----- Original Message -----
From: "Creamer, William" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2001 2:20 AM
Subject: Re: How to encourage use of EDM was Re: EDM vs use of network


> It's flattering that everyone posting on this topic automatically assumes
> that I as the Records Manager had anything to do with the decision to use
an
> EDMS and how it was implemented. Actually, the sad truth is that it about
as
> far from reality as you could get. I wasn't personally here when it was
> begun, but my predecessor of 10 years was not consulted about it either.
Nor
> do Records Managers in law firms have anywhere near the power (or ego)
that
> several of you imply. Although I agree with the implementation, and the
> constraints imposed, in spite of all the warm and fuzzy free spirits here,
I
> think you'll find in other aspects of life we frequently have to deal with
> preimposed constraints, in which, heavens, we weren't even consulted!
> Traffic rules come immediately to mind, or zoning laws. I understand why
an
> EDMS is a good thing and why I should fill out a profile for each document
I
> create. Nevertheless, there are times when I'd rather not do it, and given
a
> way around it, I'd use it. With the EDMS used here in this law firm, and
> others I 've worked for, the decision and implementation was done by
> Technology Committees, Information System Departments, Systems Trainers
and
> executive input. It is doubtful that the biggest users of the system,
> secretaries, were consulted about this or any other software they use
daily.
> And as in most law firms, the decisions about which software to use and
how
> to use it (despite any use or cost studies undertaken), are more
determined
> by client needs and what the other law firms locally are using, then
almost
> any other factors. I guess one of the differences between large law firms
> and corporate America is that no matter how big the organization gets, we
> have the owners on site all day, every day, so command and control is very
> much alive in this environment, but I still think this is a great
> organization and I really like working here. I think it's great that you
can
> actually sit down with thousands of people in your organizations and
explain
> all the positive benefits of a system, only proceeding when everyone has
> consensus on its value to them personally. Add to that, each person, and
> their comments and concerns, are valued equally, and the logic of the
> benefits of the system results in total compliance. What a great place to
> work!
>
> William Creamer
> [log in to unmask]
>
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>

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