How does Electronic Document Management work?
A digital picture of a document is Captured using a computer and scanner. It is similar to making a photocopy, except that the copy is left in an electronic format. Information is then assigned to the electronic page so that it can be retrieved later (Indexing). This information might be as simple as Last Name and Social Security Number if the pages pertain to an individual, but can be anything you use to find filed documents in a filing cabinet. That information goes into a database. Next, both the electronic page and the information are Stored. Storage can be accomplished on a variety of media, but the most common is magnetic backed up by optical (CD, DVD or Optical Platter). This type of storage can legally replace actual paper documents in most instances (see below). Once stored, the pages are available for Retrieval upon demand and can be Distributed as needed by printing, fax, or e-mail.
