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Knowledge hub: document management, M-Files and AI explained
Clear answers from consultants who implement this every day. Definitions, practical guides, client stories and M-Files updates, for organisations in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Written by M-Files consultantsUpdated every monthDutch, French, English
Illustrative example
In short
The SoftAdvice knowledge hub explains document management, M-Files, process automation, compliance and AI in plain language. It brings together a glossary of key terms, practical articles, client case studies, industry reports, webinars and monthly M-Files release notes, written by the consultants of SoftAdvice, M-Files Solution Partner in the Benelux.
Start here
Where are you right now?
Pick the situation that fits. Each path takes you through the pages that answer the questions people in your position ask us most.
New to document management
Understand the basics and what disorder really costs.
Choosing or running M-Files
What the platform does, what it costs and what it connects to.
Preparing for AI and compliance
Use AI on your documents without losing control.
Automating processes
From paper and e-mail to flows that run themselves.
Glossary
Key terms, explained in one minute
Short definitions with the practical context: what it is, why it matters and how it works in M-Files.
What is a Content Services Platform?
A Content Services Platform connects content to processes and systems. M-Files is a CSP.
Read the definitionWhat is a digital dossier?
A digital file bundles documents, emails and data around a client, project or employee.
Read the definitionWhat is a digital signature?
A digital signature enables legally binding signing without paper. eIDAS, Penneo and M-Files.
Read the definitionWhat is a retention policy?
Een retentiebeleid bepaalt hoe lang documenten bewaard blijven. Wettelijke termijnen in BeNeLux. Automatisering in M-Files.
Read the definitionWhat is an approval process?
An approval process defines who validates which document, in what order and deadline. Automatable in M-Files.
Read the definitionWhat is an audit trail?
Een audit trail registreert elke actie op een document. Onmisbaar voor GDPR, ISO en audits.
Read the definitionWhat is change management for a DMS?
Change management ensures your team actually adopts your new document management system. Learn what it means, why it matters, and how to get it right.
Read the definitionWhat is Dark Data?
Dark Data is unmanaged company information. What it is, what risks it creates for GDPR and AI, and how to solve it.
Read the definitionWhat is document automation?
Document automation: automatically create, route and archive documents based on triggers.
Read the definitionWhat is document generation?
Document generation: automatically create quotes, contracts and reports from data sources. With dox42 and M-Files, delivered by SoftAdvice.
Read the definitionWhat is document management?
Document management is the structured approach to controlled creation, storage, sharing and archiving of business documents.
Read the definitionWhat is information architecture?
Information architecture is the blueprint of metadata, object classes and relationships in M-Files.
Read the definitionWhat is information security?
Information security protects business data against loss and unauthorised access. What this means for your DMS, by SoftAdvice.
Read the definitionWhat is OCR?
OCR converts scanned documents into searchable text. First step in paper digitisation. With M-Files by SoftAdvice.
Read the definitionWhat is Shadow AI?
Shadow AI is the uncontrolled use of AI tools by employees. GDPR and data security risks, and the secure alternative.
Read the definitionLatest
Fresh from the blog
Articles, client stories, webinars and M-Files release notes, newest first.
Updates ·
M-Files update 26.08
New features in the M-Files 26.8 release: CAD file previews, drag-and-drop relationships, Web co-authoring and stronger security
Updates ·
M-Files 26.06
New features in the M-Files 26.6 release: traditional and workspace folders, object relationship management and continuous UI updates
Articles ·
M-Files Custom Agents: AI that moves your workflow forward
The public beta is here. The agent takes on the steps that depend on reading and deciding, and records the reasoning behind every outcome.
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Aino Assistant vs Aino Agent
The difference between answering and doing.
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Why 95% of GenAI pilots never reach production
The model is rarely the problem.
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Practical guide to digital signing
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Questions about the knowledge hub
What is the SoftAdvice knowledge hub?
A free library on document management, M-Files, process automation, compliance and AI: a glossary, practical articles, case studies, industry reports, webinars and M-Files release notes.
Who writes the content?
The consultants of SoftAdvice, an M-Files Solution Partner founded in 2010 that has delivered more than 100 implementations in the Benelux.
How often is it updated?
Every month, at least with the M-Files release notes, and with new articles and definitions as questions come in from clients.
Is the content available in my language?
Yes. The knowledge hub is available in Dutch, French and English.
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