Bridge the Content Divide: Dynamics and ECM

It is not uncommon for organizations to implement several different systems in which their employees must do their work like an ECM, or a CRM /ERP like Microsoft Dynamics. Based on a user’s role in the organization, they are going to use specific systems that are vital to getting their work done. For instance, a sales team probably does a majority of their work in a CRM, like Microsoft Dynamics. However, they are also likely to spend some of their time storing documents within a content management system, like NetDocuments. Whether you’re a law firm, financial institution, or government agency, your organization might want to integrate these different systems together to help improve business processes and workflow.  

The content divide 

There is no doubt that there is a content divide within most organizations. This means that implemented systems aren’t always integrated together for a cohesive workflow. In this case, users often work in their CRM to update client information and place notes about the status of projects, but then store related content elsewhere. CRMs like Dynamics were never intended to be content management systems, so it is no surprise that content often doesn’t live there. Most organizations utilize an enterprise content management system that exists as a central repository for all content across the organization. To improve workflow, users often seek a time-saving approach to storing documents. In many cases, they might look to storing content in Dynamics to avoiding bouncing between two different systems, but the reality of it is that Dynamics isn’t built for that. Thus, the question is, how do you manage the content divide, in which some content is stored in one system and some content is stored in another system?  

Bridging the divide with integration 

If you’re struggling with the content divide, your best bet is going to be integrating your systems together. An integration between Dynamics and your ECM system is going to save users time by eliminating the need to switch between systems and search for content related to an account. When you implement various systems, an integration is an efficient way to keep all content stored in your trusted system of record as opposed to dividing content out into many different places. 

There are a couple ways SeeUnity can help you can integrate your systems. One option is to surface your content from your ECM repository directly into Dynamics. Another option is to set up a backend synchronization between these two systems, so when information is updated in Dynamics it is also updated in the repository of record. Either option easily and quickly brings your content into the context in which it is being worked on. They both save time for your users by eliminating the need to search a separate system for related content while still allowing the secure use of an ECM system in which to work. 

For more information about how SeeUnity can help, inquire above or email us at info@seeunity.com.