This past Saturday I experienced a Jimmy Buffett concert at historic Wrigley Field. Not only was the concert everything you would expect if you are a Parrot Head, but it also showcased arguably the most iconic baseball park in the country. The summer night temperatures were perfect, and the view of the outlying buildings spectacular; it reminded me that events like this would not occur had certain people not had the courage to update and change an iconic structure.
There was a time when it was thought that Wrigley Field was too old and beyond repair. Fortunately for baseball fans, the current owners are investing $1 billion into changing the structure and modernizing it. Not all of their changes were initially popular, like the huge video boards in both left and right field. But what is important is that they had the courage to make changes, and ultimately it was for the better. At the same time, they are opening up this cathedral of baseball to other events such as concerts, football and hockey games and other things. Now others can also enjoy not only the ballpark, but the entertainment it provides along with the surrounding neighborhood.
Too often we are reluctant to make changes. Whether this is due to our current comfort zone, or because we fear that change will be hard work and may fail, or we are simply uncertain of what the future holds. Whatever the reason, if we do not change and adapt, we die. The same holds true for your organization. If you are still holding onto paper and manual processes you need to stop. Not only are you embracing an outdated and inefficient technology, but you are also hurting the long-term viability of your company. Now is the time to come into the new millennium and automate your processes and become more efficient. Now is the time to evaluate and implement document management and workflow.
I have been in this industry well before document scanning was a commercially viable technology. Like Buffett sings in his ballad A Pirate Looks at Forty, “watched the men who rode you switch from sail to steam,” I have seen organization switch from DOS to Windows, from paper to digital, from manual processes to workflow. The one constant, companies that do this are vibrant and grow. They are not afraid to make a mistake and move on. They take calculated risks and are better off because of it.
If you have not embraced document management it is not too late. The trails have already been blazed for you. We are now working with a mature technology that is proven and cost effective. Want more proof? Talk to any millennial and they will tell you they want to work with a company that embraces technology. The workforce has changed and employees are looking to work for organizations that are digital and embrace technology.
Like the Buffett song Changes in Latitudes Changes in Attitudes, “It's those changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes nothing remains quite the same,” we need to adapt, embrace the future and look forward to what it brings. Imagine what the world would be like if we did not embrace the incandescent light, the horseless carriage, and electronic mail. It is time to embrace document management, workflow and all of the efficiencies that it brings. It’s time to change our attitude.
Jack Arnston is a confirmed Parrot Head and Principal at The Priton Group. He can be reached at jarnston@pritongroup.com.