Articles - Page 129

Agentic AI for Agencies in 2026

bmckeiver

The Drupal-focused digital experience company, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.acquia.com">Acquia</a>, has announced the release of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.acquia.com/products-services/acquia-content-hub">Acquia Content Hub</a>.The aim of Acquia Content Hub is to empower authors and websites rapidly create, search, distribute, and share content across a complex network of sites all from one single “hub”.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/acquia-logo-small.gif" />Acquia are attempting to respond to the contemporary content explosion seen across almost every industry. New channels are constantly emerging, and brands are finding it increasing tough to navigate and manage.Acquia claims that Content Hub will also help such organizations manage their content, as well as access, update, and replicate changes across a complex site networks, incompatible CMS platforms, and external channels.<h2>Repositories, Discovery Tools &amp; Automated Updates</h2><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/sshot-11133x0-is.png" />Content Hub gives authors and site owners a higher level of control over their dispersed content, with a comprehensive set of discovery, sharing and distribution tools. These include:<ul><li>A repository that aggregates and normalizes content and data from any external source — such as a news wire — or content management system</li><li>Powerful discovery tools, including content subscriptions and faceted search, to break down silos and enable site builders and editors to find relevant content from other sites, departmental archives or content management systems quickly</li><li>Automated updates from authors to content consumers — both internal and external audiences — in near real time, respecting local changes and workflow rules</li><li>An integration framework to access and publish content within existing workflows</li></ul>Acquia's Co-founder and CTO Dries Buytaert made these comments upon the announcement:<blockquote>“As digital teams race to deliver personalized customer experiences, they must first make sense of the chaos that has resulted from the explosion of content and sites. They need to be able to share, discover and collaborate unimpeded by disconnected legacy systems. Content Hub answers that challenge.”</blockquote>To learn more about Acquia Content hub, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.acquia.com/products-services/acquia-content-hub">check out the official website</a>.Also, make use of our CMS Directory to explore both <a href="/products/acquia">Acquia</a> and <a href="/products/drupal">Drupal</a>.

