What is an Open Archive?

The process of converting paper based archives into an electronic environment. The "Open Archive" environment is one where the information can be viewed, managed and distributed within the business process.

A typical company has large quantities of designs which must be preserved throughout the life-cycle of the product or service. Archive materials are needed for reutilization, reference, and legal purposes. The opportunity to quickly access technical document archives via controlled procedures can provide tremendous benefits.

Considering the design, production and support service stages in the product cycle, each succeeding stage uses substantially more documentation than its predecessor. Significant cost savings can be achieved by managing documentation in the "Open Archive" environment.

While CAD conversion and raster/hybrid editing are focused on improving individual productivity, scanning paper drawings can provide improvements to a company's business process. A fully implemented EDM system can help reduce product cycle times and produce lower cost by addressing process issues related to design release management, document storage management, ISO 9000 and OSHA compliancy.

The "Open Archive" enables companies to leverage their paper drawing assets into a more productive business asset.