Computers have long been slated to replace paper. In fact, Business Week published an article about the paperless office as early as 1975. Three decades later,  not only are we are still waiting for the paperless office to manifest, but paper use doubled between the years of 1980 – 2000 due to the use of computer printers and faxes.  

Today, with the political and societal push towards green living and environmental stewardship, the paperless office call to action is greater than it has been in decades. FlackVentures, Inc. (FVI) encourages others to reduce their paper usage and carbon footprint through content and document management technologies as well as teaming technologies. We subscribe to a “GO GREEN” attitude which works to convert common paper intensive processes to automated workflows.

Here are just some examples which contribute to costly and inefficient document management:  

• On average a document is copied 9 to 11 times – If you multiply 11 copies times millions of pages generated daily and the paper piles stack up.
• Paper document filing costs average $20 per copy –filing costs increase in tandem with growing piles of paper – that adds up to a major expense very quickly
• Large organizations lose a document every twelve seconds, costing companies between $350 to $700 a piece to recover.

In contrast, here are a few benefits of electronic documents: 

• They do not take up physical space because they are stored on a server.
• You can locate an electronic document quickly through a file search.
• Electronic documents are shared electronically via email, shared servers, posted on web sites, or other means - which streamlines document workflow.
• Printing is still an option with electronic content
• Security is much more enforceable with electronic documents than paper

These benefits translate into a more efficient document workflow process, which means less time wasted, more cost savings and less need for physical storage space. As far as environmental stewardship is concerned, it translates into less paper waste and less need for deforestation.

Our ability to ensure quick access, retrieval, viewing and processing capabilities needs to increase in tandem; providing quality viewing technology grows in importance as information distribution accelerates and businesses strive to stay competitive.  A good use of modern technology offers an environmentally friendly option that will save you money, increase your efficiency and streamline your workflow - enabling you to accomplish more in less time.

Given all of these benefits and the opportunity to mitigate your environmental impact, there’s no reason to wait any longer – the time for the Paperless Office is now.