Introducing Softdocs: Expanding UNCW's Digital Services

We are excited to share that UNCW is moving forward with Softdocs, a new enterprise platform that will work alongside DocuSign to expand the university’s options for document management, online forms, electronic signatures and workflow automation. Softdocs will also replace Perceptive Content (ImageNow/WebNow), which has served as the university’s document management solution for many years.

Softdocs at a Glance

Softdocs will help UNCW:

• Reduce manual processes by digitizing forms, documents and approvals.
• Strengthen security and compliance through secure storage, retention management and audit tracking.
• Support electronic signatures without printing, signing or scanning documents.
• Improve data collection through accessible, mobile-friendly forms.
• Integrate with Banner and other university systems to improve access to information.
• Provide a modern, user-friendly experience that replaces the legacy Perceptive Content interface.

Estimated Timeline

Softdocs will be implemented in phases through Spring 2027. Initial efforts will focus on planning for and migrating from Perceptive Content while laying the groundwork for future Softdocs services. This includes training ITS staff on eForms and partnering with a select group of departments to begin early adoption efforts.

Phase 1: Discovery, Planning & Preparation (Summer 2026 through Fall 2026)

ITS and Softdocs will work with campus partners to understand current business processes and document management needs to prepare for the transition from Perceptive Content. This phase will also include eForms training for ITS and identification of early adopter departments to participate in future rollout efforts.

Key activities include:

• Participating in demonstrations, discovery sessions and planning meetings
• Reviewing current document management processes and requirements
• Establishing document retention and records management practices
• Configuring the Softdocs environment to support the future migration
• Training ITS staff on Softdocs eForms
• Identifying a select group of departments whose business processes align with early eForms objectives

Phase 2: Migration & Training (Fall 2026 through Spring 2027)

The focus of this phase is the migration from Perceptive Content to Softdocs, along with onboarding a select group of campus partners to Softdocs eForms.

Key activities include:

• Migrating documents and related content into Softdocs
• Training and support for former Perceptive Content users
• Testing to ensure a successful migration
• Retiring Perceptive Content
• Training selected departments on Softdocs eForms
• Releasing eForms functionality to those early adopter departments

Phase 3: Expanding Access to Softdocs Services (Spring 2027)

After the migration is complete, additional departments will have opportunities to leverage other Softdocs services.

Potential uses include:

• Online forms
• Electronic signatures
• Workflow automation
• Additional process improvement initiatives

Looking Ahead

Softdocs is a strategic addition to UNCW’s services, replacing Perceptive Content and offering new opportunities for business and process improvement. Stay tuned for additional campus-wide updates about Softdocs in future SWOOP communications.