Digital Signature is a signature appended to e-mails sent back and forth with draft attachments during collaboration process that informs user which draft it is and by whom it was saved. Finding latest version of a document is very simple to track.

Version History ties everything together by presenting a visual flowchart outlining “genealogy” of document. Each draft is accounted for, and who, what, when, where, and why of document and its drafts are always answered.

Merge is usually final and most difficult step of document collaboration. However, adopting right collaboration software simplifies this process by allowing you to compare changes in a document, even when those changes are saved in different locations or in your email account. Merging documents is often synonymous with sifting through document chaos, but collaboration software suites which can manage ad hoc business collaboration simplify tracking and merging of document drafts.

Conclusion

Businesses move quickly, and collaboration software needs to be able to keep up. Business collaboration can be a messy ad hoc process, and collaboration software needs to be able to manage it. Merging business documents can be confusing and chaotic, and collaboration software needs to be able to simplify it. Digital Thread Technology, Digital Signature, and Version History are technologies that have combined to find a way to work way businesses do.

Joe Miller is an author of informational articles and online advertisements on business, technology, and health. Information on collaboration software is available at NextPage.com.

Here in Rochester, we're lucky enough to be home to Wegmans. Wegmans is generally perceived as an upscale grocer. They offer an amazing wealth of services. When Wal-Mart came into town, they changed their pricing model to become more competitive. They continue to improve their extraordinary logistics system. They've followed model of competing on price, although not beating them on it, while using their other attributes to put them over top. Trust me, there is no comparison between shopping at a high-end Wegmans versus a Super Wal-Mart. That's why they've held their own.

So, there you have it. Try to reduce costs where possible, offer something unique, and potentially go after a different segment. If you are in grocery business, you'll likely take a hit. However, see if you can expand into unique areas that will differentiate your business. Worldly foods, organic foods, and so on. The same can applied to other businesses. Of course, it is easier said than done, especially if you are in an area with limited population. However, maintain hope and consistently adapt your business model, others have dodged big box threat. You can too, just continue evolving.