Despite efforts by businesses to go green, busy offices still generate a lot of paperwork. What many high-functioning businesses don’t know is that reams of paper actually reduce business efficiency and increase costs. As businesses are thrust into the digital space, analysts predict the arrival of the paperless office – yet more and more paper is produced every year.

Working intelligently with documents is a critical factor in reducing paper waste. It’s much more than well-organised storage and quick searches – it’s about creating secure and efficient processes. So what are the benefits of digital documents? Here’s how businesses can digitise and reduce paper to run more efficiently:

Let go of old-school

Paper storage isn’t secure or safe. Documents are susceptible to theft and vulnerable to external damage, such as fire and water. It’s also difficult to track physical documents as retrieving them takes time. The sharing and distribution of hard copies is highly impractical as information is limited to the confines of the document.

Better business

Digital documents are easier to store and send, easily searchable and more versatile than paper. Paperwork on desks and shelves isn’t just untidy, it's inefficient too.

The beauty of digital storage is an entire company’s documents can be stored on a single server instead of endless rooms of shelving. If there's a fire or flood, recovery from digital backup is effortless. Digital filing also means costs saved on printing and postage. A paperless office allows for easier expansion, as moving is seamless and efficient.

The paperless solution

Nashua’s Docuware and NashuaDocs help organisations gain control over their information and data. Managed Document Services (MDS) digitise crucial documents and help automate internal business processes. This is a customisable solution designed for fast document storage, retrieval, enhanced efficiency and optimised business processes.

This software reduces the time spent searching for, printing, copying and labelling documents by simplifying document-related tasks in the office. Both Nashua solutions are tailor-made for current and future business requirements. They allow for seamless workflow and boosted productivity.

Going paperless doesn't happen overnight. Businesses can strategise to reduce paper, together with a Nashua consultant. Cutting paper use also gives modern businesses flexibility to operate from anywhere, and faster access to information needed. Piles of paperwork belong in the past. The future is digital.

For an opportunity to speak to someone about switching to a paperless office, email Nicole@gullanandgullan.com. For more information about Docuware and NashuaDocs, visit www.nashua.co.za.  

This month's business articles sponsored by Drive Control Corporation: