Experience ~ Web-based Interface and Desktop Client: When to Use Which?

If you want to scan, index, and store documents into the ImageNow Imaging system on your own, use the desktop client version of the software (called Perceptive Content). Note that this software is only available for the Windows operating system. Perceptive Content enables you to upload documents and store them electronically in a secure online environment. Contact flint.its.support@umich.edu for directions on installing the client by yourself on your desktop.

If you simply need to search for and view documents stored in the Imaging system, you can do this by accessing the web version of the system "Experience".  You can go to my.umflint.edu and then click on "ImageNow/Experience" link.  If you have never accessed the system before, you will first need to request the appropriate access.

General

• Introduction to Imaging System

"Experience" ~ Web-based Interface

• Accessing Imaging System via my.umflint.edu
• Searching for a Document

Graduate Programs Committees

• Directions to insert comments and decisions for Graduate Programs Applications

Desktop Client

• Client Installation Information

Effective Friday, February 7, ITS handles the primary support for the ImageNow system. We are responsible for updates/patches, troubleshooting, enhancements, etc.  If you experience issues or have questions about the ImageNow system, please email the ITS Helpdesk at flint.its.support@umich.edu.

Imagenow Enterprise License

The Imagenow Enterprise License provides unlimited client and web seat access for UM-Flint Campus departments that provide student, faculty and academic services, most specifically those who use BANNER as their primary system of record.

ImageNow document imaging, management and workflow provide the ability to reduce the cost of paper processes, enhance service and boost staff productivity. Able to stand-alone or to easily integrate with existing applications such as Banner, PeopleSoft and other systems, ImageNow captures all types of documents -- paper forms, emails and more into ImageNow’s repository for easy access by users. Security allows for different users to have various levels of access to individual documents and notes. Workflow can then be used to improve or reengineer the day-to-day business by automating current manual paper intensive processes. Finally imaging eliminates the need of long term paper archives.

Product Management and Support

ImageNow is supported by the ITS. After exploring various implementation models, the enterprise model was determined to be the most cost-effective and most beneficial for the user community. The key benefits include unlimited user access, support for production, test, functional project management and high-level maintenance support.

Each implementing unit will identify and train the appropriate number of local experts (“power users”) who will be responsible for managing ImageNow within their unit and serve as a key trainer, trouble shooter and local system owner during implementation planning and after go-live. The individuals will work in partnership with ITS and serve as members of the ImageNow Power Users group.

Training for Power Users will be through ITS or Perceptive Software, depending on level of training needed.

Costs

ITS will provide technical/functional support for initial implementations unless more advanced services are required. In this case, departments will be expected to fund advanced implementation services provided by the vendor. Your department is also responsible for local hardware/software costs and user training.

New Implementation Request Process

For Departments or Schools interested in implementing ImageNow, the following process has been outlined to serve as a guide through the research and implementation process.

1. Initial Contact: If you are interested in obtaining more information about ImageNow at UM-Flint or to receive a product demonstration, please contact  ITS Helpdesk at flint.its.support@umich.edu. 
2. Discovery Meeting: This meeting includes key users from school or department and ITS staff and is designed to review business process, level of interest, needs and goals, possible implementation timelines, general project scope (including expected server storage needs, etc.) and to review the remainder of the planning and implementation process.
3. Department/School Approval for Planning: The designated administrator will provide a written statement or email designating resources available for planning. The planning period will often be needed before any necessary quotes can be obtained from the vendor.
4. If needed, quotes will be obtained from the vendor and funding approved for vendor quote, vendor scanner software annual support and maintenance fee, and any other related costs.
5. Statement of Work – A Statement of Work will be developed that serves as the project agreement between ITS and the department. Through the development of this document, final details of the project will be gathered and documented including but not limited to: project team members and their roles; purpose statement, goals and objectives, scope of work, technical needs (local hardware and server storage space), budget needs, anticipated implementation dates and any special requirements.
6. Project Plan Developed indicating planning, development and implementation timelines and responsibilities.
7. Implementation
8. Implementation Follow-up

System Limitations:

In order to maintain system integrity and due to various limitations within architecture of the Imagenow software, we cannot do the following:

• We cannot grant a user access to add/delete/modify other users in their units.
• At this time there is no way to limit annotations edits/deletion by drawer. Thus we cannot grant annotations “delete” access to student workers who may be working in multiple departments with each department having different security policy for their student workers.
• Due to complexity of workflow and eForms creation, any department who wishes to create workflow or eForms will be given access in test area to work in. Once the unit has consulted with ITS and tested the workflow within their unit, ITS will help moving the workflow or eForm from test to production environment.

ImageNow Access to Student Workers and removing access when staff leaves a unit:

• In order to maintain system security, at the end each semester, your unit is responsible to fill out ImageNow Access Request form to ADD or REMOVE access to student workers in your unit. This policy is consistant with ITS's policy regarding Student worker's access to other systems.
• You are also responsible to fill out the same form to remove access to staff when they leave your unit.

ImageNow will be globally supported by ITS. After exploring various implementation models, the enterprise model was determined to be the most cost-effective and most beneficial for the user community. The key benefits include unlimited user access, support for production, test and back up environment, functional project management and high-level maintenance support.

Each implementing unit will identify and train the appropriate number of local experts ("Power Users") who will be responsible for managing ImageNow within their unit and serve as a key trainer, trouble shooter and local system owner during implementation planning and after go-live. The individuals will work in partnership with the ITS Team and serve as members of the UM-Flint Imagenow Power Users group.

Use the link below to submit the access request form.

Complete the User Information entirely.

For a NEW ID, or additions to an existing ID, choose each required area and then select either View or Maintain. 

• AACC houses Advising notes and information.
• Registrar contains student record information such as add/drop forms, change of major, grade changes and old UM Flint transcripts.
• Admissions areas (Undergraduate, Graduate and International Center) contain application information and transcripts from other colleges attended.
• Other areas are specific to the unit and access is not typically granted outside of that department

Enter the explanation why access is required in the Justification area.

Click the Submit button when the request is complete.   

Your completed ImageNow Access Request form will be routed for necessary approvals.  When your request is complete, you will receive an email notification.  (Note: Due to the multiple authorizations required, it may take up to two weeks before ImageNow access is granted.)

ImageNow Access Request

Scanning/Linking Workstations:

Windows 7 (or higher)

ImageNow Client Software (available on the UM-Flint’s secure software network drive)

*ImageNow does not currently support operating the client on Mac’s. We have not tested and cannot verify if the Scanner and scanner software will work with the Mac set-up.

ImageNow and PeopleSoft Browser Requirement:
When using ImageNow to link/interact with Banner, or another web-based system, Internet Explorer is the only browser supported at this time.

Scanners :

ImageNow offers a recommended list of supported scanners.   Any scanner purchased will need to work with the ImageNow Capture software and if desired Kofax software. Additionally, each scanner must be connected to a workstation meeting the Windows workstations specifications.  Please contact ITS Helpdesk at flint.its.support@umich.edu before you purchase a scanner.

Client Installations:

Most UM-Flint faculty and staff will use "Experience" user interface to access the documents, which is easily accessed via a browser at http://imaging.umflint.edu   Only a select few users who scan and link documents will need to install the Imagenow client.  For those individuals, the ImageNow client installation files are available on the UM-Flint’s secure software network drive. For questions or additional assistance regarding installation please contact the ITS Helpdesk at flint.its.support@umich.edu . 

The following units within UM-Flint are currently utilizing ImageNow: