Document Management Platforms
The most effective document management systems allow businesses to streamline and automate processes, while increasing security of information and team collaboration. These systems can be used by companies that handle large amounts of paper or digital files on a regular basis which includes small businesses as well as large corporations.
Document management platforms store and protect documents in a central repository that is accessible to authorized parties only. This repository could be on-premise or cloud-based dependent on the implementation. The system can be used to manage documents over their entire lifecycle, including dates for when they will be created, stored, migrated or archived and eventually destroyed from the repository.
Modern document management systems can accept various file formats, such as electronic documents that are directly uploaded to the platform as well as paper files that are scanned into. They also accept information from other applications, like CRM software. A majority of systems are able to integrate with other apps for business, so that the information that they hold is automatically recorded into the platform.
In addition to storing and safeguarding all of these files, many systems are designed to make it easy for authorized users to locate them using smart search features that make use of metadata or other identifying characteristics to quickly locate the right document. This can improve productivity and reduce time spent looking for files. Some systems also provide tools for collaborative work which allow teams to share and edit files in real-time with one others, thus reducing the back-and forth of editing email threads.