SmartDMS
// Getting started

The SmartDMS Guide

Everything from your first upload to approval chains and plain-English search — in thirteen short chapters.

// Chapter 01

Welcome to SmartDMS

SmartDMS reads every document you give it, understands what it is, files it where it belongs, and flags the ones that need a human. This guide walks you from a brand-new account to a fully automated document pipeline — each chapter takes a few minutes.

What happens to a document

Whether you upload a file or a vendor emails it in, every document takes the same journey:

  • Read. SmartDMS extracts the text — including from scans and photos, which are OCR'd automatically.
  • Understand. AI classifies the document type, writes a one-sentence summary, and pulls out the structured fields that matter — vendor, amounts, dates, signatures, barcodes.
  • File. Your routing rules move it into the right folder the moment it's classified.
  • Flag. Anything unusual — a possible duplicate invoice, a changed bank account, an expiring contract — lands in the review queue for a person to decide.
  • Find. Ask questions in plain English ("invoices over $5,000 last month") and get answers built from your own documents.

You stay in control throughout: every extracted field is editable, every decision is logged, and nothing is hidden behind the AI.

The chapters

02Create your accountSign up, pick a plan, complete checkout, and start your 7-day free trial.03First uploadSupported formats, what the AI reads and extracts, and how to watch processing live.04Email intakeYour organization's private intake address, and what happens to every email it receives.05Folders & auto-filingCreate folders, then let routing rules file every document the moment it's classified.06Review & correctEdit any extracted field inline — including the ones the AI left blank.07Approvals & tasksApproval rules, anomaly flags, and sign-off chains — one review queue for all of it.08SearchAsk questions in plain English and get answers cited to your own documents.09TeamRoles, per-member permissions, and the email invite flow.10Plans & billingHow page-based billing works, and what you can manage from the Billing tab.11Audit & complianceThe activity trail, verified exports, and permanent data erasure.12Industry setupChoose industry ecosystems that extend classification and retention behavior.13FAQQuick answers when something doesn't look right.