The Ultimate Guide to Choosing m 1500

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2. Have Realistic Expectations About Relationships and Romance

You are absolutely not going to be gaga over each other every single day for the rest of your lives, and all this ‘happily ever after’ bullshit is just setting people up for failure. They go into relationships with these unrealistic expectations. Then, the instant they realize they aren’t ‘gaga’ anymore, they think the relationship is broken and over, and they need to get out. No! There will be days, or weeks, or maybe even longer, when you aren’t all mushy-gushy in-love. You’re even going to wake up some morning and think, “Ugh, you’re still here….” That’s normal! And more importantly, sticking it out is totally worth it, because  . . . in a day, or a week, or maybe even longer, you’ll look at that person and a giant wave of love will inundate you, and you’ll love them so much you think your heart can’t possibly hold it all and is going to burst. Because a love that’s alive is also constantly evolving. It expands and contracts and mellows and deepens. It’s not going to be the way it used to be, or the way it will be, and it shouldn’t be. I think if more couples understood that, they’d be less inclined to panic and rush to break up or divorce.

—Paula

In ancient times, people genuinely considered love a sickness. Parents warned their children against it, and adults quickly arranged marriages before their children were old enough to do something dumb on the back of their out-of-control emotions.

That’s because love—though able to make us feel giddy and high, as though we had snorted a shoebox full of cocaine—can also make us highly irrational. We all know that guy (or girl) who dropped out of school, sold their car, and spent the money to elope on the beaches of Tahiti. We all also know how that same guy (or girl) ended up skulking back a few years later feeling like a moron, not to mention broke.

Unbridled love like that is nature’s way of tricking us into doing insane and irrational things in order to remember to procreate. If we stopped long enough to think about the repercussions of having kids—not to mention being with the same person forever and ever—few would ever do it. As Robin Williams once said, “God gave man a brain and a penis and only enough blood to operate one at a time.”

Blind romantic love is a trap designed to get two people to overlook each other’s faults long enough to do some babymaking. It generally only lasts for a few years at most. That dizzying high you get staring into your lover’s eyes as if they are the stars that make up the heavens—yeah, that mostly goes away. Once it’s gone, you need to know that you’ve buckled yourself down with a human being you genuinely respect and enjoy being with, otherwise things are going to get rocky.

True love—that is, deep, the kind of abiding love that is impervious to emotional whims or fancy—is a constant commitment to a person regardless of present circumstances. It’s a constant commitment to a person who you understand isn’t going to always make you happy—nor should they!—and a person who will need to rely on you, just as you will rely on them.

That form of love is much harder, primarily because it often doesn’t feel very good. It’s unglamorous. It’s lots of early morning doctor’s visits. It’s cleaning up bodily fluids you’d rather not be cleaning up. It’s dealing with another person’s insecurities and fears even when you don’t want to.

But this form of love is also far more satisfying and meaningful. And, at the end of the day, it brings true happiness, not just another series of highs.

Happily Ever After doesn’t exist. Every day you wake up and decide to love your partner and your life—the good, the bad and the ugly. Some days it’s a struggle and some days you feel like the luckiest person in the world.

—Tara

Most people never reach this deep, unconditional love. They get addicted to the ups and downs of romantic love. They are in it for the feels, so to speak. And when the feels run out, so do they.

Some people get into a relationship as a way to compensate for something they lack or hate within themselves. This is a one-way ticket to a toxic relationship because it makes your love conditional—you will love your partner only as long as they help you feel better about yourself. You will give to them only as long as they give to you. You will make them happy only as long as they make you happy.

This conditionality prevents any true, deep-level intimacy from emerging, and chains the relationship to each person’s internal dramas.

As businesses generate an ever-increasing volume of digital documents, the need for a robust document management system (DMS) becomes extremely important. This comprehensive guide will take you through the essentials of selecting the right DMS for your business, ensuring you make an informed decision that aligns with your business needs and strategic goals.

Understanding Document Management Systems

At its core, a document management system is a software solution designed to store, manage, and track electronic documents. By converting traditional paper files into digital formats, a DMS allows businesses to streamline workflows, enhance security, and improve accessibility. However, with many options available, choosing the right system can be overwhelming.

Key Features to Look For

• Indexing and Search Capabilities: The primary function of a DMS is to enable easy retrieval of documents. Look for systems with advanced indexing, tagging, and search functionalities to minimize the time spent searching for documents.
• Access Controls and Permissions: Security is paramount. A suitable DMS should offer granular access controls, allowing administrators to set permissions based on roles, and ensuring that sensitive information is only accessible to authorized personnel.
• Version Control: Businesses often revise documents multiple times. A DMS with version control tracks changes and maintains previous versions, ensuring you always have access to the latest information without losing historical data.
• Integration Capabilities: Your DMS should seamlessly integrate with other tools and systems (e.g., CRM, ERP) your business uses. This integration capability ensures smooth workflows and reduces the need for manual data entry.
• Cloud-based vs. On-premises: Cloud-based solutions offer flexibility, scalability, and remote access, while on-premises systems provide more control over data and security. Evaluate your business needs, including data sensitivity and regulatory compliance, to decide which model suits you best.

