PRISM Update: Final Thoughts

I have really enjoyed contributing this column and I would like to thank the fine folks at SDB for the opportunity.

As some of you may know, I told the PRISM board two years ago that I would be moving on, and they have invested much time in studying various options to replace me. They have selected to use an association management company with a transition that will conclude June 30, 2012.

You will hear more about the transition, the new company and executive director in the next column. In the meantime, I thought I would share some final thoughts with you.

I started my tenure with PRISM International in mid-November 1999. At that time there was a ferocious pace of consolidation in the industry—so much consolidation that some of my friends in ARMA asked me how long it would be until PRISM International had only one member. Based on much hard work and an industry determined to provide independent operators as an alternative in all markets, the association has grown to more than double its size. A ferocious pace of consolidation continues, so I guess some things don’t change.

I recently returned from our conference in Manila, Philippines. The Asian market is still developing, a significant percentage of clients remain nonvended and an entrepreneurial spirit is prevalent in the region. Attendees remain hungry for knowledge of best practices, trends and industry statistics; therefore, it appears PRISM’s future remains bright.

The great unknown in mature markets is the longevity of paper in the marketplace and the degree to which technology will force a decline in the industry. The commercial records management industry began because clients had too much stuff, lacked the expertise to manage this information effectively and wanted to reduce costs and reclaim office space. Today, clients are drowning in digital information. Most have not developed the expertise to create effective policy management and information governance, and companies are looking hard to find ways to manage digital information more economically. From a macro-industry point of view, the problems are nearly identical. If the industry can address these client needs effectively, its future is bright, indeed.

Serving as executive director of PRISM International has been a great source of joy for me. I have made many friends in the industry and hope to maintain those friendships once I have moved on. I especially would like to thank my staff for their many years of service. Their dedication has made my job much easier and created real value for our members. I sincerely hope our paths cross again in the future.

Jim Booth is executive director PRISM International, Garner, N.C., and can be reached at jim@prismintl.org.