Digitizing a real estate document library

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to present the organizational, logistic, and technological problems in reengineering established real estate library business processes to inform other practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on the approach taken in one organisation. This paper presents the organizational, logistic, and technological problems in reengineering established real estate library business processes by considering a real case study, although the identify of the firm is not revealed.

Findings

The information management literature is strewn with bits and pieces on document imaging and its perceived benefits through increased technology. The business process is more complex than the sales literature suggests. Imaging projects begin with a paper backlog that requires preparation, organization, taxonomy, and elimination of redundancy through document analysis. Personnel, budget, and administration need to be allocated. Simultaneously, a document management system must be selected, data warehouse space allocated, and a design storyboard constructed.

Research limitations/implications

The case study is from the private sector, but there may be other aspects to consider in developing the return on investment argument in other sectors.

Practical implications

How will the paper backlog be eliminated forever? The answer lies in reengineering the entire real estate library business process, transforming the real estate document library into an information management decision‐making tool for those managers involved in selling, buying, and managing property assets

Originality/value

This paper reflects practical lessons learned and will help other professionals who are considering digitization.

Citation

Schroeder, A.T. (2006), "Digitizing a real estate document library", Records Management Journal, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 34-50. https://doi.org/10.1108/09565690610654774