Printing stays in an increasingly paperless world

Technology is evolving and introducing new ways to optimize processes, largely through companies going paperless, but it does not have to spell the end of printing and the use of paper documents in office environments. Deciding which documents still need to be printed is a key part of the transformation towards becoming paperless.

Benefits of the cloud

Smaller companies can store all their documents on their own servers, but large organizations will need the cloud, which is ideal for the paperless office. A cloud-based document management system (DMS) allows documents to be tagged digitally, meaning they can be retrieved in different locations without having to make copies. There only needs to be one master document. With a DMS, it’s also impossible to lose or misplace documents—a common occurrence with paper storage. With the cloud, every change is saved instantly and it’s straightforward to create multiple versions of documents. There’s no danger of them being destroyed in a fire, or flood. Of course, data security can be an issue and businesses must implement strict controls on access to sensitive information.

A paperless office is well-suited to flexible and modern working practices. Companies today like to stay agile—moving offices when a better option arises—and it’s easier to transfer data digitally than lug around reams of paper. Digital storage makes it faster to retrieve documents and easier to back them up. Most office employees spend at least one day a week working remotely, so being able to access documents in the cloud, or on the company server, makes their lives easier. For international teams in different time zones, working in collaboration would be practically impossible if they relied on paper documentation. It’s true that moving towards a paperless office means having to invest in more screens, and some businesses balk at the cost, but numerous academic studies show a rapid return on investment.

The magical charm of paper has its advantages

Despite the arguments in favor of going paperless, there is social resistance to eliminating paper. A study by Virginia Clinton, professor of Education, Health and Behavior at the University of North Dakota has found paper reading to be more efficient.

Sales of e-books have dropped steeply in the past two years as readers discover the charms of paper books, leading them to be labelled the “new vinyl.” At times, digital texts may be perceived as colder and more impersonal, lacking the tactile qualities of paper. The argument that using too much paper is damaging for the environment is also double-edged. Paper, it turns out, is the easiest material to recycle. The American Forest and Paper Association (AFPA) says that in 2015, 51 million tons of scrap paper was recycled. The AFPA says that in 2016 the US paper recovery rate reached a record high of 67.2%. Americans recycle an average of more than 330 pounds of paper a year and more trees are being planted than are being destroyed by paper use. Meanwhile, only 20% of electronic devices are recycled.

A flexible approach is the answer

Companies will need to develop their own policies around paper use, but one idea is to allow workers to print out documents that require lengthy analysis. An example is a lawyer involved in complex litigation. If he, or she, has to read a lot of cross-referenced information, it’s much easier to work on paper than in a digital format. Or if the lawyer wishes to annotate sensitive legal documents by hand, then destroy the notes, paper works best. Conversely, anything that is read once doesn’t need to be seen on paper. Official documentation, such as invoices, should also be paperless. In some instances, companies will need a combination of paperless and paper solutions. The real dangers of hackers breaking into digital systems and stealing data means that sensitive information may be best stored on paper in a secure vault. For example, if a company wanted to keep a new formula for a bulletproof vest a closely guarded secret, they could keep an electronic record that cross-references a paper record of the most sensitive details. Using old-fashioned paper may save them from losing their intellectual property.

Paper is not going to disappear completely from offices for a long time, if ever, which should not be a source of self-recrimination for businesses. No one should feel bullied into becoming entirely paperless. Companies can take big steps to reduce their paper consumption, while still allowing for some occasions when they prefer using paper to digital methods.