Latize

1. Research Practice

• Emerging Trends - We keep abreast of the changing IM landscape, and are in tune with the latest in IM principles, its applications and cutting-edge technologies.
• Case Studies – Our research initiative also extends to case studies, where we examine industry practices, the challenges faced and pertinent learning points that can be derived from these IM scenarios.

These research materials are available as a free resource online or through our public seminars.

2. Commissioned Research

• Information Strategies & Techniques – We conduct specific research for clients who are interested in where the industry is heading - what is at the forefront of IM practice and how it impacts end-users.
• Some examples: What are the ISO standards of managing corporate records; Can instant messaging in the social networking arena be used as official records?
• Technology Implementation – We have also been commissioned by clients to evaluate IM technology and its delivery mechanisms. As an independent and unbiased entity, you can be assured of receiving objective advice, beyond the sales pitch of the IM vendor.
• Government Records Management research study – An ECM vendor engaged us to identify specific pain points in the management of government records, so as to better understand the needs of this sector and to position IM products that would meet these needs. We profiled the needs of the many users from senior management to the line staff, the many functional departments and their requirements. The study highlighted operational gaps in records management and the various dimensions of need that this IM vendor could address in their product proposal.

Our core competencies in the IM Strategy/Practice-Technology mix is advantageous to both the end-user client and the IM vendor customer. We see both sides of the coin and understand the inherent needs of business functionality versus the capabilities of technology delivery.

1. Contextualised training is about helping your end-users understand how to properly interface their workflow processes within the IM platform to contribute towards achieving outcomes that drive specific business objectives. It is not about learning how to use the software to perform a set of technical functions.

In an e-registry project for example, a user not only needs to know how to add a document to the repository, but also know how to choose which folder to save it into, so as to properly store the information in its correct place for effective search and retrieval later.

2. Customised training delivers specialised IM packages particular to the specific needs of an organisation. For example,

• ECM (Enterprise Content Management) implementation essentials include developing the business case with foundation components in classification models, meta-data models, access control rights, content governance principles and change management programmes. We can help your organisation uncover what is it you currently have, and what is it that is missing in your IM framework.
• Effective Records Management Programme covers the basics of records management and how to go about building an effective records management programme. The course covers design of policies, foundation components, compliance and governance. It will also prepare your participants in developing product selection criteria for their projects.
• Information Classification Techniques equips participants with the basics in information classification - why it is needed, what various options are available, the pros and cons of different approaches and their development techniques. The course includes the basics of file classification, corporate taxonomy, ontology, among others.

1. Process Definition & Alignment

In every organisation, information is being created and consumed by stakeholders within it, at every level. This information can be a useful asset if the processes that create it can be properly defined and aligned to the company’s business objectives.

In this package, Latize will help you examine

• What are the processes that drive your business
• Alignment of information processes towards desired business outcomes
• Technology & Software implementation/consolidation with the objective of achieving net savings

2. Information Management Models

Here, we explore the different types of Information Models that can be deployed in an information management initiative. Compliance standards, information governance, IM uses and functionality in the areas of filing, search and retrieval are closely examined and localised to your organisational framework.

• File classification/BCS (Business Classification Scheme)
• Taxonomy
• Meta-data Model

3. Transition Management

Latize E-Cube³ Framework

Your project has been implemented and the tender specifications have been met successfully. However, there are usability issues leading to low uptake. Employing Latize’s very own engagement methodology, our consultants will bring your stakeholders through the E-Cube³ Framework, to help them re-orientate and connect to the process of change.

• Emotions – We engage your stakeholders at the most basic level of the human psyche, by getting them excited about the concept behind the Information Management project.
• Experience – We show them the tangible results of how things can actually be done more efficiently, by having stakeholders test out improvements in workflow and product functionality in their individual work spheres.
• Economics – This is where we present the hard figures to show proof of concept, the real value and net gains achieved in embarking on the IM endeavour.

4. Maturity Assessment

Benchmarking your organisation against industry standards and best practices allows you to understand the current state of organisational maturity and the specific challenges that you need to overcome to reach the desired state.

Latize’s employs a Readiness Framework that tests the integrity of information preparedness in these areas:

• Information Landscape – Do you know what you have? Is the information framework well connected?
• Understanding IM – Do you follow regulation? Do you have an IM policy?
• Institutionalisation – Do you have procedure? Do you have tools?
• Utilisation – Is information a strategic asset? Are you audience-centric? Is your organisation innovative with information usage?

5. Implementation Services

Our consultants can work with your project team to implement the IM plan, and also validate that product implementation complies with your business function specifications. We will ensure a seamless transition between the design and implementation stages, in keeping with our commitment to the success of your project.