Do paperless offices truly exist?

1. 71

   Lavender Jadeposted 12 years ago

   Do paperless offices truly exist?
   
   There was a lot of discussions a few years ago that there would be paperless offices, we still have to do print outs, and sometimes see to use more paper than before, suppliers email invoices to us and we have to print them off.  I'm not sure if there will ever be a time when paper is not needed, not for a long time anyway, what you you think?

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2. 93

   MizBejabbersposted 12 years ago

   I am going to have to answer a conditional "yes". I don't think we will ever be without our scratch paper or post it notes (stickies) in the offices. However, my office is about as paperless as an office can be unless they stop making paper. ALL of the work done in my division is done electronically.  The only papers that we generate are the ones we choose to, like maybe something we want to get a better editing perspective of or for convenience to take to another employee for a second opinion. We do have some file archives that are still on paper, but we have been working to have those imaged and put into an accessible program. When that happen, our office can be completely paper-free, if we choose. We have other divisions, and I'm not sure how paperless they are.

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3. 68

   marwan asmarposted 12 years ago

   We like to think so, but I don't think it does exist nor can it. The term has just become fashionable

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4. 80

   Express10posted 12 years ago

   While not a large number thus far I believe paperless office do exist because there are people who use nothing but computers, texts, and emails to get things done. Increasing numbers of people are getting their pay electronically as are businesses. There has definitely been a shift and it is slowly increasing as more people become more informed, experienced, and familiar with some of the conveniences of going paperless. It must be noted that there are many industries that cannot go paperless such as law and mortgage companies but of those that can, there are many benefits of doing so.

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5. 59

   ndungusoftposted 12 years ago

   Yes,
   
   
   They really does, one only requires the proper tools to manage clients, Invoice them and ask for payments. I have a paperless office and that is how I have been working for the last 2 years.
   
   Cheers

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6. 0

   Larry Wallposted 12 years ago

   It depends on what you call paperless. In my last office we did virtually everything by e-mail, fax, etc. However, there are certain forms that have to be filled out manually. There are some companies that will not accept certain correspondence unless it is on paper. If your office is not using electronic payroll, there will be paper checks and paper W-2 forms.
   
   However, the biggest issue is the mail. Despite e-mail and all other forms of electronic communications, various publications, notices, billing statements come in via regular mail. Car titles and proof of insurance have to be maintained on paper and receipts for expense accounts have to be on paper.
   
   Then you have people, who will print a 20 page document on the copying machine, so he can lean back in his chair and read it instead of having to look at the computer screen.
   
   Finally, please, I would appreciate it if no one told me that you should never handle a piece of paper more than twice. I use to open the bills. That was one time. I would examine the bills, that was two times. I would give them to the bookkeeper to pay, that was three times, she would cut the checks and attache the bills so I could review them, that makes four times. Some would say we should had paid all bills electronically--but everyone does not want that. With our system, each invoiced was examined three times. We had very few errors.
   
   Finally, I remember back in the Cater years when the federal government passed the paperwork reduction act. It was about a 60 page bill. I received four copies from four different federal agencies.

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7. 86

   kansasyarnposted 12 years ago

   I work a full time corporate job from home in a totally paperless office.  All of my work is done online.  My interactions with customers are documented online.  The phone I use works through the internet on my pc.  I use notepad for a rare note. 
   
   In spite of the large amount of documentation my work entails, my job and office are totally paperless.  I enjoy it.  In the past my office was cluttered with mail, magazines, contracts, etc.   Online files and documentation make it easy to have a paperless office!

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