ECM systems: A one-stop solution to meet all requirements


Johannesburg, 19 Jul 2021
“An ECM system serves multiple purposes: It combines the diverse software needs of a company in a single system and is the ideal basis for digitalising business processes in a holistic way,” explains Kevin Nono, CEO of ELO Digital Office Africa.
“An ECM system serves multiple purposes: It combines the diverse software needs of a company in a single system and is the ideal basis for digitalising business processes in a holistic way,” explains Kevin Nono, CEO of ELO Digital Office Africa.

Say goodbye to high-maintenance standalone solutions and excessive admin: An enterprise content management system stores company data such as e-mails, Office documents or accounting records in a central repository. In addition, an ECM system integrates with your existing infrastructure and helps you to meet POPI Act and GDPR requirements. 

Kevin Nono, CEO of ELO Digital Office Africa, names five reasons for introducing an ECM system in your organisation and explains what to look out for.

1. An ECM system connects standalone software solutions

Companies generally use different software applications, many of which are high-maintenance systems that generate large quantities of data and store them in different places. At the same time, standalone solutions slow down processes and are a security risk. This is where an ECM system comes in: It functions as a central repository where all information that the company generates and receives is stored and managed, no matter the file format. Another value-adding factor is the optimised integration that the ECM system offers with ERP or CRM systems. This eliminates the need for middleware and users can use important ECM functions such as creating folders or viewing and storing documents from their leading system.

2. An ECM system enables companies to go digital step by step

Companies wanting to replace standalone applications in the long term should make sure they opt for an ECM system that includes integrative applications for all departments. An ECM provider that also offers invoice management and contract management solutions, or a digital personnel file, can serve the special needs of accounting and HR departments. The bigger the portfolio of specialist solutions it offers, the more likely it is to meet the company’s overall needs. And, if the software solutions are preconfigured and don’t require any complex installation, even better. This way, companies can digitalise all their processes quickly and easily with solutions from a single provider, which means less in-house admin and lower costs.

3. An ECM system aligns with existing infrastructure

Implementing a new software solution usually involves a lot of admin work. This is not the case if you have the right ECM system. Users can be imported directly from the Active Directory database, and roll-out and administration are done centrally. You can also customise the client interfaces so that respective users only have the range of functions that they really need. If the system can be installed on distributed servers, you also have the right conditions for enabling OCR recognition.

4. An ECM system streamlines collaboration

An ECM system can do so much more than just store documents and manage projects. Permissions allow you to control access easily, state-of-the-art search technology finds information fast and the built-in workflow function automates certain processes. Versioning or collaboration tools such as the feed function for collaborating on documents make it a lot easier to work in teams. Teamwork is also taken to a new level with virtual project rooms that enable members without direct access to the system to collaborate with users, manage and edit files using a web browser. You no longer need to share sensitive files through unsecure platforms, and, since information is not being sent by e-mail, you will have less data on your e-mail server.

5. AN ECM system is privacy compliant

POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013) is South Africa’s data protection law, aimed at protecting personal information processed by public and private bodies. POPIA, just like the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), imposes obligations on organisations on how they collect and process personal data. An ECM system enables companies to easily implement these principles with features for deletion and retention periods and for assigning rights and role concepts. The documentation and implementation of technical and organisational measures (TOMs) are also easier with an ECM system if it provides checklists and forms. And, if it includes a template for setting up a records processing directory, then you can be sure that you are, in general, in line with POPIA and/or GDPR requirements.

Want to learn more? Get more information about the ELO ECM Suite.

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ELO Digital Office Africa (Pty) Ltd.

ELO Digital Office Africa (Pty) Ltd. provides digital solutions for businesses of all sizes across every industry throughout Africa. Its main product, the ELO ECM Suite, has been in the market for over 20 years, is available in 20 languages and sold in over 40 countries through a close-knit international ELO Business Partner network of over 1,000 systems specialists. The ELO ECM Suite gives businesses an electronic and secure way to easily capture, archive, and manage business documents and information. As a subsidiary of ELO Digital Office GmbH, ELO Digital Office Africa is headquartered in Johannesburg, and part of a network of global ELO offices throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America. More information: www.elo.com

ELO Digital Office Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Commerce Square - Building 4 - 1st Floor
39 Rivonia Road
Sandton, 2196
Johannesburg, South Africa
Telephone: (+27) 010 590 8426
Website: www.elo.com