While the benefits of a document management system can be multiple, building a business case in order to achieve buy-in from executives and upper management often requires a bit more than a bullet list of potential advantages. This is because implementing a file management system requires the investment of time and money, as well as a change management initiative to make sure you reap the potential benefits of the system.

Records retention plays a few critical roles in the operation of a business, assisting in productivity, organization, and even legal compliance. Despite the importance of retention in records management practice, many businesses still don’t have a solid process in place to ensure that the retention of business records and documents is properly managed and administered. If this sounds like you, you may want to reconsider how you view records preservation. Here are the things you need to know about record retention for your business.

A great file management system is an absolutely essential but often overlooked component of any successful organization. The benefits of a system that helps – rather than hinders – your business are multiple, from increased productivity, to better customer service, even employee satisfaction! Yet, so many organizations struggle to implement a document management system that brings them these benefits. To this end, we’ve put together the anatomy of a great file management system, so that your organization can more easily make the changes it needs to improve document management. 

Though microfilm, as a medium, is a very popular information storage format, many companies are opting for microfilm scanning services. Despite its potential longevity (around 500 years, if stored and handled correctly), there are many disadvantages of microfilm. These downfalls can adversely affect the efficiency of an organization. In fact, microfilm may be your company’s weakest link­ – here’s why.

In our last post, we talked about how even though microfilm has proven resilient in the digital age, people are increasingly opting for microfilm conversion. For a number of reasons, from convenience to efficiency, microfilm scanning is becoming a more popular choice for businesses and organizations of all types. And while it is unlikely that microfilm will be eliminated altogether, it is safe to assume that the future of the medium lies in microfilm conversion.

Microfilm is a medium that has withstood the test of time, being used for well over a century. There are a plethora of reasons for this, not least of which being that it can last more than 500 years when stored in the correct conditions. Prior to the digital age when physical storage was a pressing issue, the ability to store high volumes of information on a small reel was particularly attractive.

Microfilm and microfiche have both withstood the test of time. Dating back to pre-1900, the technology has been used commercially and by library and archival institutions since, to keep records and retain documents. While the format is certainly not dead, there has been a realization that there are more effective ways to store and access these documents that are free from many of the disadvantages inherent to the formats, namely:

A combination of factors – eco-friendliness, cost effectiveness, efficiency, etc. – have made the paperless office an increasingly popular option for many businesses. But like any organizational change, there needs to be a strategy behind making the transition so that your company can go paperless without adversely impacting operations. Here are a few tips on going paperless for your business.