Transcending Data, Redefining Convention

Today, Jun 2005 by Lund, Robert E

Leaps and Bounds in Work Process Improvement

Change has been the common denominator in the world of Information Technology. Businesses must modify their practices in order to incorporate and adapt to changes within the workplace as well as the marketplace. For a business to succeed it must have the foresight to take advantage of technological advances. A business that chooses not to update its technology becomes both less profitable and less competitive.

Scan-Direct has experienced this change firsthand. In 1994 we concentrated on scanning documents and other data and storing them on CD-ROM for later retrieval. This reduced physical paper and significantly decreased the amount of space needed to store information. As time passed and technology inevitably changed, we began to develop a unique approach to digital archiving that combined advancing technologies with a hosted business model. We created a digital archive where ASP/on-demand retrieval would become a reality.

With the expansion of our services we realized that the name "Scan-Direct" was not indicative of our true product offerings. Just as technology allowed us to change as an organization, in 2004 we changed our name from Scan-Direct to eGistics. The integration of our archive and on-demand access meant that we were not simply storing client data, but additionally assuming responsibility for the handling and subsequent delivery of that data. We were engaged in something revolutionary. We were engaged in digital logistics.

Digital archives are starting to redefine convention. The physical filing cabinet and hard documents are becoming obsolete. While technology has been successfully incorporated into some areas of businesses (e-mail, ecommerce) most companies are still storing paper in file cabinets. Productivity cannot be maximized when archaic methods are still being used. Today, technological advances have provided for ASP/on-demand models which eliminate all user licensing, maintenance, and software fees, while allowing clients to enjoy the benefits of an off site digital archive. Off site storage on mirrored facilities also means the ultimate security for stored data. Even if subjected to a cataclysmic event, data will be accessible and safe. Now it is possible for businesses to achieve the utmost in business continuity, in addition to the other benefits of archiving. And among those other benefits is a reduction in the cost of operations. In every case where we have installed our archiving solution, our client has enjoyed a clearly measurable return on investment. Costs are decreased and productivity is increased.

Secure Internet sites, global corporate intranet networks, and reliable scanning methods provide for systems which not only store data, but make data accessible from anywhere at anytime. Users can send and receive data directly from ASP/On-dernand servers to virtually anywhere in the world. The implications of such technology are exponentially beneficial. All types of information can now be transferred instantly and securely anywhere in the world with a simple click of a mouse button.

The Internet is and will continue to be the "superhighway" for transcending data. Our digital archive not only transforms simple paper documents, but can store any sort of digital information; e-mails, sounds, security videos, and biometric data; rental scans, finger prints, and change remains the common denominator in Information Technology.

Robert E. Lund is Chairman and CEO of eGistics, Inc. He can be reached at 214-256-4613 or via e-mail at: rlund@egisticsinc.com.