Before you even think of initializing an ECM deployment in your organization, before you touch pen to paper (or cursor to screen), before you embark on a content management journey, you need to have some concepts swirling around in your mind. If you can get a grasp on these three key notions, you’re in good shape to create an ECM strategy.

1.       Talk to your team

It takes a village – or at the very least, a dedicated core team – to keep an ECM up and running. If the village isn’t communicating well you’re going to run into roadblocks. When you begin your installation, your core team (which, and I can't stress this enough, should include at least one executive) will be responsible for leading the charge as ambassadors for your new ECM solution. Be prepared for the extra time and effort it will take to bring everyone up to speed and keep everyone using the system.

2.       Know your starting point

Where are you starting from? If you’re considering an ECM solution, you’ve recognized that there are some processes within your organization that could be streamlined. Maybe you want to be able to find your documents more easily. Maybe you want to share your content more effectively. Maybe you just need disaster recovery mechanisms in place. Whatever your reasons are for an ECM installation – know where you’re coming from so that you can figure out where you want to go. Set goals against these benchmarks and then you have something to report back on with your progress.

3.       Settle in for the long-haul

To quote the venerable Mr. Ice Cube, “Life ain’t a track meet, it’s a marathon.” The same mantra applies to an ECM installation. It’s not simply a matter of installing a system. You actually have to use and maintain the system. Be active in it from day-one. An ECM is only as good as the information it contains and a successful ECM implementation isn’t just an end-result, it’s an on-going process. So jump in, get wet, but pace yourself, real results come when you're in it for the long-haul!