Document Management: Managing different types of documents, such as Word files, PDFs, and spreadsheets. Capabilities include version control, document check-in/check-out, and audit trails. Examples of document management solution vendors are Microsoft (SharePoint & Teams), M-Files, LogicalDOC, and Folderit.
Content Capture: Capturing paper-based information and converting it into digital formats, often using technologies like scanning, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and intelligent character recognition (ICR). Examples of content capture tool providers are ABBYY, Tungsten Automation (formerly Kofax), and Adobe.
Workflow Management: Automating and managing business processes by routing documents and information through a predefined sequence of actions or tasks. ClickUp, Pneumatic Workflow, and Kintone are all examples of workflow management point solutions.
Records Management: Managing records within an organization for compliance with legal, regulatory, and policy requirements. Records management includes the systematic control of creating, maintaining, and destroying records. Examples of records management solutions are FileHold or Revver.
Web Content Management: Managing content on websites, including text, graphics, and multimedia. This solution often integrates with other ECM components for a unified approach to content management. Examples of web content management providers include WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and Sitecore.
Search and Retrieval: Enabling users to easily find and retrieve content. This may include sophisticated search engines supporting keyword searches, full-text searches, or metadata-based searches. Examples of search and retrieval tool providers are LucidWorks, Squirro, and Algolia.
Digital Asset Management: Managing digital assets such as photos, music, videos, and animations. This typically involves tagging with metadata for easy search and retrieval. Some examples of digital asset management vendors are AcquiaDAM, Brandfolder, and Veeva Vault PromoMats.
Collaboration Tools: Facilitating collaboration among users, allowing them to work on documents and content simultaneously and share information effectively. Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Jamboard, and Trello are examples of collaboration tools.
Integration Capabilities: ECM systems often integrate with other enterprise applications such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Business Intelligence (BI) systems to ensure seamless access and information flow across the organization. Many solutions or tools in the ECM world offer APIs enabling easier integration with other applications. When APIs are unavailable, systems integrators frequently make use of programming languages such as Python, Groovy, Javascript, or Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to integrate systems. Systems integrators come in all shapes and sizes, however, some large systems integrators are Accenture, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and Capgemini.
Compliance and Security: Ensuring that content is managed in a way that complies with legal, regulatory, and industry standards. This includes managing permissions, securing sensitive information, and maintaining audit trails. Some vendors in the compliance and security space include Okta, Egnyte, and pCloud.