Configurable Information Governance Software: The Key to Scalability

In today's digital landscape, effective information governance (IG) software is vital, especially in the legal sector. Organizations are overwhelmed by mounting volumes of data, stringent regulatory demands, and the need to maintain accuracy and security. But finding the right software, while equally vital, is not always easy. 

Not all software is created equal. Many firms face a tough choice: settle for generic, "one-size-fits-all" solutions that fail to meet operational nuances, or pursue customizable platforms that become overly complicated and thus unsustainable. The ideal solution, therefore, is highly configurable Information Governance software.

Why "One-Size-Fits-All" Falls Short and "Customizable" Isn't Scalable

Our sales team hears many of the same complaints about information governance software. For starters, a one-size-fits-all information governance system, while seemingly cost-effective and efficient upfront, often proves to be a “one-size-fits-none” situation. It lacks the specific functionalities required to make it effective for your company's workflow, forcing workarounds, and manual processes. These ultimately compromise data quality and compliance. The initial simplicity or savings quickly evaporate as inefficiencies mount and risks escalate.

Then there's the allure of "customizable" software. On the surface, it sounds appealing – a solution built precisely to your specifications. However, as FiT’s President and Chief Revenue Officer succinctly put it in a recent interview, "customizable" in a cloud environment is often a recipe for disaster. When software is customized, it means the core code is altered. This creates multiple, divergent versions of the platform. This results in help tickets that are specific only to your version of the platform, making them harder to keep up with and trickier to solve. Updates are delayed or impossible, bug fixes are complex, and maintaining security across so many variations is a massive headache. While a customized solution might feel tailored initially, the glow wears off, and it ultimately hinders scalability, future innovation, and long-term support. You become tied to a legacy system that struggles to evolve with your business needs.

The Power of Configurable Information Governance Software

This is where highly configurable vs customizable becomes a critical distinction. At Future InTech, our approach to information governance with products like our Information Governance solution emphasizes highly configurable capabilities. This means our software can be adapted to meet your specific needs and workflows without altering the core code, leading to a scalable cloud computing platform. 

A highly configurable system is like a sophisticated set of building blocks (legos for instance). The core structures remain consistent, ensuring stability, seamless updates, and unified support. However, your firm has the flexibility to arrange and adjust those blocks to create a solution that appears perfectly tailored to your environment. You can "bend" the software to align with data retention policies, legal requirements, different departments, or roles and responsibilities without breaking the underlying architecture.

The benefits are profound:

• Scalability: Because the core code remains unified, our configurable information governance software can effortlessly scale with your organization's growth and evolving data landscape. New users, departments, or data types can be incorporated without complex re-engineering.
• Seamless Updates & Support: All users benefit from immediate access to the latest features, security patches, and performance enhancements. Our support team can efficiently assist all clients on a consistent platform.
• Reduced Risk: By avoiding custom code, you mitigate the risks associated with fragmented systems, security vulnerabilities, and unpredictable upgrade paths.
• Faster Deployment & ROI: Configuration is typically far quicker than custom development, leading to faster deployment and a quicker return on your investment in information governance.
• Future-Proofing: A configurable system is inherently more adaptable to future technological advancements and regulatory changes, ensuring your investment remains valuable for years to come.

Many organizations are still struggling with outdated, legacy systems that are rigid and expensive to maintain. These systems often require extensive custom coding for even minor adjustments, thus locking businesses into costly and inflexible solutions. If you’re using an on-premises server, the complications increase. Shifting to a configurable, cloud-based platform liberates you from these constraints, offering effectiveness AND efficiency in managing your critical information assets.

Asking the Right Questions: Making the Right Choice

When evaluating information governance software, look beyond generic promises of "flexibility." Ask probing questions about how the system handles unique requirements. Does it involve altering the core code, or can adjustments be made through robust configuration options? Does the company have to send a service person to your location? How long does that take - and cost? Understanding the difference between configurable and customizable is paramount to making an informed decision that supports your long-term strategic goals.

Investing in a truly configurable information governance system is an investment in your organization's future. It empowers you to maintain control over your data, meet compliance obligations with confidence, and unlock the true potential of your information assets, all while ensuring scalability and sustainable growth. See how FiTs Information governance system can help you craft a platform that works with your workflow, and stays that way into the future.

Book a demo today.

‍