Paper to Digital to Archive to ECM

  Our company started by taking Customer paper records from closed transactions and converting the documents to microfilm images in the 1970's...in almost every case the suggested retention schedule for the records was 'permanent retention'-Court Cases or Orders signed by the Judge (SBJ), Medical Records, signed by the Physician, Human Resources personnel data-stuff that could not be thrown away, ever.  But the driving force then was not to become compliant, it was more to reclaim the space the old records were occupying.  We gave Clients more filing space to handle current paper transactions.  We also introduced the Microfilm Reader Printer into their fileroom as the method of researching Archives.
  It is ironic that this search to 'free up' space led to present day ECM systems.  I think there were several reasons for this, but one that sticks out is the difficulty of retreiving records from the microfilm, even if the client was using CAR tools, or Computer Assisted Retreival, where the user did a database look up to find Roll and Frame number to input into the Reader/Printer.  A tedious and uncertain task, harder then retreiving from paper in some instances.  So, when the first CD-ROM based image retreival systems came out, where scanned images could be retreived using simple metadata, it was a huge success.  Now research could be accomplished by everyone on their desktop instead of sending the request to the basement Mircofilm system.  It was a short step to go from Archival Search and Retreival to managing current and critical information and business processes's electronically.  All business activites could be managed electronically, and with the Internet, any time and any where.
  Now, forward thinking clients have converted all Archival paper documents-from storage sheds and closets and garages-to digtial documents.  Then, they replaced the analog business routines with workflow and e-forms.
  And, the size of the enterprise doen't restrict their acquisition of a workable ECM.  Small companies without IT departments can rent applications like Filebound as an SaaS or ASP solutions.  A monthly fee covers storage, usage, and maintenance-all the user needs is a browser.
  Larger companies, like a 90 bed Hospital and a town of 500,00, need a solution that can go onto their WAN yet still provide controlled publice access.  Laserfiche ECM software deployed with their SQL or Oracle databse provides solid platforms for these type companies.
  Business's who do not adobt digital techniques are suddenly more and more at risk, suffering conpliance issues and serious competitve disadvantageous.  Picture a Lawyer in Court with a File cabinet versus a Lawyer with the same data on his laptop, or a Bank responding to a request from a PC or a basement File Room.