Cloud storage is useful—but storing files in the cloud is not the same as managing information effectively. It provides a pathway to get paper documents out of your filing cabinets and into electronic form. It can give you peace of mind that your data is backed up. In theory, it allows your team to access documents anywhere, anytime.
But if you’ve ever thought, “We’ve got documents in the cloud, we’re good” while still struggling with overburdened employees, manual processes, or concerns about data security, you need more than just cloud storage. You need Enterprise Content Management, or ECM.
TL;DR
Cloud storage gives businesses a place to store digital files, but it does not automatically organize information, connect departments or automate work. Enterprise Content Management, or ECM, goes further by centralizing documents, improving search and access, automating repetitive processes and supporting secure collaboration. Bishop Business uses Laserfiche to help organizations move from simply storing information to using it more intelligently across the workplace.
The Problem with Cloud Storage
The problem with the cloud storage alone is that it’s, well, cloudy. The more disorganized and unmanaged content you send to the cloud, the more you compound these issues. This slows down your employees, limits collaboration and automation, and obscures insights that you could use to move your organization forward.
When organizations tell us they’re in the cloud, they typically mean one of two things; they’ve either adopted a single cloud storage application and stuffed everything into it so it’s difficult to find anything, or they have invested in multiple cloud-based applications that don’t share data or allow for basic collaboration. Either way, your team is wasting time hunting for files among disjointed and disorganized information. They’re also missing out on the transformative potential of an integrated and automated ECM platform.
Cloud Storage vs. Enterprise Content Management
|
Cloud Storage |
Enterprise Content Management |
|
Stores files |
Manages information and processes |
|
Provides remote access |
Adds rules, workflows and permissions |
|
Often relies on folders |
Uses structured metadata and search |
|
Employees manually move files |
Documents can be routed automatically |
|
Limited process visibility |
Tracks approvals and workflow status |
|
May exist in separate silos |
Can integrate information across systems |
|
Good for storage |
Designed for business process improvement |
ECM Simplifies Cloud Complexity
In your daily workload, managing scattered content across different departments, platforms and applications can be challenging. This is where ECM serves as the central hub for efficiency and automation, particularly for document-centric or document-driven tasks and processes.
ECM consolidates content from disparate sources, providing a centralized repository that streamlines workflows and fosters collaboration across systems. By automating repetitive tasks and providing robust tools for document management, ECM enhances productivity while safeguarding the integrity and security of your content.
That is what ECM does for your organization. It securely manages your content, while enabling seamless collaboration and driving productivity across your organization’s document-based processes.
Laserfiche
Laserfiche, our preferred ECM platform, offers a robust set of tools to achieve your goals. But ECM isn’t just about a platform; it’s about a vision for optimizing workflows and maximizing efficiency. If you envision your team achieving greater productivity and efficiency, Bishop Business has the expertise to help you turn that vision into reality.
What ECM Looks Like in the Real World
We recently heard from a customer in business administration about how Bishop Business and the Laserfiche ECM platform has revolutionized their work. Here’s a snapshot of their experience, in their own words.
“We cannot emphasize enough the transformative impact Laserfiche has had on our organization. It has become the cornerstone of efficiency for all our staff. With a team exceeding 100 members, the need for a robust and adaptable solution was paramount, and ECM from Bishop has exceeded our expectations.
“We’ve been able to create processes that not only streamline day-to-day tasks but also pave the way for innovative solutions to challenges we face. What started as a tool to manage paperwork has blossomed into a platform that empowers our staff to collaborate seamlessly, automate repetitive tasks, and stay ahead in an ever-changing landscape.
“From simplifying document management to facilitating complex workflows, Laserfiche has become an indispensable asset to our team. It’s not just a software; it’s a catalyst for progress, enabling us to achieve more with less and ultimately fulfill our mission more effectively.
“ECM has not only revolutionized our processes, but also revolutionized the way we work. It’s rare to find a platform that aligns so perfectly with the needs of a growing organization, and we are immensely grateful for the impact it has had on our efficiency, productivity, and overall success.”
100+ employees
Less repetitive work
Better collaboration
Automated processes
Greater capacity without adding unnecessary administrative work
Bishop’s ECM services go far beyond just cloud storage to support your team’s success. To learn more about how ECM can help catalyze progress at your organization, get in touch with Bishop Business at bbec.com or give us a call at 402-537-8000 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About ECM and Cloud Storage
What is the difference between cloud storage and enterprise content management?
Cloud storage primarily provides a place to save and access digital files. Enterprise Content Management adds organization, search, security, workflow automation, records management and integration across business processes.
Why isn’t cloud storage alone enough for many businesses?
Cloud storage can become another digital filing cabinet if documents are poorly organized or spread across multiple systems. Employees may still waste time searching for files, moving information manually or working around disconnected applications.
What does an ECM system do?
An ECM system can centralize business content, automate document-driven processes, control access, improve collaboration, support records management and connect information across departments and applications.
Can ECM automate business processes?
Yes. ECM platforms can automate repetitive steps such as document routing, approvals, data capture, notifications and records handling. Bishop Business’s current ECM offering with Laserfiche includes automation, intelligent data capture and integrated workflows.
What is Laserfiche?
Laserfiche is an enterprise content management and process-automation platform used for document management, workflow automation, records management, intelligent data capture and business-process improvement. Bishop Business uses Laserfiche as its preferred ECM platform.
How can ECM improve productivity?
ECM can reduce time spent searching for documents, entering data manually, routing approvals and repeating routine tasks, helping employees spend more time on higher-value work.