Table of Contents
Going paperless is a positive change to make for many reasons. It’s good for the environment, helps save time, and streamlines countless processes in your business. If your business hasn’t gone paperless already, there’s no time like the present.
But to go paperless takes time and careful planning. It’s not something that can be done overnight or on a whim. You’ll need to make sure you’ve got proper protocols in place, and have a legacy plan for your digital records.
If you want to go digital, that’s great news, and this guide can help. Read on to learn 5 simple tips for making your switch to digital as easy as possible.
1. Have a Plan in Place
The first thing you should do after deciding you’d like to go paperless is to put a plan in place for how you’re going to do so. What are the protocols you will be following? What’s your deadline date for a full handover?
Making the switch according to a predetermined plan will make the whole thing a whole lot easier. Be as detailed as possible in your planning for maximum success.
2. Make Sure Everyone’s On Board
As with any plan you make within your business, it is imperative for all of your employees to be kept abreast of any updates as well. Make sure they’re all aware of the new processes you’re implementing and the software you’ll be using. When everyone’s singing from the same hymn sheet, it’s a lot easier for new changes to be brought in smoothly.
3. Provide Proper Training
Similar to the last point, not only will our employees need to be aware of and prepared for the upcoming changes, but they’ll also need to be trained for them. Any part of your business you’ll be handling differently, or any new software you’re going to be using, will require some training for your employees. The better trained your team is, the less room for error there’ll be.
4. Make Use of Helpful Tools
Speaking of software, there are tonnes of programs and apps out there that can be a godsend when it comes to going paperless. Scanning apps, tools for signing documents, employee onboarding software (check it out here). All of these things can drastically reduce your need for any kind of paper, and help you digitize the paper you do have on hand.
5. Shout it from the Rooftops
When you decide to go digital, don’t be shy about it. Let everyone—your employees, your customers, your suppliers—know! From a brand reputation standpoint, it will make you more attractive to environmentally-conscious customers. It also helps to make the switch easier and hold you accountable to your word.
Start Creating Digital Records Today
Making the move toward digital records is a smart and savvy business decision. Not only will it make finding documents five times easier, but it also means your data is more secure, and your business can run more smoothly. If you’d like more tips on bettering your business, see the rest of our content now.
