Study shows major losses from poor document management

Imaging software developer Accusoft has released a data study uncovering standard workplace practices around document management. The report addresses common document management policies and offers solutions to create a more efficient, secure workflow.

Even though 90 percent of IT managers surveyed report they are confident they have the tools they need to protect their organizations’ documents, 34 percent have had sensitive information compromised due to poor file management practices.

Employees feel the ramifications of vague document management processes as well, including version sprawl. Sixty-six percent of employees say two to three versions of a document are created before final approval.

And a surprising 20% of employees claim they don’t know what document management tools their employer uses.

The study also looks at the growing use of mobile devices in the workplace and what this means for document management and security. According to Accusoft's findings, 74 percent of organisations have implemented some form of a bring your own device (BYOD) policy, but only half of this group require that employees have their devices approved by the IT department. As more employees move toward mobile, IT departments have a growing need to create adaptable and secure processes.

More than 100 U.S. IT managers and 250 full-time employees were surveyed to reveal what document management challenges organisations face, and how these needs are addressed.

“It's important for us to understand where companies are struggling when it comes to document management," said Accusoft CEO Jack Berlin. "Accusoft sets out to help solve those problems, and by gathering data around these challenges, we can continue to create tools that address top business challenges and enhances the document lifecycle process.

"Our ultimate goal is to improve business productivity," said Berlin. "In the study, we offer actionable solutions for organizations to fix broken processes and ensure document security."

To learn more download the full study.