Going Paperless in 2013 Could Be Easier Than You Think

With the 21st century came plenty of electronic gadgets that help us to keep track of our time, finances, appointments, email and more. Just about everything you need to know today is mysteriously kept in “the cloud” or on a computer, tablet or cell phone. 

With instant access to documents, it only makes sense that businesses completely move into the digital age and leave the paper behind. Here are a few tips to help you make that move.

In other words, say goodbye to portable hard drives and file boxes. (This post should help, so relax... going digital isn't that hard.)

Document Storage

If you need cloud-based access to spreadsheets, documents, images and more, you can use Google Documents. This allows you to create and share just about anything that you would normally print out. Instead of providing others with hard copies of documents, you can simply email them a link. You can even choose the access level that you want each person to have. This is much easier to keep organized that having to use a filing cabinet. 

Faxing

For your faxing needs, save space and resources by using an online faxing service. Using an online faxing service will help your save time, money and resources in the long haul.

Note Taking & Collaboration

For those who are searching for an app that will allow their employees to take notes during business meetings, training or other important duties, consider using something like Evernote. This application also allows you to share documents with others using just about any device. Evernote also allows you to create a list of items that need to be done for projects. You can assign the projects to others and once they have completed their portion, they can log in and check it off. This is an excellent way for a team of collaborators to see what has been done on certain projects and what still needs to be done.

Scanning

If you are concerned about keeping all of the paper you currently have for back up reasons, you don’t need to worry. Using today's technology, you can scan all of your documents and retain digital copies. Once your documents are stored electronically, they are much easier to search for when needed. Simply type in the document name to search for the document you need. If you don't know the original name that was used when saving the document, you can search for items using various other criteria like author, date created, words the document contains and more.

Moving into the digital age may be nerve-wracking for some, but imagine being free from the bonds of paper. Your business deserves to leave the paper world behind.

Article contributed by Jeremy Page, a tech blogger who also writes for Multiple Streams.