June 23, 2016
It seems like the minute the first personal computer came off the assembly line pundits started heralding the era of the "paperless office." It's a specter of the future everyone expects to see just around the corner, but so far it remains a unicorn.
The reality is that the paperless office is probably many years away at best. Paper is still a vital part of how we do business. That said, there are ways that you can decrease your paper usage in the office, moving you toward that goal of becoming paperless. Here are our top picks.
1. Set the Tone for Paper Usage
Many company executives assume that employees are on the same page with them when it comes to paper usage. But more often than not, employees aren't sure whether their managers expect them to conserve paper or not. Start a company-wide campaign to set the tone and discourage excess paper usage. Communicate clearly with employees that paper should be used sparingly and that they should turn to digital options as a first resort. Gain buy-in by making your paper reduction a team effort.
2. Move Away from Paper-based Processes
You can't expect employees to reduce paper usage when they rely on paper to perform essential parts of their jobs. Look for ways to restructure and redesign business processes that rely heavily on paper. Many companies transform paper forms into online forms to save paper, while others use a document management system to retain files and capture signatures.
3. Get the Right Tools
Speaking of document management, you'll need to invest in a few essential tools before you can truly reduce your paper dependency. We recommend:
- A scanner to digitize paper records
- A document management system to maintain your digital records
- A powerful multifunction printer with advanced options
Tag(s):
Document Management