When you look companies that are successful, you’ll notice they all have one thing in common. They’re not static; they’re agile and adaptive in the face of change, always on the lookout to improve and incorporate processes and functions to maximize efficiencies.
Your capture management software must have that same agility, if you want to stay competitive.
So if you’re still clinging to an outdated capture management platform that closely resembles the antiquated DOS prompts of the 1990s, it’s time for you to make a change. We’re living in a technology-driven age of automation and supported convenience, so capitalize on what’s out there: streamlined technologies that improve your effectiveness and efficiency in the area of knowledge-sharing, in addition to information capture, planning and support.
There is no time like today to reevaluate where you are with capture management and where you want to go.
How Software Updates Work
First, let’s start with some good news. There are software vendors out there who are adding new features on a rolling basis throughout the year, instead of sticking to a rigid, periodic update schedule. These functionality updates are typically based on customer feedback, changes in the industry or new capabilities, such as the development of mobile options or platform integration. Additionally, some vendors will be initiating or finalizing the deployment of enterprise software, providing a fully integrated solution for their customers.
So how do you decide what to adopt? Let’s take a look at mobility as an example, since it’s one of the biggest choices you’ll need to make.
Is Mobile Right for You?
Determining whether mobile options are a “must have” for you likely depends on the accessibility you require as a company, or what best serves your capture executives. Do your employees have a built-in “anytime, anywhere, any device” expectation about their work? Do they spend most of their time on the road? If you answered yes to either of those questions, mobile should be on your radar. If, on the other hand, your capture team primarily operates on-site, the mobile functionality may provide little value.
Similarly, an enterprise software solution should be evaluated in the same manner.
The Continued Rise of the Cloud
I’m sure you’ve heard people talking about “migrating to the cloud” for various organizational needs, like intranet or data storage. Capture management is no exception, with many vendors making the move to cloud-based platforms. But why? The cloud provides a level of accessibility and storage capability traditional software often lacks, and to which most businesses have become accustomed.
When considering cloud-based options, ask about the level and layers of security available to protect your data. Features such as encryption, redundant back-up data centers, and in-place and fully tested data security procedures are just the tip of the iceberg.
It’s Still All About Value
Regardless of the type of capture management software you use – enterprise software, fully cloud-based or a hybrid of the two – the bottom line is that it should add value to your company. Investing in software where the vendor implements periodic updates and improvements or changes in functionality is great. But if those changes provide no residual positive impacts on your particular circumstance, as well as how you manage your capture process, there will be no realized return on your investment no matter how “on-trend” your solution is.
There Are No Shortcuts
As I’ve said before, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to capture management software. All companies operate differently, with specific processes and goals in mind. Although you’re not likely to find an off-the-shelf solution that completely aligns with your company, those in which features are customizable to your specific needs and continuous improvements are realized through strategic updates, will continue to add value to your company, making the overall investment worthwhile.
