25Oct
Author Archive
18Oct
IBMi + iView = Complete Enterprise Content Management (Part 2)
inFORM Decisions has been a leader in rapidly growing Enterprise Content Management (ECM) for storing and managing an organization’s process documentation and other content and creating tremendous buzz in the IBMi World, turning spooled file data into information you can access and use..
Having all of your files in paper form can be dangerous. Critical files stored electronically provide a valuable fail-safe should anything happen to your physical records. Having an accessible means of storage for your company files is extraordinarily valuable as it will enable you to enhance workflows/business processes, disaster recovery, document retention, and much more. Access to information is valuable – and both an ECM and a Document management Systems (DMS) can provide unfettered access to valuable information. With the ability to automate workflows and easily share files – both systems can be implemented to improve the efficiency of any paper-intensive business processes.
Enterprise Content Management is much more than just a means for storing and managing an organization’s documents. ECM also includes the tools, strategies, and processes used to capture, store, retain, and manage content. iView performs content management functions to enable the capture, storage, indexing and retrieval of spool files, merged documents and scanned forms so they are accessible via a web browser by anyone, anywhere, anytime. Here they can be annotated or signed by the authorized personnel. The iView archive engine automatically captures spool files with user defined bursting conditions, search indexes, and sorting sequences allowing user-defined sorting of the forms and reports. It eliminates the time and cost of storing, retrieving and sharing documents generated in an iSeries, System i or IBM i environment. ECM appeals to those looking to manage and configure large volumes of structured and unstructured data. Consider ECMS as an Office Assistant, able to automatically recognize the content within a document and know who, where, and when to send it.
Document management Systems are technically a sub-category of ECM – as ECM could not exist without its ability to manage documents (the core function of a DMS). Organizations use an array of scanning devices and document management applications to meet their needs, which are subject to change over time. iCapture is unique in its ability to integrate with any scanning device and route information to more than 60 ECM systems. iCapture will make document processes easy and efficient. It’s designed to meet all of your needs, including document scanning and import, forms processing, data capture, OCR/ICR data extraction and the ability to migrate the information into a document repository.
The benefits of using these systems is apparent – the only difficulty lies in choosing the right solution for your organization. Contact inFORM Decisions and learn the best solution for your needs, or watch the below video for more information.
iView Article 2 of 2.
01Oct
Why and How to Capture Documents to use in a Document Management System
Two Part Webinar Series presented by inFORM Decisions
Wednesday, October 17, 2018 11:00 AM Pacific/2:00 PM Eastern for Part 1
Wednesday, October 24, 2018 11:00 AM Pacific/2:00 PM Eastern for Part 2
Part 1: Top 3 Reasons to Capture Your Documents and How It will Impact your Organization…
- Not sure why to capture your documents?
- Not sure what the benefits are for using Document Management System?
- Join us to learn the top 3 reasons why organizations choose to capture their documents and use a document management system. Also, discover the 4 questions that can make an impact to your bottom line and efficiency.
Part 1 will be presented on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 11:00 AM Pacific/2:00 PM Eastern, Duration: 20-30 Minutes
Registration Link – Part 1
Part 2: See it Live: Capture & Document Management Live Demonstration…
- See how to segregate what users get to see
- See advance searching functions
- See automated and manual document importing
- See how the complete process can improve your operations and more….
Part 2 will be presented on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 11:00 AM Pacific/2:00 PM Eastern, Duration: 20-30 Minutes
Registration Link – Part 2
Call (800) 858-5544 / (949) 709-5838 or visit us at www.informdecisions.com for more information about the Webinars.
19Sep
IBMi + iView = Complete web based content management solution
iView performs content management functions to enable the capture, storage, indexing and retrieval of spool files, merged documents and scanned forms so they are accessible via a web browser by anyone, anywhere, anytime. Operating natively on the IBMi (AS400, iSeries, Power Systems) iView increases security and speed over downloading to a PC or Secondary server.
There are countless reasons to choose the iView browser base archive retrieval module, but let’s first concentrate on the top three reasons. Elimination of these tasks results in reduced labor, and provides real cost savings and security.
1. Automate repetitive task of collecting document information.
Eliminate the need to manually sort and group documents for distribution, and filing.
iView will automatically ingest documents into archive repositories directly from the IBMi and from outside sources via inFORM’s document capture module. Documents will become immediately available for use.
Eliminate the need to key in information into database files for use in your ERP and Accounting Systems.
iView and iCapture solutions will collect indexed values into configured archive files which can be used to populate ERP and Accounting System databases thus eliminating the need to manually enter information multiple times.
2. Reduce and Eliminate the need to handle paper documents
Eliminate the need to manually file documents and bypass costly human errors such as misfiling and loosing documents.
Automatically file incoming documents into archive directories, the equivalent to electronic file cabinets, while iView and iCapture solutions automatically extract index values to use as searchable values to retrieve documents quickly and efficiently at a time when the user needs it.
Eliminate the costly reoccurring exercise of finding documents in file cabinets or worst yet tracking down misplaced or lost documents.
The iView Document Center makes it easy for users to retrieved documents from their desktop without the need of getting up and fingering through file folders in a sea of file cabinets. Since iView does the initial filing and uses metadata index fields, documents don’t get mislabeled, misplaced, or mishandled thus making it easier for users to find what they need in a quick and easy process with a easy to use dashboard. .
3. Backup stored documents electronically in preparation of a catastrophic event like fire or storms
Eliminate the vulnerability of not having a back up of your stored documents that now reside in your file cabinets.
Backup electronically stored documents and simultaneously store multiple backup copies in different remote locations including the cloud for safe keeping.
