Choosing a content management system (CMS) to handle your business’s most important files, foster collaboration and produce top-quality work isn’t easy. So how do you make such an important decision? We’re partial to our own dpsiDOX, of course, but these guidelines from Dom Nicastro at CMS Wire are worth a look.
These seven rules for selecting a CMS are more aimed at web-based CMSs, not a document-based system, but several points still apply. For example:
- Know what makes your business tick Nicastro notes, “Get in touch with your strategy and execution before looking at software because it will help you understand your requirements and get the most out of the platform when it has been deployed.” That’s good advice. What documents are you producing? Who is a part of that process? What does your current workflow look like, and would cloud storage and/or version tracking enhance that?
- Consider usage scenarios This is a great way to envision exactly how your company could adopt this technology, on a usage-case basis. To do so, go beyond the spreadsheets and talk to the workers themselves. “A scenario is a short story — written in a language that regular people understand — that describes a user’s interaction with the system to achieve a business objective,” Nicastro writes.
- Take product demos seriously Once you’ve narrowed things down and are ready to watch some demos and pitches, the work really begins. According to Nicastro, this phase ends in one of two ways: “Successful completion of this phase will mean that you have selected a product and/or implementation partner that is compatible with both your content and your way of doing business…Failure in this phase means that you will either be swayed by the most charismatic salesperson or that you will be stuck in a never ending sales cycle that doesn’t drive you towards an informed decision.” Increase your chance for success by constructing a thoughtful invitation to candidates, distribute “score cards” to those on the selection team, schedule a post mortem as soon as possible and then schedule your follow-ups.
You should read the full article for more, and contact us to see if dpsiDOX is the best fit for you.
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