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Way back in the 1970’s, according to Wikipedia, the information age began. This was a period after the industrial revolution where computers started to be part of the daily business landscape. Vast amounts of “information” were now created, stored and transmitted by these computers. A good long run considering it is still going on.
First, please take note that we used the word “file” and not “document” in this blog title. It’s true that less orders, correspondence, contracts, etc. are being memorialized on paper or a “document”. However, there is still a “file” being created that looks just like the paper document only its PDF or JPG. That PDF receipt is a document and is the buyer’s proof of the transaction so they want it.
The receipt gets emailed to you (system #1) but then you forward it to an accounts payable system for processing (system #2). Later, that same file is sent to a co-worker who had a question about it. Maybe that was sent as an attachment in an instant messenger system like Slack (system #3). Or that file was pushed out to Box as part of a special project (system #4). You get the point, that file is everywhere now. Where isn’t that file is more appropriate today. But why should that be a concern?
It’s completely acceptable and a lot of fun each year to take some risks and place some bets when the Kentucky Derby is run. The riskiness of the horse you choose is usually based on a personal hunch, minimal research or discussions with a spouse, family or friends. The amount of loss is known up front and may or may not have anything to do with the riskiness of the horse selected.
If only all risk assessment was so easy. When you look at real life risk assessment as it relates to your company’s information assets, it’s a very complicated issue. Here are some basic points that should be considered when trying to protect (aka mitigate risk to) your information assets like documents and data. Avoiding a data breach is a bet that you really want to win.
I don’t think I would like to be in the folder, inter-office envelope, paper clip or staple businesses. They had a great run. They served a very good purpose. But it’s time to move on to new forms of workflow. Yes, that’s right, paper clips, folders and envelopes were the first workflow tools.
Paper clips and staples separated documents into relevant parts. Folders and envelopes kept the collection of information together as it moved through the company for decision making purposes. Plenty of business decisions still rely on a collection of data and documents. So where have all the folders and paper clips gone? To digital workflow packages, which are the new tools for business process.
Millennia Group just wrapped up being a sponsor and participant in the 19th annual Realcomm IBCON tradeshow in San Diego. This is a show dedicated to the understanding and use of technology in the commercial real estate industry. As one might expect for a technology show, there were some familiar topics including robotics, artificial intelligence, blockchain, virtual reality and renewable energy.
The current news touches on these topics, but from a different angle; the death of the retail industry, the reshaping of office workers and their environments and Amazon warehouses – they’re popping up everywhere. After 19 years of participating in this industry trade show, it is still very clear, there is a long term focus in this industry, well beyond how these external forces will impact the next quarter.
Based on my observation the world consists of two types of people, purge people and non-purge people. We all know which category we fall into, but as a reminder: Purge people frequently empty out desk drawers, closets and the garage of useless documents, old clothes and stuff. Non-Purge people don’t. And yet, we all co-exist.
There is a business practice that you may be familiar with called Legal Hold. If a company is aware of or suspects litigation, that company should place all records and information related to the litigation on legal hold – don’t let the purge people get to it. Of course, nobody is happy when there is litigation, but how is it possible to lock down (or not over accumulate [non-purge people]) information in this day and age?
Speaking strictly from the standpoint of workflow and document management, there are factors that support a purchase and issues that can lead to a “Don’t Need it” response. 
Ifyou can’t determine need, then cost, as a factor, is irrelevant. If there is need, it is clear that cost impacts the decision and the expected return must outweigh the cost. It is a fairly simple concept but establishing need is not so simple.
How can you uncover the factors that determine need and create opportunities in the buyer’s mind? This is where the technology really must shine. There has to be enough Wow factor to override the fear of change, the expected implementation effort or simple doubt. But is it really Wow that makes someone think they need a solution or is it something subtle that sparks a vision of need?
In a past era processes were set in stone. Assembly lines were created and they ran for three shifts a day year after year. Big mainframes were programmed and some of those programs still run today. Change was slow and methodical for both consumers and businesses.
Today, manufacturers and businesses of all types are struggling to meet the new era’s requirements and challenges including personalization and on-demand. The only way to manage in this environment is to have a workforce and applications that embrace and smooth the way for change – in 5 minutes or less.
We have heard it from nearly every company that we have come into contact with over the past 20 years – “the entire office was recently consumed by the search for the Pensky file”. Most likely 15 to 20 years ago they were absolutely referring to a paper file. Now this reference is to a digital file, which in some cases makes it even harder.
If finding documents in your document system (SharePoint, network folders, Box, etc.) is painful and time consuming, you could call Sherlock Holmes or try to reorganize the files with the help of Martha Stewart. Reorganizing is of course the better approach and therefore, you should take some time to learn about Taxonomy.
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