What is Document Management?
Often the term document management is thrown around in the business world but what exactly is it? Luckily we are here to help sift through the sea of info and lay things out in simple terms for you.
Document management when used by businesses often refers to document management systems or software, which are programs that have been developed to track and store documents that are in electronic form. While the files are in electronic form within these systems, many of these are converted from paper files. This conversion of paper files into electronic format is often a key component for modern document management systems and software. Other terms that refer to the same type of systems include enterprise content management systems, records management software, digital asset management and document imaging.
A Quick History of Document Management
Document Management got its start with early imaging systems dating back to the 1920's that captured documents in forms such as microfilm and microfiche. These systems were the first attempts to compress data info more manageable forms outside of paper limitations. First systems like the Kodak Recordak were initially developed to capture financial and bank information. In 1935, Kodak's Recordak division began filming and publishing The New York Times on reels of 35 millimeter microfilm. This method of information storage received the sanction of the American Library Association at it annual meeting in 1936, when it officially endorsed microforms.
Ultimately all the forms of document management had one primary aim: Better management and storage of information. Storage of information in more efficient and reliable forms is needed as our society becomes more advanced. Document management (software and systems) are the next step in this journey.