Document Management Systems

A Document Management System can improve your organization’s productivity and efficiency.

Document Management Systems

Document Management Systems

A Document Management System can improve your organization’s productivity and efficiency.

Document Management Systems - Image of a businesswoman holding up a document.A Document Management System (DMS) can play a crucial role in your content documentation system by providing a central location to store, manage, and organize all of your electronic and physical documents, automating tasks, providing security and compliance, and integrating with other tools.

In this lesson, we will discuss the key benefits and features to look for when selecting a Document Management System, and provide a list of popular DMS applications.

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What Is A Document Management System?

Document management systems (DMS) are software programs designed to help organizations manage, store, and track their electronic and physical documents.

These systems provide a centralized repository for all documents, making it easy for users to access and share information.

They also offer powerful tools for organizing, searching, and retrieving documents, as well as for controlling access to them.

Benefits Of Using A DMS

When selecting a DMS, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your organization.

Some key features of a DMS to look for include:

  • Document organization: A DMS should provide a centralized repository for all documents, making it easy to organize and categorize them. This can save time when searching for specific documents and ensure that all documents are stored in a consistent and easy-to-find location.
  • Document security: A DMS should include robust security features to protect sensitive information and ensure compliance with industry regulations. This can include user-level access controls, encryption, and backups.
  • Document version control: DMSs should provide version control functionality, which allows users to track changes made to a document over time and easily revert to previous versions.
  • Document retrieval: A good DMS should make it easy to search for and retrieve documents, even if they are stored in different locations. This can save time and increase productivity.
  • Document collaboration: A DMS should include tools for collaboration, such as commenting and shared editing. This can improve team communication and coordination.
  • Document workflow: Many DMSs include tools for automating document-related tasks, such as routing documents for approval or tracking their status. This can streamline document-related processes and improve efficiency.
  • Integration: Your DMS should easily integrate with other software systems you already use, such as email or project management tools. This can improve the overall workflow and collaboration between different tools.
  • Cost-effective: A good DMS should help to reduce the need for paper storage, which can save on costs related to printing, paper, and storage space.
  • Mobile access: Some DMSs allow users to access documents from mobile devices, which means employees can access their work even when away from the office.
  • Compliance: DMSs can help organizations to comply with legal and regulatory requirements by providing document retention and destruction policies, and audit trails of access and changes.
  • Time-saving: A great DMS should automate many of the manual tasks associated with document management such as document retrieval, organization, and version control, which can save time and increase productivity.

Popular DMS Applications

Here is a list of popular Document Management Systems:

  • Microsoft SharePoint: A web-based DMS that offers document storage, collaboration, and workflow tools. It also integrates with other Microsoft Office applications.
  • Google Drive: A cloud-based DMS that allows users to store and share files, including documents, images, and videos. It also includes tools for collaboration and commenting on documents.
  • Dropbox: A cloud-based DMS that enables users to store and share files and folders. It also includes tools for file syncing, version control, and collaboration.
  • Box: A cloud-based DMS that offers tools for storing, sharing, and collaborating on documents. It also includes advanced security and compliance features.
  • Evernote: A note-taking application that can also be used as a DMS. It allows users to store and organize documents, images, and audio recordings.
  • DocuSign: An electronic signature and document management platform that allows users to sign and send documents electronically. It also includes tools for tracking document status and compliance.
  • Acrobat DC: A PDF editing and management tool that allows users to create, edit, and sign PDF documents. It also includes collaboration and commenting tools.
  • NetDocuments: A cloud-based DMS that offers document storage, search, retrieval, and collaboration tools. It also includes advanced security and compliance features.
  • iManage: A DMS that is specifically designed for the legal industry. It offers document management, email management, and knowledge management tools, as well as advanced security and compliance features.
  • M-Files: A DMS that uses metadata to organize and classify documents. It also includes tools for document workflow and collaboration, as well as advanced security and compliance features.
  • Alfresco: An open-source DMS that offers document management, collaboration, and workflow tools. It also allows for integration with other software systems.
  • OpenText Content Suite: A DMS that offers document management, collaboration, and workflow tools, as well as advanced security and compliance features. It also allows for integration with other software systems.
  • FileHold: A DMS that offers document management, version control, and search and retrieval tools, as well as advanced security and compliance features. It also allows for integration with other software systems.
  • Docuware: A DMS that offers document management, workflow, and search and retrieval tools, as well as advanced security and compliance features. It also allows for integration with other software systems.
  • PairSoft(formerly PaperSave): A DMS that is specifically designed for the accounting industry. It offers document management, workflow, and search and retrieval tools, as well as advanced security and compliance features.

DMS vs CMS: What’s The Difference?

A Document Management System (DMS) and a Content Management System (CMS) are both software solutions that are used to manage, store, and distribute digital content.

However, there are some key differences between the two:

  • Content scope: A DMS is specifically designed to manage and store documents, such as Word, PDF, and Excel files. A CMS, on the other hand, is designed to manage and distribute a wider range of content, such as text, images, videos, and audio files.
  • Functionality: A DMS typically includes tools for document management, version control, and collaboration. A CMS, on the other hand, includes tools for creating, editing, and publishing content, as well as for managing and organizing website content.
  • User experience: DMSs are typically used by a specific group of users within an organization, such as the legal or accounting department. They are designed to be used by employees within the organization. A CMS, on the other hand, is used to manage and distribute content to a wider audience, including external users, customers, and clients.
  • Access Control: A DMS usually has more robust access control features than a CMS, as it is designed to manage and protect sensitive documents, while a CMS is designed to distribute content to a wider audience.
  • Integration: A DMS may have more integration options with other business-specific software such as accounting or project management systems. A CMS, on the other hand, may have more integration options with e-commerce and marketing platforms, as it’s focused on publishing and distributing content to the public.

In short, while both systems can be used together to manage all of your digital content…

A DMS focuses on managing and protecting documents within an organization, while a CMS focuses on creating, managing, and distributing content to a wider audience.

Learn more about Content Management Systems (CMS)

Document Management System (DMS) vs Document Library

A Document Management System (DMS) and a Document Library are both tools used to store and manage documents, but they serve different purposes and have different functionalities.

A Document Management System is designed to manage, track and store documents, as well as facilitate document collaboration, workflow, and sharing.

A DMS usually includes features such as version control, document check-in and check-out, audit trails, access controls, and document retention policies.

A DMS is also typically used in more complex environments, such as large organizations, where a significant amount of documentation is produced, and where document workflows and processes need to be strictly controlled and monitored.

On the other hand, a Document Library is a simpler tool designed to provide easy access to documents and resources. It usually allows users to upload and store documents in a central location, and share them with others.

A document library may include features such as search, filtering, categorization, and tagging to help users find the documents they need.

It is typically used in smaller organizations, such as small businesses or nonprofits, where the volume of documentation is lower and where simple access and organization of documents are the primary needs.

In short, a Document Management System is a more complex tool that provides advanced document management features, while a Document Library is a simpler tool designed to provide easy access to documents and resources. The choice between the two depends on your organization’s needs and the complexity of your document workflows and processes.

Learn more about Document Libraries

Summary

A Document Management System (DMS) can provide significant benefits to your organization by making it easy to manage, store, and share documents.

A DMS that includes the features you need will help to ensure that your team has the tools they need to be productive and efficient.

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Image: Businesswoman

Author: Martin Aranovitch

Martin Aranovitch is a trainer, educator, blog writer, and online publisher. He runs various training websites on digital business, including ContentManagementCourse.com, WPTrainingManual.com, WPMasterclasses.com, and WPCompendium.org. View all posts by Martin Aranovitch