The Affordable Paperless TransitionThis site is
dedicated to the champions and innovators Dreams of paperless offices have flourished since at least 1962, when the first implementation of a computerized spreadsheet promised to replace the huge paper ledgers used for bookkeeping. In recent years, major corporations and government agencies have transitioned to paperless systems but the cost, until now, has not been within the reach of small and medium size businesses. This has changed in just the last few years. Thankfully, technology is now offering small and medium size businesses affordable hardware and software that can interact with those paperless systems of major corporations and government agencies and, as a bonus, allow businesses to become paperless themselves.The key processes involved in the paperless transition are:
The key software and hardware to implement a transition are:
Those two lists provide a simple basis on which to consider a Paperless Transition. In 1970 I was the purchasing agent for an industrial contractor. My job required receiving a list of materials from the foreman of the job, using a phone to call the list to wholesalers, clarifying the list language to fit the manufacturer’s options, and then getting the parts to the job site (thereupon, often, to return the parts for what the foreman really wanted!) I dreamed, during that job, of a way to just send my list to the wholesaler through the air. Years later, when I was no longer doing that job, faxes came to be common in the workplace. What a dream come true! Perhaps unfortunately, as with copy machines, faxes actually created more paper than they eliminated. The hardware is here now.The software is here now. The time is here now. While the availability of hardware and software is important to the Paperless Transition process, it's really the people in your office that will make it an effective and smooth transition. We, at the Paperless Transition Support Network know that, and we take special care to listen to, and work with, all the people who will interact with the transition. In 1967 the instructor for my first class in Computer Systems Analysis said, “The biggest obstacle to changing an office system comes from the fear experienced by the people who hold the necessary information in their heads.” He then went on to describe the steps to take to overcome this fear. In the years since then researchers in a variety of fields have provided techniques we can share with you to make the transition in your office effective and smooth. We are now applying the finishing touches to the tools you need to move your office into a Paperless Transition. Research aids Decision trees Team building techniques Implementation plans Hardware and software recommendations To help you step forward in your role as Paperless Transition champion and innovator we will be providing additional information at this site in the near future ... information that will help you in your discussions with consultants, even to help you make the transition yourself. Come back often. Bookmark us. You'll be very glad you did. The team at the Paperless Transition Support Network. John Statler is the creator and driving force behind the Paperless Transition Support Network. He is the owner of Computer Services Northwest based in Medford, Oregon, USA. He has been studying and working with computers since 1964. He now specializes in paperless transitions for small and midsize businesses with particular expertise in the legal industry. John can be reached in the USA at (541) 770-5524 |