Many businesses are utilizing workflow and document management software on a daily basis. The more documents and workflow processes you have to manage, the more important it is to use reliable software to keep things uniform inside your organization. But it’s important to understand that WMS and DMS are not the same thing. In this article, we’ll explore the 2 in detail and how they can be used together.
What Is Workflow Management Software?
At its simplest, workflow management software is an automation tool used in your business processes. Good workflow software directs documents and tasks to the appropriate users in your company and ensures that further action is taken.
Many processes benefit from workflow automation, from sales to accounting. Using workflow management software ensures that documents are handled appropriately and things get done that need to get done. For example, your workflow management software may automate the production process by leading your employees through the steps.
Examples of Workflow Management Software
- Salesforce
- BP Logix Process Director
- inMotion
- Integrify
- IntellectWorkflow
Salesforce is one of the most popular workflow management software. Salesforce enhances your sales processes by telling your sales team what needs to be done next. Using a program like Salesforce can dramatically enhance your sales and conversions because the software engages employees effectively. For example, Salesforce creates reminders about follow-up appointments and escalates things if employees don’t respond to customers in a timely manner.
Can you imagine what automating your sales processes might do for your business? Your sales personnel are less likely to drop the ball and forget to call back or follow up on a lead. Additionally, you can assign a priority status to your customers to focus on the important ones when time is short.
What Is Document Management Software?
Document management software does more than simply store your documents. Document management software incorporates your company’s policies for creating, managing, and archiving documents with user-based access. Having a process in place to deal with documents is extremely important to ensure unified processes and internal and external compliance.
Effective document management software allows you to do the following:
- Scan files and store them digitally
- Organize your files by dragging and dropping
- Finding files quickly
- Sharing files safely
- Comparison tools for different versions of your documents
- Password-protected files
- Designating specific user permissions
- Accessing files from mobile devices
- Reviewing audit trails to track file alterations
Proper document management software keeps all of your files in order from the moment they’re created until you decide to archive or destroy them. And throughout the life of your document, your software ensures that only authorized users have access to it.
When a business doesn’t use document management software, it’s a lot more difficult to keep track of important paperwork. While you may still have processes and policies in place that dictate the flow of documents within your company, it’s more challenging to restrict access to certain documents. Additionally, it’s almost impossible to track what happened to which file, especially if you rely on email or a traditional inbox to send them around your company.
Examples of DMS
- eFileCabinet
- FileHold
- OneHub
- Doccept
- LogicalDoc
eFileCabinet helps you manage your documents more efficiently. At the same time, we keep your data safe and secure from unauthorized access. Managing your files has never been easier.
When WMS and DMS Meet
Workflow management software and document management software may sound similar, but they both exist to fulfill different needs. Workflow management aims to manage how documents and tasks are managed inside your organization. Document management is focused on the process of creating, altering, and archiving your documents.
In some instances, workflow and document management systems overlap. For example, both types of software generally designate user-specific roles within your organization to control access. However, workflow management is also used to keep employees on task while document management provides you with audit trails to keep track of what’s happening with your files.
The good news is that you can use workflow management software and document management software together for maximum effect as long as they’re properly integrated.
Integration of Workflow and Document Management Software
In order to keep both your workflow and document management processes running smoothly, it’s important to integrate the different software properly. Fortunately, eFileCabinet seamlessly integrates with Salesforce. Now, you can access all of your clients’ documents in Salesforce without using up all of your Salesforce storage. You can easily access, locate, and share your customer-related data without leaving the Salesforce platform.
This is a huge time saver. Without this integration, you would have to constantly leave Salesforce to search for documents, contracts, and emails to find the information you’re looking for.
But don’t just take our word for it. Why don’t you give eFileCabinet a try? Simply fill out the information on this page to start your 15-minute demo right now.