In the interview with Andreas Zipser, Chairman of the Board of EASY SOFTWARE AG
One of EASY SOFTWARE AG’s long-term priorities is the capture of mass data, its structuring, and the optimized document workflows that result. Long-term archiving and protection against data loss are also consistently important topics surrounding electronic archiving and document-based Enterprise Content Management. EASY SOFTWARE offers user-oriented document management software for all common operating systems, work environments, and data formats, based on cutting-edge technologies. At the same time, the company is able to deliver tailored solutions for every industry and company size to optimize document-based processes.
With over 30 years of experience, EASY SOFTWARE is one of the market-leading providers of ECM, DMS, and P2P software solutions in the German-speaking region. In an interview with CEO Andreas Zipser, we discuss the areas of Data-Driven Business, cloud technology, and Software-as-a-Service.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Mr. Zipser, when we talk about Data-Driven Business, the term Big Data immediately comes to mind. Perhaps you could clarify the concept of Data-Driven Business to see where companies currently stand.
Andreas Zipser: Data-Driven Business means that companies develop and manage their business activities based on data-driven business models. This makes the generation, capture, evaluation, provision, and use of data a critical success factor for business operations. The sources of this data vary widely. In addition to data generated within a company through business activities in interactions with different stakeholders and various processes, new technologies and their use—such as IoT, cloud platforms, tracking technologies, sensors, and connected devices and machines—offer an almost endless opportunity to generate mass data, i.e., Big Data. The volume, complexity, volatility, and growth of this data are so enormous and unstructured that it is impossible to evaluate and utilize them manually. This is where intelligent algorithms, machine learning, and artificial intelligence come into play, leveraging vast amounts of data to enable self-learning development of processes, offerings, or systems.
The topic of Data-Driven Business is on the agenda of many technology companies, but in many respects, it is still in its infancy—given the immense future potential. According to a PwC study of 500 German private-sector companies, only six percent of respondents are using or implementing artificial intelligence. However, there are companies whose business models inherently favor these new approaches. Those who have been collecting or managing customer data for decades already have an advantage in Data-Driven Business.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: What might a potential business model in Data-Driven Business look like for ECM companies like EASY? What strategy would you recommend here?
Andreas Zipser: Our solutions already manage a wide variety of data and document types from all conceivable channels at our customers. Specifically, this includes invoices, contracts and similar documents from connected sources. Thanks to this 360-degree position and the associated technologies—such as intelligent tagging, search functions and interfaces to various cloud platforms—our solutions are ideally suited to become the central hub for data in our customers' business operations. By automatically evaluating and analyzing the data we already manage today, we offer customers—among other things through the use of predictive analytics—a vital foundation for informed decisions that drive their business forward. Using business-critical data in this way is not a new idea; there is already a solid data protection basis in place. Thanks to the holistic approach covered by our ECM portfolio and the enormous efficiency gains that artificial intelligence will bring in the future, we will soon barely recognize today's data-driven business.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: How does this evaluation of a closed document flow fit with cloud computing?
Andreas Zipser: Structured mass data and cloud computing are not mutually exclusive. For us, cloud solutions will primarily be a way to enable more people and businesses to make their work and daily operations even simpler and more successful by leveraging collective intelligence. Of course, decentralized data centers meet the highest data protection standards, and all data is used in anonymized form.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: We are in contact with many SMEs and repeatedly find that there are still companies that are not very advanced in their digital processes. How does your team manage to reach these stragglers and practically bridge the digital divide?
Andreas Zipser: Of course, the right infrastructure conditions come first. In other words: comprehensive, high-performance internet supply even outside metropolitan areas. If we are to believe politicians, we are about to finally open up rural regions and other blind spots for the digital industry. In addition to selecting the digital solution, digital newcomers must then ensure they avoid the usual pitfalls. For almost every project, the needs and process requirements of customers must be precisely examined and understood by the provider. Corresponding goals must be defined and consistently adhered to. The responsibility to support customers in this challenge and show them the right path lies primarily with solution providers like us. Many digital newcomers are initially unsure whether they are taking the right approach, but in the medium term, there is no way around digital process support. Trust between customers and providers is important to dispel doubts and give them the confidence to jointly find solutions that will make them successful in the long term and sustainably.
Using cloud solutions instead of classic on-premises installations greatly simplifies the transition to a digitalized company, as the initial implementation is simple and additional functions can be quickly added via interfaces. Customers can thus respond to market requirements much more agilely. Investments in their own servers and IT infrastructure are eliminated, as are those in their own security and separate data backup concepts. After all, hosting in data centers usually offers higher data protection standards. Even the hurdle of the initial investment is lowered when customers opt for cloud software with a subscription model. The focus remains undisturbed on the added value that the new solution provides.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: If cloud software facilitates access because it is so quick and easy to implement, does that also mean that exits are just as easy? Do cloud providers need to be particularly careful that customers don’t jump ship to the competition?
Andreas Zipser: The fact that the lock-in effect, which exists with extensive license agreements for on-premises infrastructure due to switching costs or other barriers to change, is eliminated with subscription models and cloud solutions is certainly good news for customers. For us as providers, the satisfaction and success of our customers becomes a central operational metric and a critical success factor. As customers now have more influence on the market than ever before, we must engage in dialogue with them more intensively than ever before and offer solutions and services that optimally relieve and support them so they can be even more successful in their own business activities. We need to ask more questions and ideally involve customers in our value chain and in the conception of products, the development of new features, and services. Consistent customer focus, customer success management, and seamless digital experience are the right path to sustainable success with ECM software in the cloud.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Your company will also be present at the DIGITAL FUTUREcongress on 17 May 2022 at Messe Frankfurt. What can visitors look forward to in your presentation?
Andreas Zipser: Our team is currently designing an exciting programme around our core competencies and core products in the DMS sector. We are reaching out to both digital newcomers and advanced customers and interested parties with appropriate entry strategies and models who are looking forward to the latest innovations.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Great. We are really looking forward to it too! Thank you for this exciting contribution.