Can You Fail at Document Management?
The simple answer is no.
The truth about document management is that it's built to adapt. Your system will likely show results no matter what; it's only a problem if those results aren't matching your expectations. Most of the time, that's a sign that you just haven't developed your system enough.
However, even if you treated your system as your own child, babying it every step of the way, you might still need to do a little more work. Why? Well, document management grows with you--so if you're making all kinds of changes at once, you may want to double-check that your system is reflecting your updated needs.
Document Management Struggles and Solutions
Here are a few signs that you and your document management system aren't on the same page:
#1: You're too involved.
If you have to do manual work to organize, store, search and share your files, your document management system isn't doing its job. That's not an act of rebellion, though--it's a cry for help. Chances are, you need to review your techniques to make sure you're automating the right tasks and letting the system do its job.
#2: You're still wasting time.
Does it take hours to find that file you need? If that's the case, your document management system is trying to tell you that something's wrong. You may want to make sure your system isn't too complex because going overboard can undermine some of the benefits associated with simple, stress-free document management.
#3: You think about documents too much.
The truth about document management is that you shouldn't have to wonder if it's working. It should just be a natural part of your work environment, enabling you to complete tasks without breaking a sweat. If that's not the case, you might have to take another look at your solutions to be sure they actually align with your needs.
In conclusion, everyone needs the occasional helping hand--even your document management system. Keep an eye out for these red flags so you can tell when it's time to offer a little TLC.
Have more document management questions? Contact us today for all the help you need!