Is shredding the best way to destroy unwanted documents?

The answer to this question is no, not necessarily! Thanks to developments in the systems used scanning and document management technology, there’s been a major shift from a total reliance on paper to regular use of electronic document storage. However, although paper documentation can be lost or damaged, they can also necessary if absolute proof is required. With this in mind, many businesses, especially those in the legal sector, find having an archive store of paper documentation extremely reassuring. It is this reliance upon paper which deters many businesses from taking advantage of the wide range of document storage solutions available.

Are you ready to go paper-free?

Although the reality of an entirely paperless office is still some way off, the move towards paperless document storage systems seems unstoppable. However, even in this new age of cloud storage , destroying paper documentation can feel very alarming, making many companies reluctant to move towards an entirely digital system.

Most paper documents are shred because they are no longer required and with the intention of freeing up what is often much needed storage space. However, there are documents to which the normal rules don’t apply; and title deeds, tax documents, leases, wills etc. must be kept. There is still a general misconception though that this type of important documentation has to be stored in its original paper format but this is not the case. If digital documents are captured, stored and managed correctly, they are just as valid as their paper counterparts.

Why move to electronic document management?

Moving to an electronic document management system is a sensible decision for several reasons. Not only does efficient document management mean so much more than scanning and storing documents digitally, it also offers the capability to capture data to drive fully automated processes. There’s also no doubt that electronic document management is an excellent way to help solve the problems of physical storage and it can also prove revolutionary when used as to track payments, for example, or to automatically approve a range of legal documents.

Whether you decide to move your business onto a cloud based storage solution, or to make use of a bulk scanning service, electronic document management is transforming from a state-of-the-art luxury to a business essential.

Get in touch with PDM to transform the way you run your business

To find out more about the benefits of electronic document management, or to talk through the best solutions for your business, why not get in touch with PDM today?