White Paper Abstract:
Simply put, an electronic document management system (EDMS) is a system that can replace paper files and documents in an office, and enable users to send electronic documents through the same steps a paper document or file would follow. EDMS systems are primarily used in the legal profession to increase efficiency and eliminate the costly inconsistencies that are common in a paper based process. For instance, if the firm has a new case form that is filled out for each client account and it must proceed from the attorney to a paralegal and then back to the attorney, then an EDMS must provide the same path. So a true EDMS not only provides storage, but must provide the same workflow capabilities. Along the way it must also protect documents so that only authorized people can view, edit and/or delete documents based on the individual’s access rights. An example might be a client’s financial records. These records should be kept confidential and an audit trail kept of all access. An EDMS is a step up from the point solutions like spreadsheets and word processors as it is a firm wide solution. It must be easy and straightforward to use and ideally integrate with other applications the office is already using with a minimum of effort