Jemina Boyd • June 5, 2019
However, introducing mobile DMS to your business can be complex, especially if you have little to no experience with the technology. The guide below will help you successfully implement mobile DMS from planning to selection through training.
The first thing you must do is clarify what you hope to achieve with mobile DMS. For example, one of your goals may be to achieve company-wide adoption within six months of the implementation process. Another could be to reduce travel costs as field staff no longer need to return to the office to do paperwork.
Beyond defining your metrics for success, you also need to think about collaboration, security, workflow, and storage requirements. You’ll know exactly what you want from mobile DMS software.
The next step is to select a mobile DMS solution compatible with your company. Keep in mind this isn’t only about finding a solution that works with employee devices; it’s also about selecting a solution that meets your business requirements. Ask yourself: Is the considered mobile DMS capable of growing with your business? Does it integrate seamlessly with other enterprise software like accounting and customer relationship management (CRM) systems?
Related article: Why successful companies use mobile document management
Another useful tip is to focus on the features. For instance, if employees need to collect field data, a solution with smart form features may be the right fit. Other important features you should consider including are encrypted data storage, flexible reporting formats (PDF, XML, HTML), and cross-platform compatibility.
Additionally, signing up for a free demo is a great way to evaluate the solution’s features and user-friendliness. There are dozens of mobile DMS tools available in the market, so dedicating plenty of time to this process will save you from making an expensive mistake.
Transparency reduces any friction that tends to occur when deploying new technologies. Communicate your plans to implement mobile DMS software early. This involves discussing problems with current processes and how the new solution addresses those issues. It’s also a good idea to encourage feedback and questions at this stage so employees are engaged and more likely to help you achieve a smooth transition.
A successful mobile DMS introduction does not disrupt your daily operations. The best way to do this is to start small, involving only a few early adopters, and then gradually roll out the solution to the entire company.
During this phase, have everyone register their mobile devices with the company and install the app. Considering that mobile DMS enables users to work remotely (and outside the company network), it’s good to implement anti-malware and mobile security tools to defend against data breaches. Then, ask IT experts to migrate data in batches and integrate the system with other third-party software.
Finally, make sure to test features and automated workflows before going live; this will allow you to identify and address software issues early.
Related article: Top 7 mobile document management security tips
Don’t expect everyone to be efficient with mobile DMS on the first day. Train employees how to use the software, particularly when capturing documents with a smartphone, utilizing mobile indexing and search functions, and using mobile devices securely.
Most DMS providers offer how-to tutorials for their products, but your training will be far more effective if you customize them based on the employee. Sales staff, for example, often use DMS apps in tandem with CRM software, so they may require a different training regimen from accounts payable employees.
Also, make sure your training accommodates different learning styles. Don’t rely solely on lecture formats to train your employees. Instead, you should take advantage of instructional videos and practical training labs to make training more engaging. For best results, conduct these training sessions at least once a month so that users are less likely to fall back to old processes.
Once your mobile DMS is live, it’s important to get a final round of feedback from users. You may find technical issues, or certain employees are still hesitant to use the new software. By uncovering these issues early, you’ll know how to improve the mobile DMS experience for everyone.
If you’re looking for a top-class mobile DMS solution, consider PairSoft. It’s easy to set up, easy to use, and easy on your wallet! Schedule a free personalized demo to learn more.
Jem Boyd has 10+ years of ERP strategic marketing and implementation experience across a variety of platforms. She specializes in developing PairSoft's platform relationships as well as campaigns with Microsoft, NetSuite, Sage, and Blackbaud. She is based in Nashville.
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