In an era where the sheer volume of data is expanding at an exponential rate, the significance of proficiently managing this data cannot be overstated. This is where Enterprise Content Management Systems (ECMS) come into play, as they provide a well-structured mechanism that aids in the effective management of an organization's unstructured information. This information, in turn, contributes significantly to the decision-making process and overall business strategy.

To grasp the concept of ECMS, one must first understand the term 'Content Management.' At its core, Content Management is simply the administration of digital content, which can range from text and graphics to multimedia files. The 'Enterprise' part in ECMS refers to the vast scale at which this management is done - across an entire organization, rather than a single department or team.

An ECMS, then, is a centralized system that provides a comprehensive solution for managing an organization's digital content, from its creation and storage to its distribution and archival. These systems are often designed with functionalities such as document management, web content management, records management, and workflow management. Theoretically, the mathematical field of Set Theory can be used to explain the interconnectedness of these functionalities, where each is a unique set that intersects with the others to create the universal set, which in this case is the ECMS.

The operation of an ECMS involves a series of steps. Initially, content is created, often by multiple users across various platforms. This content then needs to be captured and centralized within the ECM system. The system allows for the content to be sorted, categorized, and indexed in a way that facilitates easy retrieval. The indexed content can then be managed, which means it is modified, approved, and reviewed as necessary. The final step is the distribution of this content, ensuring it gets to the right people at the right time.

ECMS implementation requires a significant commitment of both time and resources. Modern ECMSs are built utilizing a variety of technologies including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. These technologies are leveraged to maximize the capabilities of these systems in areas like automated data classification, intelligent search, and predictive analytics.

Although each ECMS has its unique functionalities and features, they all aim for a common goal: to transform unstructured data into actionable insights. They serve as a bridge between raw content and the strategic decision-making process. The integration of AI and machine learning technologies into these systems has further enhanced their predictive capabilities, allowing organizations to anticipate market trends and make informed strategic decisions.

The benefits of ECMS are manifold. They improve productivity by streamlining processes, ensure compliance by maintaining a record of all content activities, enhance collaboration by enabling content sharing, and reduce costs by eliminating redundant systems and processes.

However, ECMS implementation isn't without its challenges. According to the Pareto Principle, roughly 80% of the benefits derived from an ECMS come from 20% of its features. This means that a significant part of the system's potential goes untapped. Furthermore, adopting an ECMS requires a shift in the organization's culture and processes, which can be a potential hurdle.

In summary, ECMSs play a critical role in today's data-rich business environment. They act as the backbone for data management, providing a structured approach to handling the ever-growing volume of content. As these systems continue to evolve, leveraging advanced technologies like AI and machine learning, they will become an even more integral part of the organizational strategy and decision-making process. The key to successful ECMS implementation lies in understanding its capabilities, aligning it with the organization's objectives, and fostering a culture that embraces its adoption.