Enterprise Content Management (ECM)

Definition - What does Enterprise Content Management (ECM) mean?

Enterprise Content Management (ECM) is an organizational process methodology designed for complete content life cycle management. ECM content includes documents, graphics, email and video.

ECM is derived from electronic document management systems (EDMS) used during the late 1980s-early 1990s for imaging and work flow on a smaller scale. Today, ECM solutions employ a single ECM software package that encompasses multiple enterprise divisions, including accounting, customer service and human resources (HR).

Techopedia explains Enterprise Content Management (ECM)

ECM encompasses multiple management types, including Web content management, document management, digital asset management and work flow management. Additionally, ECM provides data discovery and manipulation capabilities through search, collaboration, capture and scanning. Originally geared toward Business-to-Employee (B2E) systems, ECM now provides solutions to Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Government (B2G) and Government-to-Business (G2B) and other market segments.

The Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) defines five ECM components, as follows:

  • Capture
  • Manage
  • Store
  • Preserve
  • Deliver

The three software application sources of ECM are as follows:

  • Locally installed software, which is available through a local area network (LAN)
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)
  • Hybrid of locally installed SaaS and other software solutions

Key ECM benefits include:

  • More efficient and cost-effective document management and control, which drive enterprise adoption
  • Ensured integrated compliance with government and industry regulations
  • Security functions filter sensitive data that is masked with redaction features. This facilitates document sharing without compromising individual identities or other sensitive data.
  • Reduced costs through decreased storage space, supply resources, postal requirements
  • Reduced IT resources via SaaS solutions

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