OR 
Most would say, "No". We have talked with several organizations and companies about how they do business today, and we have found that they are still using methods from the 1940s and 50s. Ok, the typewriter is replaced with a computer, but their paper process is the same. Look over our findings and see where you find yourself.
• 1) 50% have little or no idea and get by with the same Paper Record systems they have had for years. they have information strategy. They may not consider an email a corporate record or even a tweet. Blogs and social media are not included in the realm of corporate information.
• 2) 40% have some idea, have done some scanning or even microfilming, they understand that business is happening on cell phones and laptops. They understand that they should collect these forms of communication for the company. They have an idea about the changing tools and technology that create records, and looking for ways to manage these records. They understand that technology would help them run their company more efficiently and decrease costs.
• 3) 10% know enough to generate and issue Request for Information (RFI) or Request for Purchase (RFP)
Let's break this down a bit more. These percentages are not official, just a composite what we observe working as a scanning service bureau that also sells digital document management solutions.
1)The first group needs education, not a definition of terms, but WHY they should even look at purchasing and using ECM software. I have heard speakers at Imaging Forums say “They don’t know what they don’t know…” Getting this type business to listen is difficult. We try to emphasize the proven and dramatic slash in overhead, most sources say a 40% reduction when implementation of ECM tools is successful. To me, the most persuasive testimony comes from users who say “we can’t do business without our “ECM” software.
2)This group understands why they need to bring the technology into their business, but are not sure which product or solution is right for them. They understand that this is a tool but still are trying to figure out the reality of using it. This group is growing. Once they adopt an ECM that works for them, they will have a competitive advantage over group #1.
3)This group knows what they want and will list specifications and desired tools. We like these because issuing an RFP means the client knows that they need this product or service, and has budget money to pay for the solution. They understand the benefits in such a way that the budgeted cost as "necessary cost of doing business BETTER", and that if they were to use it in its fullest capacity... it would not only have a very quick return on investment, but it would propel their company or organization. We see a lot of governments and large corporations in this category.
I see group #2 growing because of the ECM product mixes available and the costs associated with these products are now very affordable for the small and medium sized businesses and organizations.
- No IT department? No Problem
- Want it to just plug it into your network behind your firewall? No Problem
- Want access 24/7? No Problem
- Have a server with many applications running and would like to get answers from a single source? No Problem
- Have multiple locations and need to share information in real time. No Problem
- on and on
If you would like more info on what we do and how we can help, please visit us at http://www.mountain-scanners.com/. Work Smarter.
