A document management system consists of a collection of documents, usually in hard copy or on microfilm, and an index to the documents in that collection. The index, sometimes referred to as the document data base, is usually maintained on a computer. This index helps users determine which documents they need to retrieve and identifies the physical locations of these documents. This column discusses whether PCs are the appropriate platforms for document management systems and describes important hardware and software features of such a system and important requirements for effective system planning and management.