Acquia Unveils Content Hub

mike-johnston

Selecting a Joomla template is always a worthwhile job, especially when there are so many free and premium templates available for download. Due to the abundance of ready-made designs, sometimes it’s difficult to decide which option will meet your requirements perfectly – a free or a premium theme.
To help you understand the difference and pick the best solution for your next online project, we have decided to write this post where premium and free Joomla themes will be compared.
We will define the key benefits and drawbacks of each solution and provide several cool examples of free &amp; premium Joomla themes.
<h2>Premium Joomla Templates</h2>
There is an ongoing debate as to which type of template one should choose for one’s future website. While some prefer free Joomla templates because of their zero cost, many others are ready to pay for premium designs that offer a wider selection of features and tasty bonuses.
We will talk about free Joomla themes a little bit later in this post. First, let’s highlight the key pros and cons of premium designs.
<h3>Pros of Premium Joomla Templates</h3>
<h4>Advanced features</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/wegy.jpg" />
Compared to freemium solutions, premium Joomla themes come loaded with advanced functionality that makes it easier to manage the chosen theme on your own without investing too much time and effort.
The competition is very tough in today’s market, so, in order to be in demand among web users, developers try hard to load their templates with advanced functionality that will make them stand out from competing themes.
Here, to attract your attention and create a desire to test how the following theme works, <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/responsive-joomla-templates/" target="_blank">TemplateMonster</a> released <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/joomla-templates/53576.html" target="_blank">Wegy</a>, a revolutionary Joomla template that features every element you might need in order to build a business, education, electronics, software, science, industrial or a personal web site. We enumerated such a comprehensive list of industries that vary from one another for a reason.
This multipurpose Joomla template comes with an easy-to-use admin panel, advanced theme options and multiple Joomla Modules that make it easier to manage the theme in so many ways.
<a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/joomla-templates/53576.html"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/demo/53576.html"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Updates</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/katana.jpg" />
Joomla is a constantly updating technology, so the theme and plugins incorporated into your website should meet the latest web standards. When you decide to build your website with a premium theme, make sure that your theme provider will send you updates when they are available. It’s the responsibility of developers to deliver updated and compatible versions of their products to you on time.
Buying <a href="http://yootheme.com/demo/joomla/katana" target="_blank">Katana</a> for your web project, you will be able to select among three membership plans. Depending on your needs and purposes, you can opt for a Basic, Standard or Developer license, all of which provide technical support and regular updates as well as monthly theme releases.
<a href="http://yootheme.com/themes/buy-now"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://yootheme.com/demo/joomla/katana"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Support</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/pintex.jpg" />
Together with releasing updates, developers of premium Joomla templates provide free support to make it easier for a client to install and manage the product he or she acquired.
If you consider buying a premium Joomla template from TemplateMonster like <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/joomla-templates/53199.html" target="_blank">Pintex</a>, for instance, you may feel confident that together with its advanced functionality and 9 functional pages (a feature that is new to premium themes from this provider) you will get free 24/7 support provided by a team of skilled professionals.
Designed to be fully responsive and cross browser compatible, the template provides a wide selection of features to make it functional from the inside and visually pleasing.
<a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/joomla-templates/53199.html"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/demo/53199.html"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Save your time</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/iridescent.jpg" />
By purchasing a template, you don’t need to spend time creating a design that will make your business stand out; nor would you have to sweat over coding. A team of designers and programmers will get the job done for you.
By downloading a website template you get a ready-made solution for building or updating your online resource. Just install, customize, add your content, and apply any other adjustment you might need to create a unique website that is yours.
Featuring a tile-based layout that is so trendy today, <a href="http://www.rockettheme.com/joomla/templates/iridescent" target="_blank">Iridescent</a> looks balanced and appealing. Its full-width header slider, Mega Menu and images with hover effect will add a truly elegant and stylish look to your site. Valid code and advanced functionality will make it much easier to create a desired design.
<a href="http://www.rockettheme.com/joomla/templates/iridescent"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://demo.rockettheme.com/joomla-templates/iridescent/"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Responsive design</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/globy.jpg" />
Considering the most recent Google mobile-friendly update, there is a growing trend to make your website adaptive to any screen size and resolution. In order to relieve you from the necessity of creating a separate mobile version of your website or struggle with programming a responsive framework for your website on your own, responsive Joomla themes are released. Many of them are available for public download.
<a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/joomla-templates/53528.html" target="_blank">Globy</a> is a 100% responsive premium Joomla template that will help your website run smoothly on any device. It features a one-page design with Parallax scrolling and lazy loading effects, which will not only add more interactivity to your site, but also enhance page loading.
<a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/joomla-templates/53528.html"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/demo/53528.html"> Live demo </a>
<h3>Cons of Premium Joomla Templates</h3>
With so many advantages it seems premium Joomla themes should have no drawbacks. However, that is not exactly accurate. Read further to see the key cons of premium Joomla templates.
<h4>Cost</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/spaghetti.jpg" />
While premium Joomla templates boast rich functionality, not every startup or beginning web developer can afford them. High price is one of the key reasons why web users have to shift to freebies.
<a href="http://www.themexpert.com/joomla-templates/spaghetti" target="_blank">Spaghetti</a>, for instance, is a premium-quality theme that runs on the latest Joomla version and has a fully responsive, dynamic and flexible layout. However, its cost is the factor that stops users from downloading the theme to their toolbox.
<a href="http://www.themexpert.com/joomla-templates/spaghetti"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://demo.themexpert.com/#spaghetti"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Unnecessary features</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/jm_fitness.jpg" />
It depends on every user and their end purpose why they decide to download this or that theme. As a rule, premium-quality designs look awesome and come loaded with a vast array of features. However, you may not need them all. You might be using one set or several sub-sets of the total number of features. All the rest will be left untouched.
<a href="https://www.joomla-monster.com/all-templates/i/13-health/128-jm-fitness" target="_blank">JM Fitness</a> is a fully-featured, multipurpose solution for creating a sport, healthy lifestyle or food related website. It is powered by a fully responsive framework and includes a number of modules and extensions to make your website look truly awesome. Slider &amp; galleries, CSS3 animation system, various font type options, collapsible module positions, commercial components, and plenty of other features are included in the package.
<a href="https://www.joomla-monster.com/all-templates/i/13-health/128-jm-fitness"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://demo.joomla-monster.com/238-jm-fitness"> Live demo </a>
<h2>Free Joomla Templates</h2>
Here comes the part where we’ll talk about the key pros &amp; cons of free Joomla themes. Once again, it’s up to you to decide which option to choose. We will highlight only the main points that make free Joomla themes worthy of your attention, or vice versa.
<h3>Pros of Free Joomla Templates</h3>
<h4>Cost</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/yougrids.jpg" />
The feature that we mentioned as a drawback of premium designs is actually a benefit of freebies. Free themes won’t cost you a penny. Just download and use.
<a href="http://www.youjoomla.com/joomla-templates/yougrids-free-joomla-template-yjsg-powered.html" target="_blank">YouGrids</a> is one of many Joomla themes that are available for free download. It is the first Joomla theme ever based on YjSimpleGrid Joomla! Template framework. Compatible with 1.5, 1.6, 1.7 and 2.5 versions of this platform, the template comes loaded with a full set of YJSG features, awesome styles and layout options.
<a href="http://www.youjoomla.com/joomla-templates/yougrids-free-joomla-template-yjsg-powered.html"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://joomlatemplates.youjoomla.info/yougrids/"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Settings and configurations</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/td_optes.jpg" />
Different theme providers release freemium Joomla themes that vary in the amount of settings and configurations. It’s possible to find a design that you can download at no cost and get functionality similar to the one of premium themes. As the proverb says, “all good things come to those who wait”, so keep searching and you will find a freebie that meets your needs.
<a href="http://www.joomlatd.com/joomla-templates/free-templates/view_document/59-td-optes-free.html" target="_blank">TD Optes</a> is one of those free Joomla templates that boasts a vast array of options and modules that should make it easier to build a competitive web resource at no cost.
<a href="http://www.joomlatd.com/joomla-templates/free-templates/view_document/59-td-optes-free.html"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://demo3.joomlatd.com/?template=td_optes"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Stylish appearance</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/ulmus.jpg" />
Though most free templates have a rather common design, some of them have quite an outstanding appearance, for instance <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/interior-furniture-free-joomla-template.html" target="_blank">Ulmus</a>.
This is a free Joomla theme for an interior and furniture website that was designed with the latest web design trends in mind. For instance, it features a full-width layout with a grid-based structure, ghost elements, parallax scrolling and lazy load effects, large and vivid social sharing options, etc. It is built in a clean and minimalist style, which makes it easier to navigate through its pages.
<a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/interior-furniture-free-joomla-template.html"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://www.templatemonster.com/demo/52986.html"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Access to forums</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/recycle.jpg" />
It’s more the exception than the rule, but some template developers provide access to community forums to help you with the setup and modification of the chosen theme.
This is the case with <a href="https://www.joomlashack.com/free-joomla-templates/recycle-free-ecological" target="_blank">Recycle</a>, a free Joomla theme that comes with access to a Community Forum where every client can find answers to questions about installation and customization of Joomla themes.
<a href="https://www.joomlashack.com/free-joomla-templates/recycle-free-ecological"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://recycle.joomlatemplate.joomlashack.com/"> Live demo </a>
<h3>Cons of Free Joomla Templates</h3>
<h4>No support</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/vina_fashion_ii.jpg" />
Unlike premium templates, freemium templates don’t come with any warranty or support. All you get is a pack with detailed documentation on installation and modification of your Joomla theme.
So, when downloading <a href="http://vinagecko.com/joomla-templates/item/111-vina-fashion-ii" target="_blank">Vina Fashion II</a> don’t expect it to come with top-notch personalized support.
<a href="http://vinagecko.com/joomla-templates/item/111-vina-fashion-ii"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://templates.vinagecko.com/?template=vina_fashion"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Common design</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/sj_joomla3.jpg" />
Most free themes have a rather common design. So, if you are looking for a solution that will help you create a unique website or a blog, then a free theme isn’t what you need if you wish to leave your competitors behind.
<a href="http://www.smartaddons.com/blog/item/345-sj-joomla3-free-template-for-joomla-3x" target="_blank">SJ Joomla3</a> is one of those common free Joomla designs that we often come across on the web. However, if your goal is building an online resource with the main emphasis on content rather than web design elements, then this could be the right option for you.
<a href="http://www.smartaddons.com/blog/item/345-sj-joomla3-free-template-for-joomla-3x"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://demo.smartaddons.com/templates/joomla3/sj-joomla3/"> Live demo </a>
<h4>Limited functionality</h4>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/td_combeta.jpg" />
Lastly, there are a few theme providers who release freebies with extended functionality. If you want more features, you will need to pay extra cash in order to add more functional elements to your work.
<a href="http://www.joomlatd.com/joomla-templates/free-templates/view_document/16-td-combeta.html" target="_blank">Td Combeta</a> features a Flash header, Google fonts, Dropdown menu, manageable layouts, and basically that’s all.
<a href="http://www.joomlatd.com/joomla-templates/free-templates/view_document/16-td-combeta.html"> View this theme </a> <a href="http://joomla5.joomlatd.com/?mod_change_template_99=td_combeta&amp;&amp;template=td_combeta"> Live demo </a>
Which option will you choose for your website or a blog? Do freebies attract you more than premium templates? Feel free to let us know your opinion by leaving a comment below this post.

