly and easily find, access, and share important business documents. It also helps promote business continuity and enables quick disaster recovery. The purpose of ECM is to transform static, unstructured information and documents into a dynamic part of your business through document management and automated workflow.

ECM provides a framework for syncing people, paper and processes. It starts by converting printed documents into electronic files that can be securely stored and maintained in a centralized location. Any and all of the organization’s documents can be collected and this information can be retrieved by employees at anytime, using an intuitive, easy-to-use interface.

Organizations using ECM solutions are experiencing both direct and indirect savings. In a 2010 report by AIIM, companies cited the following benefits to their organization (ranked in order):

Electronic access of documents and information sharing

Improved productivity

Reduced paper storage costs

Decreased paper volume and associated costs, including printing, posting and transporting

It is interesting to note that the strongest long-term benefit reported by companies in this survey is a “soft dollar” savings. Why was this named ahead of some of the direct savings, such as storage and shipping fees?

With increased access to information, organizations were able to reduce the time spent looking for, and handling, business-critical documents. Documents are available on-demand. In short, ECM enables organizations to better manage intellectual property so nothing is lost or misused.

Organizations also reported improved productivity as an important long-term benefit. Real-time access to information promotes information sharing and collaboration and allows employees to leverage best practices across the enterprise. This also helps employees provide exceptional customer service and quicker response times.

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