Document management and records management - will it pay off

In previous postings I’ve discussed the unique Danish phenomenon “ESDH”, electronic “case” and document management. I.e journalization included in one RM/DM solution. In a resent study, mentioned in the Danish edition of Computer World CIO Ole Bech has interviewed 85 municipalities. Two main conclusions can be derived from this study. 1) 50% of 85 municipalities experience improved effectiveness, and 2) 1 in 85 – less than 1.2 % - have measured whether or not the introduction of electronic DM/RM have led to quantitative improvements in efficiency. According to Mr. Bech the second conclusion is the most survivor.

Now, I haven’t read the study, but from what I can understand the main interest seems to be the introduction of electronic DM/RM has led to quantitative improvements. In the public sector it’s wrong to focus solely on that parameter. In my experience, cost reduction through CM initiatives is still an unfulfilled promise. However, DM/RM solutions – or ESDH, as we call it in Danish public sector – is a premise a will be the foundation in an architecture that must be in place to meet the qualitative goals, set by politicians regarding transparency in public administration, public access etc. Also to meet growing demands from lawmakers regarding governance. I wonder if Mr. Bech expect these parameters included in a business case? Obviously, if you only look at TCO and, perhaps, a best bet on back office consequences, DM/RM in public sector will probably never pay off. And certainly not in a four-five year span.

Any thoughts?

Comments

[Stig Andersen]

Just to let you know that my colleague Per Andreasen has made a comment to the mentioned article today: http://tinyurl.com/mslfqp

Yes, it's in Danish.

[Finnur]

Hi Stig
Good to see you active on the blog again!

Sadly I can’t read the article you refer to. I will commed on what you is writing. The projects we have done in Finland certainly never paid off if you measure only in money. Ive been involved with three rather large projects over the years. but if you ask the CIO (as you call the) or politicians who ask for the system they ask for much more than just cost reduction. They expect improved service. But more importantly introduction of these system are most often part of a more long-term strategy. Something you mention and I think you are very right. If that person that made the research has not had that focus too, I think it is not very valuable. Also I wonder. Denmark is known to be ahead in public enterprise architecture. Can it be that document management is not part of global danish EA strategy? Can it these man don’t know about that?