Eliminate the very real thread of a destructive fire, floods, hurricanes or storms destroying documents and preventing local access to your documents and further damaging your business’s continuity.
Continue to operate your business from backed up files and remote backup systems while local office operations recover and resume normal operations. iView is a cost-effective solution, enabling authorized clients to view their own documents online.
As iView leverages much of its technology for inFORM Decisions’ renowned electronic form software, a less expensive archive-retrial solution is achieved. Compare iView to other available COLD solutions on the market and see for yourself.
Contact inFORM Decisions to learn more about user-friendly content management solutions that offers a serious return on your investment.
iView Article 1 of 2. Look for the second article in this series in October.
09Jul
Reasons Document Management Projects Fail
These days, many organizations are seeking operation efficiencies, trying to improve productivity and stay ahead of their competition. The key to optimizing business processes is built around a digital document management system. Finding a suitable document management solution is not merely a matter of researching options and purchasing a system. Finding one that doesn’t work as well as well as t was supposed to and then moving on to the next it why most projects fail.
Here are 4 reasons document management projects fail and how you can ensure yours succeeds:
1. The system doesn’t fully deliver. Maybe you were diligent in finding the best document management solution available. You got it all set up but aren’t seeing a return on your investment. . Often DMS digital tools don’t fully deliver because they don’t address the underlying questions of how the business stores and utilizes their information, or are not user-friendly.
2. Users haven’t bought into the solution. It’s unrealistic to expect your staff to embrace a system that is not intuitive and requires a ton of manual work. The point of your document management system is to avoid time-consuming processes and inefficiencies. If document management is unpopular in your workplace, it’s time to take a hard look at your system. If your users—the ones who are responsible for the day-to-day interactions with the system—haven’t bought into it, carve out some time to educate them on the system. Moreover, explain how using it properly will make life easier for them. Remember, bad habits are difficult to overcome.
3. Your goals were not specific enough. Goals like a paperless office, or to lower your document processing expenses are great big-picture goals, but they’re not specific and measurable. Failing to have specific goals can ultimately lead to failure. Instead of generalized goals, set some benchmarks that you can track, Start small and set a goal date for fully implementing the solution in a specific department. Take the time to measure your results, so you know just how effective the solution is. If your staff sees impressive results, then move on to the next department.
4. Failure to plan. Failing to plan is planning to fail. First fully understand how your organization stores and utilizes information. It’s best to plan out your project in phase’s .Start in a department that is most in need of the solution—often this is Accounts Payable or Human Resources. These departments are likely to see a quick return on investment. Thus, the staff will be helpful in getting other departments excited for the solution. Here’s a quick example of a basic implementation plan:
• Implement the system in a single department of your organization.
• Monitor feedback from the staff and any concerns they may have.
• Make any necessary changes to the process to ensure maximum user adoption and satisfaction.
• Once that department is implemented and is proficient in using DMS, have them assist in educating the next department. Outline your goals and make periodic assessments to determine if the solution is working and whether you need to make any changes.
Contact inFORM Decisions to learn more about user-friendly document management that offers a serious return on your investment.
12Jun
30th Anniversary of the IBM i and IBM Power Systems
30 years ago IBM, with it AS/400, taught the market about the value that an integrated data base and software could deliver. Way ahead of its time, IBM designed OS/400 (and its descendants i5/OS and IBM i) as a “turnkey” operating system, requiring little or no on-site attention from an IT staff during normal operation. To facilitate this, IBM i has a built-in DB2 database which does not require separate installation. Disks provide multiply-redundant storage and can be replaced online without interruption. Hardware and software maintenance tasks are integrated. System administration has been wizard-driven for years, even before that term was defined. This automatic self-care policy goes so far as to automatically schedule all common system maintenance, detect many failures and even order spare parts and service automatically. Organizations using the IBM Power Systems sometimes have sticker shock when confronting the cost of system maintenance on other systems.
The early IBM System/36 and IBM System/38 series customers were a key target of the AS/400, so OS/400 (i5/OS and IBM i), have built-in subsystems that provide backward compatibility with these earlier IBM general business systems. For this reason, long time users, of which there are many, still refer to the platform as the AS/400. The current user base remains strong and committed and various user groups have played a major part in the evolution of the IBM i. Make no mistake, Power Systems and the IBM i are far from their 30 year old roots and green screens. They have been transformed. Built to crush the most advanced data applications, from the mission-critical workloads run today to the next generation of Artificial Intelligence.
This platform remains relevant for modern businesses today and in the foreseeable future. The Power Systems server and IBM i can accommodate emerging technologies such as mobile access and cloud computing. It can also run and interact with cognitive applications on other platforms. IBM Power Systems are ranked No. 1 in every major reliability category by ITIC and deliver the most reliable on-premises infrastructure to meet around-the-clock customer demands.
The true source of this platforms’ staying power through numerous generations of business computing comes from a wide-ranging group of talented business partners and their commitment to providing essential tools for modern computing. Importantly for Power Systems and IBM i users, partners such as inFORM Decisions have been around to provide innovative business solutions. Since 1994, inFORM Decisions has been a Document Automation provider specializing in state of the art Document Automation solutions for the IBM i – iSeries – AS/400 arena. inFORM’s biggest strength is that their solutions have always run natively on the IBM i and they continue to develop and enhance for this platform. inFORM customers appreciate this commitment and new customers are acquired every month who for various reasons are being forced to a much less efficient and less stable PC based solution.
This platform can do anything and after 30 years of innovation is just beginning. Just ask the users! inFORM Decisions is committed to the IBM i Power Systems platform forever!