Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Corporate Document Scanning: Revolutionizing The Paper Trail

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.

A paperless office makes administration much easier, and also saves time. Paper records might be misplaced or accidentally discarded. This is not possible on a computer hard-drive if the files have been backed up. Processing and sending paperwork electronically is faster than using hard copies. The quality of the documents is also higher, because nothing is lost in printing them.

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.

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.

The expense of a paper-based operation is partially eliminated by the introduction of paperless office techniques. Expenditure on stationery is reduced or almost entirely absent. Electronic systems also give workers more options in the processing and design of documentation, leading to easier branding and a more professional customer experience.

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.




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