As I waited for my flight from Atlanta to Tampa last night, standing in line with everyone else, it occurred to me how interesting and sometimes confusing we really can be. I was flying Delta where unlike some of the discount airlines, everyone has assigned seats. Boarding is done by zone starting with First Class and moving on through the cabin from there. As Zone 1 of First Class was called, I noticed everyone started moving toward the gate – an occurrence that has become commonplace - yet still amazes me because First Class is not that big and I knew not everyone had purchased a First Class ticket.
As I stood and watched, it also became clear to me why this is becoming more of a commonality. It is because the airlines charge for bags to be placed in luggage and more and more people are now carrying on their luggage than ever before, to avoid the costs and keep their belongings close to them, in their control. As a result, it has created what I term the “I need to be first “ syndrome in order to make sure one can in fact claim overhead space before it runs out and they have to tag the bag and send it to the baggage compartment, free of charge by the way. The risk of this happening is especially true of those who are in the last boarding zones and the push to head the rush increases exponentially.
In my view, businesses need to take this view on how they manage content and records. While they may not feel comfortable being the first to try brand new technologies, there should be a sense of urgency to adopt technology and practices that will help gain control over their corporate memory - their information assets - and the processes by which it is managed and shared, quickly. Look at and treat your corporate information as if it were the most valuable resource in your company. Imagine for a moment that your storage systems are like your luggage the corporate information contained within that storage is like your personal belongings. You want it to be safe, under your control and readily accessible. You do not want it taken away from you or for something to happen to it.
Establishing a solid ECM environment that includes a structured and accessible repository managed by the appropriate technologies and supported be designed and well managed processes is a goal every business should embrace. Not only does it make the organization more efficient and effective, is also addresses business continuity, disaster preparedness and improves customer service. I was once told that if a thought has crossed your mind, you can be assured it has also crossed the minds of your competition. The trick is to be first and set the bar for others to reach. In this case it is OK to have the “I need to be first” syndrome.
What say you? Are you looking to be the leader and claim your space? Do you have a story to tell? I want to hear from you and learn what you and your organization are doing.
Looking to increase your level of knowledge? Join us for the ECM Certificate course in:
- Toronto 10/27/09 - 10/30/09
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We look forward to seeing you there.
Are you going to DocuBusiness ‘09 in Milan Italy? If so, be sure to attend a great session by Doug Miles, Research Director for AIIM. Doug is also conducting a new survey on BPM and you can participate by simply going to www.aiimhost.com/survey and answer the series of questions presented.
Bob Larrivee – AIIM
Follow me on twitter – BobLarrivee and remember to visit www.aiim.org/training and www.informationzen.org, AIIM’s free social network created just for you.
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