To be paper free has been a mantra of the ECM industry since the launch of the first document imaging systems in the 1980s. The concept of eliminating paper in business was and still is still sound, it is the reason that makes a difference.
For many back then, it was the drive to eliminate paper storage costs. Remove the paper, eliminate file cabinets, and reduce overhead costs. While this is not a bad reason, and benefit can still be gained as a result, the fact is that much of today’s information is born digital as are many of the operational processes, so why create paper versions? In many cases, the underlying reason is to capture a signature or multiple signatures, yet even that can be digitally today. So the question is simply this, why do you need paper?
In my view, there is little to no reason why most paper documents are still needed in business today. Yes there may be an exception or two but in reality, most paper can be eliminated. Think about your buying experience at a store these days. You are given the option of a paper receipt or one that is emailed – no paper. If you are looking for a benefit, how does improved workflow and operating efficiency work for you? Or how about increased findability and responsiveness? These are a couple of things to consider when paper is no longer in the mix or a hindrance. The act off capturing paper documents should be tied into improving workflow through the organization to increase operational efficiencies, not just storage reduction.
If you want to test the paper free waters, take the AIIM challenge of eliminating paper from a process on November 6 - World Paper Free Day. The idea is simple. Pick a process, eliminate apiece of paper from that process by keeping it digital, and work with it that way. Perhaps you can begin with customer documents and offering to email them rather than print and mail. Not only do you improve responsiveness to customer requests, and eliminate costs to print and ship, you also help the environment. No more trees to cut, no more growing landfills, it is all digital and you are a part of this transition.
Take the pledge and give it a try. Simply click here, World Paper Free Day, and become part of the paper free movement on November 6.
What say you?
Do you have a story to tell? What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you have a topic of interest you would like discussed in this forum? Let me know. If you are looking for some great research information from our industry, feel free to visit our research site and download some of our Industry Watch Reports today at www.aiim.org/research
Bob Larrivee, Director of Custom Research – AIIM
Email me: blarrivee@aiim.org
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www.aiim.org/training
I will be teaching the AIIM ECM Master in Silver Spring, MD on November 11, 2014 http://www.aiim.org/Training