Free & Premium Joomla Templates: A Comparison

<a target="_blank" href="https://wordpress.org/news/2015/10/wordpress-4-4-beta-1/">WordPress 4.4 Beta 1</a> has been released for users and developers to tinker with, and it comes with a December 8th release date, too.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/wordpress-logo-stacked-rgb_400x0_1.png" />Version 4.4 will bring about a new default theme, responsive images and a wider variety of embeds. Developers will also get some goodies, including REST API and Term Metadata.A little bit bare, then.<h2>Underwhelm-Press</h2>I'm aware that this is WordPress 4.4 and not WordPress 5, yet I still can't help but want more from this update.For those of you who are familiar with WordPress' default themes, you'll know that this newest one, Twenty Sixteen, is nothing to write home about. Just like almost all other default WordPress themes before it, it's painfully plain.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/00_twentysixteen-886x1024354x0-is.png" />Once again, I'm aware that the default theme should be as minimal and as simplistic as possible, but that doesn't explain away the lazy design. It's simply not attractive in any sense, and that's not really good enough for the most popular CMS in the world.Additional updates include WordPress delivering more appropriate images to users depending on a variety of conditions like screen size, viewport size, and screen resolution. Embeds have also been added to, with it now being easier to embed a wider range of media, including post previews from other WordPress websites.Again, hardly groundbreaking stuff.My criticism would be harsh on any other platform, but I have to demand more from WordPress here. I can't remember the last time I saw a “semi-major” update like this worth getting excited about. And for your average WordPress user, there's nothing WordPress 4.4 does to change that.I'm a WordPress fan (and for good reason), but recent updates, including this one, ooze complacency.To get your hands on WordPress 4.4 Beta for yourself, try the <a target="_blank" href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/wordpress-beta-tester/">WordPress Beta Tester</a> plugin.More details for WordPress 4.4 <a target="_blank" href="https://wordpress.org/news/2015/10/wordpress-4-4-beta-1/">can be found here</a>. Meanwhile, <a href="/products/wordpress">our CMS Directory holds everything you need to know about the award-winning platform</a>.

WordPress 4.4 Beta: Bare Bones?

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ecwid.com/">Ecwid</a>, the eCommerce platform with over 900,000 customers, has teamed up with Square, a Point of Sale (POS) software, to make selling easier for those who wish to do so from physical stores or stalls.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/ecwid.gif" /> The demand for POS systems is increasing throughout the eCommerce community.Many merchants are now aiming to reinvigorate their bricks-and-mortar stores, setting up pop-up shops, attending markets, and so forth. Each of those scenarios requires a POS system in order to run smoothly.<h2>Squaring Up To The Competition</h2>Although native POS systems aren't quite yet standard across the most popular eCommerce platforms, there have already been a few POS system unveilings from around the niche.Ecwid though, can still be classed as one of the first major eCommerce platforms to put their weight behind an integrated POS system.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/sshot-1921x0-is.png" /> This partnership between Ecwid and Square means that merchants can now:Expand beyond their physical locations and grow their business onlineAuto-create an online store with Square payments pre-installedEasily add their store to any site online, including their Facebook pageSynchronize and easily manage their product, inventory, and sales dataEssentially, Ecwid imports all products and catalogs from Square user's accounts, and gives its own users the flexibility to use Square's services if they so wish.Products, inventories and orders are all synchronized, too across the two platforms.Jim O’Hara, Ecwid's president, spoke of his company's excitement:<blockquote>“Ecwid is excited to team up with Square, the leader in POS and payments for small businesses. Together our multi-channel solution is helping small businesses grow more quickly and realize their dreams.Retailers need the flexibility to sell anywhere without the complexity of manually managing multiple sales channels. Now they never have to worry about online or offline commerce – just selling.”</blockquote>To learn more about this partnership, <a target="_blank" href="https://squareup.com/help/us/en/article/5648-ecwid-and-square">check out Ecwid's website</a>.

