When it comes to digitization and storage, the newest term around the business world is cloud computing. You might already store plenty of your music, photos and apps in the cloud, but you can also keep your important work files safe via cloud computing as well. More and more new technologies are becoming available, including using laptop scanners to save information directly to the cloud.
Of course, it all depends on your specific needs as a business. But there are some major pluses to investing in digital storage that go beyond the simple use you can get from a laptop scanner or digital business card reader. Here are five of the most important ones.
Digital files require no destruction to the environment.
The average office worker uses about 10,000 sheets of paper per year for his or her daily tasks. Imagine if all those documents could be accessed wherever he or she traveled to, whenever he or she wanted. That’s the idea behind the digital filing systems you can get from cloud storage. Plus, no trees have to be cut down in order to obtain the resource.
Going digital helps workers stay organized.
When you look at the typical American office, an average worker loses about an hour and a half of productive work time each day simply looking for misplaced documents. Digital storage can help eliminate this lost time, which can add up to 40 hours a year. Cloud computing can store all the files in a centralized digital location instead of a messy desk or filing cabinet.
Businesses like the freedom of cloud applications.
A recent study found that 50 percent of companies have switched over to cloud applications (such as storage, wireless scanning, cloud printing and more) in order to increase their business agility. Think about it: When you no longer have to worry about misplaced physical files, you’re free to focus on other matters that need tightening up around the office. In many cases, fewer papers simply means fewer problems.
Digitization is expected to keep growing.
Small businesses in particular can benefit from cloud applications because of how they can cut out the cost of lost productivity. Recent estimates show that small businesses all over will spend $100 billion on cloud computing by 2014. That includes not just digital filing but a whole host of data storage and wireless accessibility needs, too.
Even the Rolodex deserves a facelift.
As business technology continues to improve, the same goes for the smaller day-to-day dealings. Take, for instance, the business card. If you’re ditching your cluttered filing cabinets, why not ditch the Rolodex, too? There are a number of new gizmos that can scan to the cloud both proper documents and simple business cards, too, either via photo reproductions or simply storing it as data. The same goes for laptop scanners. The future is here, so why wait any longer?