Sorry if I stepped on Brent's toes.  I have certainly conceded to the
fact that there are applications where electronic imaging alone provides
benefits and is cost supportive.  I realize my original statement was
simply wrong..and I was really trying to express the following.  I
believe that there are FAR MORE applications where it is workflow that
provides the best reason and cost support for electronic imaging of
documents.  

 

What I'm prejudiced against is when a technology is touted as the end
all to end all of every single business information management problem.
That's the way imaging was first presented...and it remains that in many
people's minds today.  How many horror stories did we hear or live the
first few years as imaging emerged on the scene...where vendors were
encouraging folks to image "everything"...part of the continued (after
desktops) great promise of the paperless office.  Well, it didn't happen
and folks learned from their mistakes.

 

I am not the poster boy for workflow.  I don't think ANY technology
should be applied where there is no value to support it.  I don't think
anyone would disagree with that???  And all I'm saying is that in the
vast majority of cases it is workflow, and not simply imaging, that
provides that cost and value support...simply that.  Perhaps I can
research and provide some real numbers here...imaging alone apps vs.
imaging w/workflow...assuming all apps were value supported.  Any of you
software folks out there...providing imaging and the combo
imaging/workflow?  What are your numbers?

 

I do hope nobody has felt "ridiculed."  My intent here is always to have
a meaningful discussion.  I'd bet that these several exchanges regarding
imaging and workflow have created a lot of thought regarding these
processes and I think that's a good thing...and one of the most
important reasons for this listserv.  

 

And Brent...certainly some of the replies regarding my comments have
been much more "pointed" than anything I've posted.  And that's ok.
Doesn't bother me.  I don't think they mean any disrespect...but just
trying to get across their opinion.  

 

Gus   

 

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Records Management Program [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Brent Reid
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2007 9:59 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [RM] another comment regarding Document Management Systems

 

Jesse,

 

I have to agree with you. 

 

Gus, 

 

I think you're just prejudiced towards Workflow. The statements you make

against "just scanning" a document make me think that you are a
salesperson

for a workflow product. (I know better, but that is how you come
across.)

 

I am in the process of implementing a world wide scanning solution for
the

US government. Offices all over the world scan in documents that are

received locally by various offices.

 

Once they are in the system, anyone with a login can access those
documents

and use them to do their work - no matter where they are located.

 

There is no workflow involved, but users can locate the documents they
need

within seconds. How could they do that if the documents had not been
scanned

in ?

 

How would someone in Cleveland get a document that is in Tokyo ? Let
alone

someone else in Virginia that needs access to the same document  . . .

 

Gus - your comments reveal a very closed mind in this regard - and a
great

lack of experience in imaging. 

 

The worst part is that someone reading your posts might decide that
imaging

their documents is not going to provide them with any benefit without

workflow, and that is patently incorrect. 

 

Many organizations can't afford workflow, but can afford an imaging

solution. And they will derive benefits from that imaging solution - if
it

is properly implemented.

 

Your "amusement" of those that think they can get benefit from just
scanning

is insulting to those of us that have implemented such systems and have
seen

the rapid ROI and the other benefits that are derived from scanning

solutions.

 

It would be much healthier for the list if you would accept the input of

others that are more experienced than you and not ridicule their
responses

(which you asked for in the first place, if I recall correctly).

 

</soapbox>

 

Brent Reid

 

-----Original Message-----

From: Records Management Program [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf

Of Jesse Wilkins

Sent: Monday, March 05, 2007 10:30 AM

To: [log in to unmask]

Subject: Re: another comment regarding Document Management Systems

 

I haven't weighed in on this because most of the points I've made have

already been ably made by others. But I cannot let this assertion pass. 

<snip>

I guess in the same light I am amused at folks who believe that simply

because they can scan a document and make it available on their
desktop...a

benefit is realized.

</snip>

 

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