As a document and email management service (DMS) provider for over 15 years, we've seen all types of businesses, problems, and opportunities to switch document and email management providers. Most customers seek out a solution due to one or several "compelling events". These compelling events come in all shapes and sizes, yet most approach the situation as a problem that needs to be solved through technology. Here are a few recurring themes we've seen as they relate to content management:
- The server is outdated
- Storage on the server is at capacity
- Multiple offices with no enterprise-wide solution
- The rise of the mobile workforce that needs 24x7 mobile access
- The on-premise software is outdated
- Lack of functionality with the current DMS
- The current system doesn't scale
- The firm needs specialized compliance
- Client collaboration
I'll stop there, but as you can see, the shape and size of potential problems and tech fires is endless. But finding a solution when these issues arise is simply reactionary problem solving (and not in the political sense of the word). Problem solved, right? Sure, that's fine, I'm not arguing with that, but would like to pose two points to think about:
- What if the compelling events around the firm's technology decisions were brought to the forefront of the business strategy and viewed as opportunities and distinct advantages to preempt a compelling event? Would that change the priority order of the IT Director's or CIO's project list? Sure there will always be fires to put out, but what if your firm shifted from a reactive approach to technology decision making, and into a mindset where technology becomes the productivity enabler, leap frogging the firm ahead of the competition and impressing your clients with an aggressive approach to sustaining a modern practice
- The second concept to think about is simply what the affects will be if you ignore the previous point. We live in a world where choosing to not make proactive technology decisions could put the firm, your practice, and your client base at risk. The firms who continue down the reactionary decision-making path run many risks, including eroding the brand you've worked so hard to build with your clients.
