The Story
2016 WesternIM undertook a 100,000 box physical records inventory and developed built a database for use my multiple staff to track results. Fast and accurate were the driving factors.
2017 WesternIM refined the database to permit capture of existing spreadsheet data and user processes for fast validation/editing using laptops for another client’s physical inventory.
2018 During our internal industry review/assessment, we realized that the software industry seemed to be focused on digital records and had little or no interest in assisting clients with physical records. Available physical records management solutions were showing their age and not using the latest technological advances. With decades of experience in technology, records and information management, we realized we could use our tool development to provide clients with a modern and extremely fast physical records management solution.
And …. WesternIM Information System for Physical Inventory Records (AgileIM) was born.
WesternIM Team packaged our past experience into a sleek and powerful smart-phone and tablet app on the android platform that enabled a user to interact with boxes and folders without having to retreat to their desktop in order to create/search/update/report information on their physical records.
AgileIM was enhanced with additional metadata for flagging personal information, legal holds, vital records, and office of primary responsibility, classification and location using a SQL database in a hosted environment.
Processes were added for check-out/check-in, moving folders between boxes, and bulk updating to complement the very fast and flexible filter searching and update functions.
With the mobile camera you can scan QR code, barcodes or do image recognition on a label, immediately accessing the inventory data for precise box/content information.
We reviewed AgileIM with seasoned Records Managers and implemented the tool at a couple of sites. The result was a modern easy to use and extremely fast solution requiring minimal training, equipment, and technical support.
2019 The AgileIM app is now available for users on their android mobile device or Microsoft tablet/laptop. Yes it still works on a desktop.
Clients of any size (record volume or organization) can build a passive inventory of their physical records with AgileIM and begin to actively manage their records asset. Mission accomplished.
Customer satisfaction has been incredible.
Testimonies:
“What a Christmas present! It’s taken me days to go through the whole document and I know that I will continue to retain more and more information each time I read it. They really are well-written, thorough and immensely valuable reports and I thank you for all of your hard work, flexibility and openness to make it a collaborative effort tailored to our needs and organizational culture.”
— Carolyn Harris, Information and Records Management Administrator, Kwanlin Dün First Nation
“I wanted to pass along some feedback on Troy’s onsite visit this week. We were extremely impressed on the work that was completed prior to arrival and his understanding of the geoscience subject matter that allowed the solution to come together.
His professionalism and willingness to make this project a success was well received by all CNSOPB staff he interacted with. Our core user was constantly being heard saying, “Christmas has come early this year”. I can honestly say I’ve never seen her happier. He’s a great asset to your team and it was a pleasure to get to know him this week.”
— Troy MacDonald, Director, Information Services; Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board