Monday 18 August 2014

Corporate Document Scanning: Making Paperwork Evaporate

By Loris F. Anders


In business, it is important to maintain records on paper of all processes and transactions. This is usually required by law, as well as accounting or taxation procedures. Previously, this would have used up enormous quantities of paper. Nowadays, offices streamline their operations by using corporate document scanning, computer storage and document archiving, and document cloud websites.

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.

A document cloud, or online storage system, makes it possible to store records on the internet, off the physical business premises and in electronic form. This is a very remote form of backing up the files and is not subject to some risks usually associated with physical copies (in any form), such as theft, damage or loss. A simple DIY method of cloud storage is to e-mail important files to yourself or to a storage e-mail address.

Accuracy in corporate paperwork is very important. Legal contracts or other papers require absolutely perfect printing and faxing, which is not always a possibility. The quality of documentation generally is linked to the impression that a business makes on the public, so electronic media ensure the best possible presentation.

Record-keeping is another function that is related to customer service. Customers hate being told that documents are missing or that their file has been damaged. Yet this often happens in the older paper-based environments. Computer archives have the ability to hold many records or extensive business information in a safer format that can be quickly searched and takes up far less physical space. The corporate image of the business is thus protected by its immediate response to administrative inquiries.

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.

Any business should look at changing to a paperless office environment. In addition to the reduced expense, customers experience faster turn-around times and staff devote less time to paperwork and correspondence. Paperless operations are a part of the modern economy, and it is advisable to convert to this model, or management may find that communication with other role-players in the industry, who may already have done so, becomes more difficult.




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