Document Management Key Concept: Separate Silos, Linked

When using document imaging in hopes of developing a full-scale document management system, there are certain ideas that inform--or should inform--every step of the process. Especially if your organization is planning to purchase a robust software program for the document management system, it's essential to have the right ideas from the beginning.

One of the most important ideas regarding document management is "siloing" content appropriately from day one. By putting related content into the right silo, but still enabling each silo some degree of communication with the others, an effective document imaging system can be developed.

A good silo strategy is important, for instance, when working with Microsoft SharePoint. SharePoint has some great collaboration tools, but your organization is not going to be able to best use those tools if the actual content is hard to find or totally miscategorized.

Before and during the implementation of a document management system, it's wise to be putting the right content in the right silo. Make it a priority.