It is easy to become so process-oriented that we try to re-invent the solution wheel every time a new case comes up. The problem (or goal) defines the solution, says the conventional wisdom. I strongly agree.
When my daughter asked me to build some dollhouse furniture, I didn’t rush out and purchase an industrial lathe (I’ll shamelessly admit, however, that having a new power tool around the house can be the emotional impetus for devising some new project. The trouble seems to be actually finishing the project…).
It seems worth noting that the emerging tools are often created because some of the traditional approaches, traditional services and traditional tools haven’t responded to the shifting ESI landscape, and aren’t resolving the problems firms and corporations face. These problems include but aren’t limited to: ESI growth and variety, challenging legal requirements, economic and time pressures.
It is difficult for me to label today’s emerging early case analysis and concept search tools as “off the shelf” (one can’t pick up a copy of MetaLINCS at CDW.com). Unlike lathe makers, the makers of these emerging tools receive ongoing, dynamic input from the lit support pros in our industry and development is typically driven based on this input.
The creators of these emerging tools are building them with previously unaddressed problems as their focus; the technology is intended to be at least part of the solution; at the very least, they have potential to re-shape conventional approach(es), and often move the industry forward.