Ecwid Adopts POS System With Square Partnership

CMS Kickoff 2023 Draws Global Attendees, Focuses on the Future of Content and Composable

matt-garrepy

CMS Kickoff 2023 photo montage with images from the event of people and sessions

We've all been there.
You stumble across a new CMS, and your eye immediately fixates on the “Themes” button on the platform's homepage.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/heart-762564_1280548x0-is.jpg" />
Perhaps it's part of Human nature to want to see something visual before we digest any technical information, like the CMS' actual features and capabilities. I don't think there's anything unhealthy about that, in and of itself.
But what happens when you start falling in love with platforms simply because of their stunning library of themes?
<h2>Lust, Not Love</h2>
Often, we come across themes that match up the exact design we imagine inside our head.
We couldn't describe what we wanted before, not even if we really wanted to. But now, we can see it right in front of us, with beautiful stock imagery and demo content to boot. It's tantalizing, and we simply have to have it.
Similarly, it's common for well designed themes to give you brand new business ideas right there on the spot, even if you're already knee deep in your current project. That's the power of good design.
But in both of those scenarios, one has to understand that, at this stage at least, it's lust – not love.
You may be besotted by a particular theme, but you really must weigh up the pros and cons of the CMS you're now so tempted to sign up for, especially if signing up involves a fee of any kind.
<h2>Beauty is Skin Deep</h2>
A platform may have some dazzlers in its library, but how well does it handle media? Will you have to rely on several third-party plugins? What's the user interface like? You catch my drift.
The last thing you want to do is jump on board for nothing but a pretty theme, only to realize that the CMS itself lacks the functionality needed for your project.
I've seen this happen with Squarespace, for example.
Squarespace is an excellent website builder with epic themes and a strong set of features; but it's not a platform I'd recommend for large projects, like a regularly updated news blog.
Yet, its awesome template selection continues to attract customers, despite other platforms being far better suited to the project in question. Kudos to Squarespace for their eye for design, but I can't help but try to warn those approaching Squarespace with a complex website idea, hoping that it can handle it. Because it probably can't.
The result? Wasted time, wasted money, and another unneccessary hurdle between you and your project's launch.
Rather, you're far better off choosing a CMS that's technically prepared for your vision, rather than just visually prepared. Today, developers easily found on popular freelance job boards, and they'll be more than happy to design something custom for you for a price. But they can't improve your chosen CMS.
So, by all means, indulge yourself in the theme libraries, but don't forget to check out the rest of the platform before taking the plunge.

Theme Temptation: How to Avoid Falling for a CMS with Stunning Themes

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<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/workspace-820315_12801280x611-cropx0y241-is830x0-is.jpg" style="text-align:center" />
Just two decades ago, businesses the world over were scurrying to go digital by launching websites and using email. Today, going paperless is what's highest on the agenda.
As many brands have already come to realize, DMS (Document Management Systems) provide the simplest route to that paperless future.
Here are ten steps detailing exactly how businesses should go about that process.
<h2>1. Patience on Route to ROI</h2>
A successful DMS implementation is as mental as it is technological.
Although ROI can be seen in less than a month from DMS implementation, it’s also important to understand that the return on investment for most DMS is a long term process.
Even when you factor in the costs of implementation and the annual product fee (which ranges anywhere from $500 to $900 per user for high quality, mid-grade packages), it's all a very small price to pay for the efficiency, organization, and long-term operational cost reductions DMS provides.
<h2>2. Draft a Document Needs Assessment for the Organization</h2>
In order to draft a needs assessment, all employees must first <a>understand what DMS is</a>, and why it’s needed.
Discuss the DMS initiative with all organizational leaders in charge of specific departments’ paper files, including whether other office locations (if any) should be taken into consideration for needs assessment—particularly when it comes to satellite and remote access features and Online, Cloud-Based DMS. Once needs are written, discuss guidelines for work allocation and planning according to the selected needs, and ensure these milestones are understood and adhered to by all department leaders.
<h2>3. Involve Employees in the Early Stages of DMS Adoption &amp; Utilize Vendor Training</h2>
As soon-to-be DMS users, it’s important to inform employees about and involve them in the adoption and training process of the new technology—even before the DMS is purchased. In order to better understand an organization’s preexisting <a href="http://www.efilecabinet.com/pinpointing-hang-ups-current-workflow/">workflow</a> and how it is best replicated through DMS, a specific process is needed:
Asking employees to diagram their workflow cycle, including group projects and other tasks, and then synthesizing and condensing each of the diagrams into one intuitive structure for each department can reduce DMS startup times. This will not only help employees understand what workflow is, but also how their workflow may change in relation to others’.
A widespread problem with current DMS users is underutilizing the workflow feature inherent to most DMS products, raising questions about whether many DMS users were urged by their vendors to follow certain behavioral processes in relation to the new technology. Discussing which DMS product is most intuitive to the employees who will either preside over it (such as those in the IT department) or who will use it most is also imperative to successful use. The easiest facets of DMS technologies are their storing, scanning, and searching capacities, whereas the most difficult to learn or frequently overlooked features tend to be templates and role-based user permissions.
It’s also important to note that nobody trains product users better than the product’s vendor. Therefore, reliance on initial training sessions, whether in one-on-one format or for groups, is crucial for successful DMS deployment.
<h2>4. Assemble Information for Scanning and Uploading Documents to the DMS</h2>
Organize the paper in a unified, intuitive way that mirrors either how documents are currently organized, or, better yet, how the organization should have or would like to have them organized. This step allows organizational leadership to not just change the medium by which information is stored, managed, and collaborated upon, but also the process by which different departments complete the workflow cycle.
Part of redefining this workflow cycle is throwing away files that are no longer needed, focusing specifically on compliance and operational efficiency as the main determinants of whether files should be kept or discarded. Be sure to also inform employees who frequent file cabinets for information about how the structure has changed; this will ensure business continuity during the implementation process.
<a href="http://www.efilecabinet.com/automating-document-deletion-and-retention-why-it-should-be-viewed-through-a-legal-lens-and-not-a-storage-capacity-lens/">Determine expiration dates</a> for files and who will be responsible within each department (preferably the manager who will become the DMS administrator for that department) for automating these expiration dates within the DMS solution once files are uploaded. Otherwise, the clutter-reducing power of automated document deletion, one of DMS’s most useful features, will go unutilized.
Be sure to check whether your organization already has an enterprise-grade scanner with file loading capacity and sufficient OCR, or purchase a scanner from your DMS vendor. DMS vendors tend to have discounted prices for high-powered, enterprise-grade scanners.
<h2>5. Set Implementation Deadlines for Each Department</h2>
Departments with more paper files to scan and upload should be allotted more time to complete the scanning and uploading process. Implementation deadlines should also depend on whether temporary third parties are hired to scan and upload documents in order to sustain business operations.
It should be noted, however, that temporary hires should not be given the task of deciding which files should be discarded or kept for uploading to the DMS. A way to accomplish this would be having temporary hires scan every document, then having knowledgeable workers filter unnecessary documents out of the desktop and into the waste bin prior to uploading necessary files to the DMS solution.
<h2>6. Establish File Hierarchy and Order within the DMS</h2>
The best file hierarchy and order for an organization is one that can be replicated via templates across the greatest number of the DMS’s cabinets, ensuring intuitiveness and consistent structure in as many realms of operation as possible.
This also brings role-based user permissions for viewing files and other relevant documents into question: Ideally, an organization’s IT Director should become the system’s head administrator and be given access to all levels of the DMS.
<h2>7. Scan and Electronically File to DMS</h2>
Scan the documents and upload them to the selected DMS, adhering to predetermined file structure. Make sure the <a href="http://www.efilecabinet.com/recommended-scanners/">DMS scanner</a> you’ve selected is equipped to handle adequate amounts of throughput and document volume in a timely manner.
<h2>8. Create an Official Cut-Off Date for Paper Use by Department</h2>
Once all files are scanned and uploaded, ensuring that every new paper file mailed to the organization is uploaded properly to the DMS is important, too, and create a protocol to ensure this process is useful.
In addition to scanning preexisting paper files to the DMS solution, it’s equally important to remember that documents received in the future must be scanned, uploaded, and placed within the DMS according to a predetermined, enduring structure.
This structure must be taught and understood by all departments within an organization that will rely upon the DMS. This will eliminate the possibility of duplicate efforts (in retrieving and storing both digital and paper documents) and dependence on paper in general. Although it is acceptable for each department to have its own scanning and uploading process, a good filing process will involve department-by-department foresight from the management team—for these structures must account for potential changes during growth.
<h2>9. Inform Clients and Customers about the Transition to Paperless Operations</h2>
Although the process of transacting business may not change, in some cases, the medium will.
For instance, the digital/electronic signature and encrypted file-sending features of DMS products should be mentioned to customers and clients not only because they have to be informed of process changes, but also how these process changes will better meet their security and convenience needs.
<h2>10. Develop New Employee Training Plans and Reevaluate Current Employees’ Grasp of DMS</h2>
As organizations grow, so do their number of employees.
Therefore, failing to create a process roadmap for new employees about how to utilize the DMS itself and how it functions within the organization, will reduce ROI. In the re-training process, focus on traditionally under-utilized features like role-based user permissions and workflow features.

