Transactions and other business processes require a paper trail. This is part of the law, and is also necessary for bookkeeping or tax purposes. In the past, this would have entailed the use and disposal of vast amounts of paper. However, the modern trend is to optimize office performance through the use of corporate document scanning, electronic document archiving and document cloud solutions.
Paperless office methods make running the office more efficient. It is possible to lose or mistakenly throw away hard copies of documents. This does not happen to computer files or back-up disks. Working with and transmitting paperwork on the internet takes less time than relying on paper copies. Electronic documentation is also of a higher standard because copies on screen haven't been distorted by a faulty printer.
The document cloud concept is based on websites that make storage space available to their subscribers. The latter's files are then stored on the site, and not on their physical premises. This is a safer method of backing up records than physical paper or disks, since the cloud archives cannot ordinarily be stolen, harmed or lost. A basic technique of backing up files in this way is to e-mail them to a specially created e-mail address.
The integrity of business documents is highly important. Documentation concerning legal matters is not allowed to have any errors or omissions and must be entirely legible. This may be hard to ensure if printers or fax machines are involved. Making a positive impression on clients is also about presenting them with high quality paperwork, so electronic systems are useful in that regard.
Another area of administration that has an effect on the experience of customers is record-keeping. Customers become aggravated if their records are not available or are not in good order. However, this is a frequent experience in paper-based operations. Electronic archives, on the other hand, may retain tens of thousands of records, yet they can be logged into and analysed in mere seconds. They do not require entire rooms for their storage, either. It is part of a sound corporate image to handle the administrative questions raised by customers fast and in a comprehensive fashion.
Stationery as a budget item is reduced or almost removed through the use of paperless office methods. Computer software presents employees with many more possibilities in putting together documents, so that the company's brand and service to its customers are easier to emphasise and promote.
Modern businesses should consider switching to a paperless environment. Besides the money that is saved in this way, customer satisfaction is increased and staff spend less time on paperwork and correspondence. Paperless offices represent the business model of the future, and it is better to adopt this strategy sooner rather than later, as it becomes harder to interact with customers and suppliers who already have.
Paperless office methods make running the office more efficient. It is possible to lose or mistakenly throw away hard copies of documents. This does not happen to computer files or back-up disks. Working with and transmitting paperwork on the internet takes less time than relying on paper copies. Electronic documentation is also of a higher standard because copies on screen haven't been distorted by a faulty printer.
The document cloud concept is based on websites that make storage space available to their subscribers. The latter's files are then stored on the site, and not on their physical premises. This is a safer method of backing up records than physical paper or disks, since the cloud archives cannot ordinarily be stolen, harmed or lost. A basic technique of backing up files in this way is to e-mail them to a specially created e-mail address.
The integrity of business documents is highly important. Documentation concerning legal matters is not allowed to have any errors or omissions and must be entirely legible. This may be hard to ensure if printers or fax machines are involved. Making a positive impression on clients is also about presenting them with high quality paperwork, so electronic systems are useful in that regard.
Another area of administration that has an effect on the experience of customers is record-keeping. Customers become aggravated if their records are not available or are not in good order. However, this is a frequent experience in paper-based operations. Electronic archives, on the other hand, may retain tens of thousands of records, yet they can be logged into and analysed in mere seconds. They do not require entire rooms for their storage, either. It is part of a sound corporate image to handle the administrative questions raised by customers fast and in a comprehensive fashion.
Stationery as a budget item is reduced or almost removed through the use of paperless office methods. Computer software presents employees with many more possibilities in putting together documents, so that the company's brand and service to its customers are easier to emphasise and promote.
Modern businesses should consider switching to a paperless environment. Besides the money that is saved in this way, customer satisfaction is increased and staff spend less time on paperwork and correspondence. Paperless offices represent the business model of the future, and it is better to adopt this strategy sooner rather than later, as it becomes harder to interact with customers and suppliers who already have.
About the Author:
Loris F. Anders is an office management specialist focused on optimizing workflow processes in document management. If you would like to learn more about enterprise document management workflow, she recommends you check out www.Docufree.com.