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2008 Review of Document Storage Systems

One Size Does Not Fit All

From the August 2008 Issue

One size does not fit all when it comes to document management systems, which
is why we have continued with our strategy of separating our review into two
categories: document management systems (June/July 2008; www.CPATechAdvisor.com/go/1966)
and document storage systems.

So what’s the difference between document management and document storage
systems? Essentially, it comes down to a matter of the depth of features and
functionality of the different solutions. Document management systems typically
provide extended capabilities such as advanced scanning tools, deeper integration
with tax software and MS Office, workflow automation tools, document retention
management, and advanced security controls. Document storage systems, on the
other hand, have a more limited feature set that is focused primarily on providing
an alternative to the Windows Explorer model for saving and organizing your
files. In fact, in many cases, these document storage systems simply serve as
an alternative point of entry to Windows Explorer.

The table below provides a high-level comparison of how document management
and document storage systems differ. Beware that there is overlap between each
category so take the time to evaluate each vendor’s solution on its own
features and unique attributes.

Simplicity is the primary differentiator of document storage systems over
document management systems. Document storage systems by their very nature are
intended to be simple and easy to use, and the focus of these reviews is on
that simplicity. After all, if the system is too cumbersome too work with, you
will naturally revert back to using Windows Explorer as your primary tool for
organizing your files.

The attributes for the document storage systems reviewed here include usability,
document organization, annotation capabilities and integration. Usability refers
to the overall design of the system as well as the intuitiveness and ease-of-use
of the interface. Document organization addresses the design and functionality
of document indexing capabilities. Annotation capabilities refer to the ability
to make electronic notes, stamps and tick marks on the document images. There
are basically two alternative approaches to annotation functionality: proprietary
features embedded in the document storage system or through reliance on Adobe
Acrobat’s annotation functionality. The latter is typically the case with
these systems. Integration addresses the functionality to file and/or retrieve
documents from within other applications, the most important being tax software
and MS Office.

As you embark on your research of alternative solutions, I recommend that
you take a look at a mix of both document management and document storage solutions.
This will allow you to gain a much better perspective on the range of capabilities
available, and it can be very helpful in developing your paperless office strategy.
I’m a big believer in “simpler is better” when it comes to
software applications, but you should consider whether or not the extended functionality
of a document management system is worth the extra investment. Don’t buy
more than you need.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

AccountantsWorld — CyberCabinet
AccountantsWorld has been providing practical software
solutions for accountants for over 20 years. The company focuses on web-based
applications for payroll, accounting, fixed assets, practice management,
websites, document storage and more.
CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business
– Scan&Fill with Document Manager
In November of 2006, CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business,
announced the formation of the CCH Small Firm Services group. The primary
purpose driving this initiative is to have resources dedicated to meeting
the unique needs of small firms as a result of their acquisitions of the
ATX and TaxWise tax preparation products.
Drake Software — Drake Document Manager
As you might expect, the primary value of Drake Document Manager (Drake DM) is its direct integration with the Drake tax software.
DYMO/CardScan — DYMO File Software
DYMO is a division of Newell Rubbermaid, a $6 billion
company, and the vendor is targeting the SOHO (small office home office)
market through retail distribution. Its primary focus has been on the
distribution of label maker devices, and DYMO File Software is designed
to work with the vendor’s desktop label maker.
eFileCabinet — eFileCabinet
eFileCabinet was established by James Blaylock,
CPA back in 2001. Therefore, with this product, you have leadership from
someone who understands the accounting and tax business.
CompuLink Management Center,
Inc. — Intuition Pro
We reviewed the robust Laserfiche 7 in our document
management systems review in the June/July 2008 issue. Intuition is a
separate solution that is designed for sole practitioners.

Fujitsu — Rack 2 Filer
Rack 2 Filer was designed as a solution to help market the Fujitsu ScanSnap desktop scanner. It is essentially designed as a very visual tool for organizing your scanned files, and it has evolved to its current version 4 release based on customer feedback.
Intuit — Lacerte DMS & ProSeries DMS
We’re all familiar with the unparalleled success that Intuit has had with the QuickBooks product line and the ProSeries and Lacerte tax applications. That success is being leveraged to extend document management capabilities to those product lines.
Office Tools Pro — Office Tools
Pro
The Office Tools Pro document storage system is
designed as a component of a very tightly integrated suite of office automation
applications that includes time & billing, scheduling, contact management,
and more.
REDGEAR Technologies — ArkWorks
REDGEAR Technologies offers a complete set of applications
for accounting and tax practices that includes tax, general ledger and
document management solutions. The company was founded as TaxWorks more
than 35 years ago and is still owned and managed by the same core group.
Speedy Scan Company, Inc. —
Speedy File Brander
Speedy Scan has been developing document management
software for small businesses since 2003 as a Microsoft Master Developer.
Their products are designed as horizontal solutions that meet the needs
of multiple industries.
Thomson Reuters — FileCabinet
CS
FileCabinet CS has been a perennial favorite in
my review of document storage solutions. It is one of the most widely
used systems in small and midsize accounting and tax practices.
ShareFile For Accountants — A File Exchange Portal
SIDEBAR ARTICLE: s the name implies, ShareFile is a tool for organizing files and sharing
them online internally and externally with clients. For all practical purposes,
it is a file storage tool with virtually no functionality relative to document
management such as scanning, annotation or integration.