When determining the right technology ecosystem for your investment team, the essential first step is distinguishing between platforms and applications, and which is a better fit. EDS is more than just an RMS; it’s a comprehensive platform designed for decision-making, tailored to align with your strategic vision. This contrasts sharply with other RMS offerings, which often function primarily as static data repositories.
This series explores why traditional in-house tools like Outlook, Google Drive, and OneNote, as well as single-point RMS applications, often fall short in meeting the demands of optimal investment process management (IPM). The key takeaway is that modern RMS platforms are not only user- friendly and immediately operational but also cost-effective. A single well- informed decision can justify the entire investment. Moreover, today’s RMS platforms, including EDS, are AI-enabled, providing a sophisticated edge in data management and decision support.
Why even consider an RMS?
Modern markets demand more data and smarter intelligence processing to maximize success. While your firm might not aspire to be a Citadel, one of Ken Griffin’s core tenets applies to all funds: efficient assimilation, processing, and reaction time are crucial when making decisions based on the intelligence or data you generate and use daily — whether it’s call notes, research notes, models, broker reports, or market data. Now, these benefits are accessible to funds of all sizes, tailored to your vision, cost- effective, and easy to use. This means positive change without the need to alter behaviors, and importantly, a platform that drives continuous improvements, leading to better decisions, better performance, and ultimately, higher AUM.
“A modern RMS enhances decision-making by centralizing multiple data sources, updated in real-time with format and organization flexibility, historical analytics, and even artificial intelligence (AI).” (EDS customer talking about platform benefits)
Why active managers need more than notes storage
A strong RMS fully integrates all qualitative, quantitative, internal, and third- party data in real-time, into both templated and freeform environments so investment teams can work systematically and collaboratively. This not only saves significant time during the research process but also enables more informed and effective decisions.
Core tenets of an RMS to improve decision-making
- A Flexible Dashboard (backed by a modern database) that serves as a robust decision-making environment to surface opportunities and risks. Must-haves include all the qualities of Excel, along with robust conditional formatting, time-series analysis, notifications/alerting, and complete data flexibility.
- Mobility – Seamless access to content and workflows across different environments.
- Scalable Across Your Investment Process – An RMS is only one part of the decision-making process. A strong solution provides easy access to other workflows, such as Idea Generation, Portfolio Construction & Analytics, Risk Management, and Performance Attribution.
- Compilation of Research – Real-time, dynamic assimilation of all content.
- Email/Communication Management – A structured approach to capturing and organizing emails, Teams, OneNote, etc.
- Document Management – Integration of all environments, such as Word, PowerPoint, etc.
- Author Anywhere, Import Easily: Flexibility is key—there’s no need to force changes in how your team works.
- Better Workflow Management – Saves time and/or streamlines and enhances individual and group workflows.
- Content Management Integration – Works with all your content in a seamless way.
- Content Search, Queries, and Reporting – Saves time when searching and reporting.
A strong implementation process and experienced support is a must.
Implementation
Look for a provider that onboards your content (internal data, such as financial models, notes, etc., as well as external, such as your daily holdings, market data, etc.) and workflows before you decide. EDS’s management team is from the buy side; we know you need to see it through your eyes.
Service and Support
Funds grow (EDS helps with that), needs evolve, and problems happen. A strong provider delivers not just technology support, but Investment Team support, which includes a dedicated customer success representative who knows your fund, quantitative staff that understands the buy side, and, of course, software professionals who can support you today and fulfill future needs.
Technology Integration and Customization
This is not talked about enough. A platform like EDS works with your team to customize to your specific needs, including workflows and dashboards that are unique to your process. We firmly believe one size does not fit all.
Bottom line is you want to generate the best outcomes for your investment portfolio. Take care when choosing an RMS – it matters.