“83% of employees will recreate documents if they can’t find them on the company network.” – M-Files

Evaluating Your Needs

Before diving into the selection process, take the time to assess your organization’s needs:

• Volume and Type of Documents: Estimate the volume of documents your organization handles and consider the types (text, images, etc.). This assessment will help determine the storage capacity and functionality you need.
• Workflow and Collaboration: If your team frequently collaborates on documents, look for features that support real-time editing, comments, and task assignments.
• Compliance and Security Requirements: Industries like healthcare and finance are governed by strict regulatory requirements. Ensure the DMS you choose complies with relevant laws and offers robust security features.
• Budget Constraints: Costs can vary widely between systems, especially when considering cloud-based subscriptions vs. on-premises installations. Set a realistic budget that accounts for setup, training, and ongoing maintenance.
• Cloud-Based vs. On-Premises DMS: The choice between cloud-based and on-premises Document management systems is significant. Cloud-based DMS offers the benefits of accessibility from anywhere, easy scalability, and lower upfront costs. On the other hand, on-premises solutions provide greater control over data security and can be more cost-effective in the long run for some businesses. Your decision should align with your company’s size, budget, and specific security needs.

“43% of employed Americans would consider leaving their job if their company didn’t have an efficient/easy way to access the information and people they need to get their job done.” – Glean

Making the Decision

Once you’ve outlined your requirements and preferences, it’s time to narrow down your options. Consider the following steps:

• Research and Shortlist: Start by researching available DMS solutions that meet your primary criteria. Read reviews, case studies, and testimonials to shortlist promising options.
• Request Demos and Trials: Most vendors offer free demos or trial periods. Use these opportunities to test the system’s usability, features, and compatibility with your existing workflows.
• Evaluate Customer Support: Customer support is crucial for resolving potential issues quickly. Assess the quality of the vendor’s customer service and the support channels they offer (e.g., 24/7, live chat, phone support).
• Consider Future Scalability: Choose a DMS that can grow with your business. Consider future needs, such as additional users, storage capacity, and features, to ensure the system remains a good fit as your organization evolves.
• Check References and Reviews: Speak with existing users of the DMS to understand their experiences, challenges, and satisfaction levels. Online reviews and ratings can also provide valuable insights into the system’s performance and reliability.

“97% of organizations have minimal or no digital document processes, and 72% use a mix of paper-based and digital processes.” – Forrester Report, Commissioned by Adobe

Working with a Third Party

Many businesses opt to work with a Managed Services provider for their document management needs. Here’s what a provider can offer your business:

1. Expertise and Specialization: Managed Services providers have specialized knowledge and expertise in document management, ensuring that businesses can benefit from the latest technologies and best practices without needing to invest significant time and resources into research and implementation.
2. Customization and Integration: Providers can tailor document management solutions to align with a business’s specific needs and integrate seamlessly with existing systems, maximizing efficiency and productivity.
3. Compliance and Security: Managed Services providers understand the regulatory landscape and can ensure that the document management system complies with industry standards and regulations, as well as provide robust security measures to protect sensitive information.
4. Support and Maintenance: Businesses gain access to ongoing support, maintenance, and updates for their document management system, freeing up internal resources and minimizing downtime.
5. Scalability and Flexibility: Providers offer scalable solutions that can adapt to changing business needs, ensuring that the document management system remains effective as the organization grows and evolves.

When choosing a Managed Services provider for your document management needs, focus on a few key things. Look for a provider that specializes in managing documents digitally, handling eSignatures, and automating workflows. It’s important to make sure they have a good track record of keeping documents secure and compliant with industry rules. Also, find a provider that offers proactive and reliable support for any document-related issues. Lastly, check for positive feedback from other clients to ensure the provider is dependable and cares about their customers.

Meet Our Document Management Partner, Vasion

At hubTGI, we’re proud to partner with Vasion, a cutting-edge DMS provider specializing in automation and digitization. For over a decade, Vasion has been dedicated to empowering companies by streamlining their print infrastructure, automating business processes, and fostering secure technological integration. Their goal is to make digital transformation attainable for everyone and help organizations simplify processes through automation and integration.

The right document management system can improve your organization’s efficiency, compliance, and bottom line. By carefully evaluating your needs, considering key features, and following a structured selection process, you can choose a DMS that not only meets your current requirements but also supports your future growth. Remember, the best DMS is one that integrates seamlessly into your operations, enhances your workflows, and provides a secure, user-friendly platform for managing your documents.

Ready to simplify your document management? Reach out to hubTGI today to explore how our solutions can streamline your daily workflows. Ask us about a demo and take the first step towards more efficient document management.

About hubTGI

hubTGI is a Canadian-owned Managed Services provider that offers Print Services, Workflow Solutions, Managed IT, Cybersecurity Solutions, Cloud Services and VoIP to help their customers control costs, secure their data and make their people more productive. 

For the latest industry trends and technology insights visit hubTGI’s Resources page.