How to Go Paperless With a DMS: 10 Critical Steps for Businesses

LightCMS, the website builder designed for web design agencies, has unveiled a new version that includes a recycling bin feature as well as full compliance with <a target="_blank" href="http://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/Section-508">Section 508</a>, a new US law pertaining to online disabled access.Section 508 is an amendment to the United States Workforce Rehabilitation Act (1973) that mandates that all electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained, or used by the federal government must be accessible to people with disabilities.<h2>LightCMS &amp; Section 508 Compliance</h2>To help their users conform to the new law, LightCMS' native HTML and CSS code is all compliant with Section 508. The compliance is diabled by default, although it can be switched on via LightCMS' Site Settings. <img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/section_508_setting.jpg" />To aid you in transitioning to Section 508 compliance, we have also created a new compliant template – Liberty 508, which is based on the popular Liberty template.Some of the HTML changes include:<ul><li>Changed on captcha code to a . (evite &amp; blog post comments)</li><li>Changed tags on sign up element to <h4>.</h4></li><li>Added tags to sign up element inputs.</li><li>Changed tags on ResetPassword.aspx to tags.</li><li>– See more at: https://www.lightcms.com/new-features-recycle-bin-and-more?utm_source=LightCMS+Blog&amp;utm_campaign=06fb835b19-LightCMS_Blog_Update_Test_36_15_2015&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_a5ecf7d93a-06fb835b19-86110825#sthash.3QHvDH3W.dpuf</li></ul><h2>Recycling Bin</h2>Another notable feature of this LightCMS release, is the recycling bin.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/recyclebin.png" />Thanks to this feature, LightCMS will retain deleted pages and elements for thirty days, allowing you to restore them as and when you need to. So, gone are the days when deleting something meant that it was gone forever.This latest version of LightCMS also brings about text editor and user interface enhancements, all of which you can <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lightcms.com/blog">read about on the LightCMS blog</a>.

LightCMS Gets Recycling Bin, Becomes Section 508 Compliant

Weeding through the various CMS on the market to determine which ones are strongest for specific industries can be a challenge. In an effort to help make things a bit clearer, we present you with our take on which are the Top CMS for Healthcare.
Governments of industrialized nations all across the globe recognize how important it is that patients in their healthcare systems receive the best care possible. As a result, they have come to recognize the importance of legislating better record-keeping and information management across these systems.
Today, this means the careful use of technology to manage content responsibly and effectively. Security, of course, is a key component in this mission. Access across devices must also be seamless, and systems should be adaptable to the ever-merging world that healthcare seems to have become. A high level of customer service – accounting for varying levels of technical savvy among healthcare employees – is also a crucial point to consider. With these many important characteristics in mind, the following 6 CMS are the ones the healthcare industry has come to turn to today:
<h2>OpenText</h2>
<img style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/small_opentext_logo.jpg" alt="CMS For Healthcare -- OpenText Logo" />
OpenText offers many helpful Web 2.0 features – for an online physician and patient experience that is both practical and engaging – as well as enterprise-wide paperless solutions. These paper-free options include digital storage of MRIs, X-rays, etc., as well as paperless billing, HR, and insurance records. What's more, OpenText provides auditing trails to ensure regulatory compliance as well.
Visit them on the web: <a href="http://www.opentext.com"> OpenText </a>
<h2>Lexmark</h2>
<img style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped_lexmark_logo.jpg" alt="CMS For Healthcare" />
Like OpenText, Lexmark document management solutions for healthcare allow for fewer paper documents (including automated delivery of orders to pharmacy, radiology, and dietary service areas, among other departments), all with the goal of better patient care at lower costs. Through a simple pull printing and tracking solution, stronger compliance is also achieved, as patient information is thus better protected.
Visit them on the web: <a href="http://www.lexmark.com/en_US/solutions/software-services/content-management/"> Lexmark </a>
<h2>Meditech</h2>
<img style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/small_meditech_logo.jpg" alt="CMS For Healthcare" />
Regardless of which software a healthcare organization has been using, Meditech's enterprise content management system aims to meet government requirements through its interoperable unified patient record, securely accessible from anywhere. This EHR (electronic health record) serves a wide range of facilities – from hospitals, ambulatory care centers, physicians' offices, long term care and behavioral health facilities, to home care organizations worldwide. The system also promises to make electronic submission of outpatient prescriptions a reliable reality that reduces medication errors. Furthermore, Meditech EHRs aim to make a difference in an era when organizations are increasingly merging, joining care networks, or adopting shared models.
Visit them on the web: <a href="http://home.meditech.com/en/d/home/"> MediTech </a>
<h2>OnBase by Hyland Software</h2>
<img style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/small_onbase_logo.jpg" alt="CMS For Healthcare" />
Hyland Software's OnBase enterprise content management boasts of a 98% customer renewal each year and an exclusive endorsement by the American Hospital Association (AHA). Using customer input, as well as an in-house team including experienced nurses, therapists, and directors of HIM (health information management), OnBase's solutions facilitate audits and other compliance requirements, and automate not only patient care but other important organizational processes as well, including administrative and patient financial services. In doing so, OnBase aims to reduce operational costs and improve patient care by allowing practitioners to access information from disparate systems exactly when they need it – through secure, remote log-in as well as by assigning document expiration dates (at which time information deletes automatically).
Visit them on the web: <a href="http://www.onbase.com/en/solutions/healthcare"> OnBase </a>
<h2>MedTouch</h2>
<img style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/small_medtouch_logo.jpg" />
MedTouch for Sitecore is an award-winning CMS that powers everything from public-facing websites to employee oriented intranets (including mobile solutions) for health plans, physician groups, and hospitals. Client support includes CMS migration, infrastructure consulting, administrator training, and system audit and evaluation.
Visit them on the web: <a href="http://www.medtouch.com/what-we-do/content-management-solutions"> MedTouch </a>
<h2>Cascade Server by Hannon Hill</h2>
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/cascade.jpg" />
Hannon Hill's Cascade Server CMS provides technical and non-technical users alike comprehensive toolkits that work with any database, operating system, or web server. Cascade Server also emphasizes a special type of open door policy, as it not only takes pride in its customer service but also prides itself on the way in which it enables clients to interact with one another through an online help forum. The company welcomes clients to contact their support team as often as they like, any time, and weekly Tuesday webinars focus on new tips for users. Hannon Hill even provides free access to web services projects and migration tools, with a large quantity of Cascade Server's code made available directly to clients.
Visit them on the web: <a href="http://www.hannonhill.com/"> Cascade Server </a>
In an age of automation, the use of online technology may seem like nothing more than a convenience for many businesses; however, high-quality CMS technology for the healthcare has become recognized as an absolute necessity when it comes to meeting not only privacy regulations but also government requirements to use systems in ways that meaningfully improve patient care. As more and more software companies step up to this challenge, healthcare organizations are coming to expect, as well, to be able to take advantage of technology that also works with existing systems, making all facets of managing a large organization run smoothly and seamlessly, from the billing department to payroll as well.

