Paper documentation has been a major part of running businesses for a long time. However, times are changing, and more and more businesses are considering going paperless to save money, stay organized and help the environment. If you’re looking to switch from paper documents to paperless alternatives, here’s a few tips:
Digitalize Paper Documentation
There are certainly some paper documents in your current filing cabinet that you need to keep around. However, very few, if any, need to be hard copies. Go through your filing system and scan each document you need to keep so you can access these files digitally. Then you can set up organization on your devices or computers and name each folder and document so that they’re easily searchable.
Use the Cloud for Document Storage
Cloud-based document storage is becoming increasingly important, especially with the rise of remote work. Keeping files in the cloud not only allows you to avoid printing hard copies. But it also allows your team to access files from anywhere. So you can work on a document while you travel and your team can collaborate on a copy for your next project while everyone works from home.
To accomplish this, you first need to find a cloud-based document storage service. Then you can use it to back up the digital files stored on your devices. In addition, you can save additional documents to the cloud to help easy collaboration. Backup your backups, and you never need to worry.
Get Rid of Paper Bills
Bills can be a bit different, because you do actually need to receive the information. Thankfully, almost every service provider now offers the option to pay online or over the phone. And doing so can help you cut out those paper bills, envelopes and more — not to mention all the time you’ll save by setting up digital payments that can be automatic.
Contact your landlord, utility companies, credit card providers, and vendors who send you paper bills and ask about paying online instead. Almost every company has an option to stop sending paper bills to reduce cost and waste.