Even though a paperless office might not be a possibility for every business, using document imaging and digital storage is a good idea for almost every business. Document imaging allows for the storage of more information in less space than traditional paper files and file cabinets. Many offices have entire rooms devoted to paper file systems and in some cases, such as legal offices, the original document is the only one that matters. But in most offices, documents can be stored digitally and be of more use to office staff than the original if it is available through the computer on their desk.
Document imaging can be used for sending faxes by email or over the internet. When used in this manner, the fax may be scanned from a paper document, sent electronically, read by the recipient, who stores that information on their computer without the need to produce a paper copy.
Document imaging can be used to produce a questionnaire, feedback report, or test that is transmitted electronically, completed by the recipient, and returned to the sender electronically. In this manner, information is gathered and no paper was ever involved. Because so many people carry PDA’s today, many documents can be scanned and made available to employees even when they are away from the office.
Document imaging has so many beneficial uses and only one downside, the need for electricity and a computer in order to read the information. However, as long as computer systems exist and there is electricity to run them, document imaging and the ease with which information can be stored and retrieved will be a valuable asset to many offices.