Top CMS for Healthcare

As our featured coverage of Telerik continues, I’m taking a closer look at the platform’s analytical capabilities behind the <a href="http://www.sitefinity.com/digital-experience-cloud" target="_blank">Telerik Digital Experience Cloud</a>.
Telerik Sitefinity is an ASP.NET web content management system, eCommerce solution, and marketing platform, with the Telerik Digital Experience Cloud making up the product’s marketing arm.
<img style="max-width:400px" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/sitefinitylogo_wtagline_rgb_400x0.png" />
The newly launched Digital Experience Cloud is designed to work in sync with Sitefinity CMS, but can be leveraged by non Sitefinity CMS websites, helping marketers to analyze trends, segment audiences and eventually convert more custom.
Thousands of brands across the world trust Telerik products with their online presence, including the likes of Toyota and NASA. Recently, Sitefinity CMS received the 2014 Critics' Choice CMS Award for Best Enterprise .NET CMS.
During the recent CMS Critic North American Tour, Mike Johnston had the chance to interview Robert Mattson, Telerik's Director of Product Marketing. Mike also had the pleasure of witnessing a detailed Sitefinity walkthrough delivered by Telerik’s Product Marketing Manager, Svetla Yankova.
<h2>A Digital Command Center</h2>
The video below shows, Tim Ahlenius, the Director of Experience Marketing at Americaneagle.com, give a useful insight into how the Telerik Digital Experience Cloud works, and how it benefits marketers, and the brands with which he works.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l_cx-5oPves?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
The impact of Tim Ahlenius’ words are magnified by the fact that he works directly with organizations that are leveraging the Digital Experience Cloud. Here’s some quotes which I found particularly interesting:
“The Digital Experience Cloud provides marketers with a digital command center, that unified all the data from all their systems, and takes the guesswork out of their job.
The segmentation capabilities within the Digital Experience Cloud will provide [marketers] with the ability to specifically engage and provide a personalized experience for each of the different segments.
The predictive analytics engine will allow them to engage with their users in order to provide the correct content at the correct time.”
<h2>Campaign Tracking, Conversion tracking &amp; Predictive Analytics</h2>
I previously touched on <a href="/an-overview-of-sitefinitys-content-management-digital-experience-features/">some of the general features of the Digital Experience Cloud</a>, but it’s now time to take a closer look at three specific dimensions of the marketing solution.
First up, conversion tracking in the Sitefinity Digital Experience Cloud provides a historic view of any conversion, short or long term, along with data about which campaigns and assets contributed most.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/conversion-tracking.jpg" />
More importantly though, this feature uses past conversion data to provide predictions and recommendations, aiding marketers with their decisions and future campaigns.
Speaking of campaigns, the Digital Experience Cloud’s campaign tracking feature validates current performance and conversion rates against conversion rates the system predicts.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/campaign.jpg" />
Tracking how different activities affect results provides visibility into the effectiveness of each campaign.
Finally, the Sitefinity Digital Experience Cloud also calculates a very important number for each audience segment: the potential conversion increase in the next 30 days.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/recommendation.jpg" />
This predictive analytical engine helps marketers optimize their conversion rates so they can focus on the activities and programs that carry most impact. The educated predictions constantly provides new recommendations for a “Best Next Action” to drive customers toward the desired action.
Learn more about <a href="http://www.sitefinity.com/digital-experience-cloud">Sitefinity Digital Experience Cloud</a>.
For more details on Sitefinity <a href="http://www.sitefinity.com/" target="_blank">visit their website</a>. You can also explore more of <a href="/products/sitefinity">Sitefinity via our CMS Directory</a>.

The Analytical Engine Behind The Sitefinity Digital Experience Cloud

<a href="https://www.shopify.com/" target="_blank">Shopify</a> merchants in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago can now offer their local customers same-day delivery, thanks to Uber.
<img style="max-width:256px" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/2010_6_23_shopify-green_256x256-1.jpg" /> 
The eCommerce and transportation giants have teamed up, with Uber (or UberRUSH) reinventing itself as a courier service to carry out its end of the deal.
Shopify has been extremely busy as of late. They have slowly but surely rolled out social media selling across <a href="/buyable-pins-shopify-teams-up-with-pinterest/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, <a href="/shopify-rolls-out-shop-section-on-facebook-pages/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="/shopify-brings-ecommerce-to-twitter/" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and have also made <a href="/shopify-shipping-launched-us-shipping-now-faster-cheaper/" target="_blank">shipping cheaper for North American merchants</a>.
<h2>UberRUSH: Same-day, Hand-delivered</h2>
Here's how it all works.
When a customer requests same-day delivery, Shopify merchants in the three cities listed above can simply pack the order before scheduling an UberRUSH pickup from the order’s fulfillment screen. An UberRUSH courier will then arrive “within minutes” to pick the order up, and hand-deliver it anywhere in the city.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/uberrush_tracking_page-5_1673x0-is.png" /> 
Just like with a normal Uber car, both the vendor and the customer can track the location of the item in real-time as it makes its Uber-powered journey.
For now, only selected Shopify merchants based in the three chosen cities will have the chance to set up UberRUSH, which is supposed to take no more than a minute.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/uberrush_homecard_v03.png" /> 
Suffice it to say, this is pretty awesome. Uber has its critics, sure, but Shopify has taken this opportunity to change the face of local delivery forever. Potentially, anyway.
However, there's no word yet on how much UberRUSH will cost. It will be interesting to see how pricing is set out, and whether many customers will feel that the added cost is worth the immediate dispatch.
To learn more about Shopify's union with UberRUSH, <a href="https://www.shopify.com/blog/57839493-shopify-and-uber-reinvent-local-shipping?utm_source=shopify-blog&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=shopify-daily-blog&amp;mc_cid=de69813548&amp;mc_eid=92b452624a" target="_blank">check out their official announcement</a>.
Plus, you can explore more of <a href="/products/shopify/" target="_blank">Shopify via our CMS Directory</a>.

Shopify & Uber Team Up For Same-Day Deliveries

After many months of hard work from the <a href="http://www.impresspages.org/" target="_blank">ImpressPages</a> team, version 4.0 of the platform has been released.
ImpressPages is an open-source “drag-and-drop” and “in-line” editing based content management system which powers over 47,000 websites across the world.
Regarding the release of version 4.0, the ImpressPages team had this to say:
<blockquote>It’s been one hell of a party these past three months. But we are finally ready to say finito, ImpressPages 4.0 is ready! This release was an important checkpoint for us and we made it. Now we want YOU to rob us a bit of our excitement and happiness. As of today, you can download the new version, start exploring and build beautiful stable websites on it.</blockquote>
So, let's take a quick look at what's new with ImpressPages.
<h2>Simpler Coding &amp; A Sleeker Interface</h2>
ImpressPages 4.0 was designed to empower people to create beautiful websites and quality content with minimal hassle. One of the ways ImpressPages now does this is via easy coding processes.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/untitled_1_03_4700x0.png" alt="ImpressPages 4.0 Coding" />
With the new  <a href="http://www.impresspages.org/docs/model"> MVC engine </a>  and handy pre-built features (like multi-linguality, translations, grid etc.) developers can create powerful systems in no time, add their own themes and plugins. ImpressPages 4.0 is fully customizable to your and your clients’ needs.
Another core update to ImpressPages comes in the form of a new, beautiful interface which has usability in mind.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/ip_interface_3700x0.png" alt="ImpressPages 4.0 Interface" />
Features like inline editing and drag-and-drop have been improved. For example, it takes only one drag-and-drop action to create a new field, which itself only requires one click to edit.
Publishers and website owners can add any content they wish, including text, pictures, videos to polls and menus which now take far less time and effort.
Further updates features brought about by ImpressPages 4.0 incude key-value storage, multi-language support, and much more.
To find out more about ImpressPages 4.0, migration instructions, check out their <a href="http://www.impresspages.org/impresspages-4-0-released" target="_blank">official blog announcement</a>. Alternatively, you can <a href="http://www.impresspages.org/download" target="_blank">download ImpressPages 4.0 right now</a>.
Also, be sure to also explore more of ImpressPages via our CMS Directory.

ImpressPages 4.0 Released

Hotjar - Spot what confuses

Spot what confuses your users with Hotjar & AI

In an industry filled with platforms constantly trying to re-invent the wheel, I'm a big fan of website builders that do things differently.
<a href="https://picnic.sh/" target="_blank">Picnic</a> is one such platform, which I happened to stumble upon. It boasts an abnormally plain approach to website building, and that made me want to explore it further.
<a href="https://picnic.sh/" target="_blank"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/sshot-10.png" /></a>
Launched in April 2015, Picnic is designed to make one page website building quick and easy. Well, easy for those who don't mind getting down and dirty with some HTML, anyway.
You simply choose a domain name, enter your code or text, and then enter you payment details.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/picnic478x0-is.jpg" />
Websites can be edited whenever, and moved away to a different web host at no additional cost. Plus, Picnic also has <a href="https://picnic.sh/api" target="_blank">an API</a>.
“Templates” are served up too, although they are nothing to write home about. There are templates for redirects, images, videos and so forth. Nothing fancy, which is a bit of a shame.
<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/picnic2712x0-is.jpg" />
The price though, is impressive.
It takes just $17.99 to purchase a domain, set up your website, and have it hosted for a whole year. That's a pretty sweet deal, especially since Picnic has the site live and ready to visit in around five minutes.
<h2>But Who Would Use Picnic?</h2>
The average website builder tries its best to remove the user from coding as much as possible, whereas Picnic drops the user right into it.
So, I'm not about to start recommending Picnic to novices looking for a simple yet sleek startup site. Nor can I see much benefit for small-to-medium sized businesses. Many other website builders on the market (most of which offer far more functionality) already have those two areas of the market well and truly covered, anyway.
I think the web development community would be the most interested party by far. Those looking to code simple resume websites, landing pages for startup projects and so forth, could easily benefit.
For me, Picnic is for people who like website builders, but miss coding.
The only thing missing seems to be a premium-looking template or two. Then again, perhaps the lack of those shiny looking pre-made themes is precisely what sets Picnic apart from the crowd.
But in any case, Picnic is young, in beta, and has some potential. I'll be keeping tabs.
<a href="https://picnic.sh/" target="_blank">Find out more about Picnic</a>.
What are your thoughts on Picnic? Let us know in the comments below.

Picnic: Abnormally Simple One Page Websites

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