What are the advantages and disadvantages of the paperless office?

Essay by ib2cwazyCollege, UndergraduateA+, January 1996

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1.

There are many advantages to having a paperless office. One advantage is that companies are able to greatly reduce the amount of paper that they use. Not only does this help the environment, it helps cut costs within the organization. Companies are also able to improve service through implementing the paperless office. This is because communication is immediate and does not get lost in a pile of papers on someone's desk. A paperless office can also save the company money. This can be seen in the example of Washington Mutual Savings Bank of Seattle. The bank automated more than one-hundred different forms and estimates that they are saving upwards of one million per year.

One disadvantage to having a paperless office is the issue security. How does a company make sure that only the eyes the document is intended for, are the only eyes that see it? Also how does a company know an electronic communication is authentic? Another issue is privacy.

How does a company make sure that when an electronic communication is sent only the person it is intended for will read it? How does a company make sure private information does not make the evening news?

2. Are certain types of information more readily amenable to digital processing in a paperless office than others? If so, why; if not, why not?

It would seem that some types of information are better in paperless form, while some are not. Implementing an e-mail system can do wonders for companies. The e-mail sessions allow managers to get more information across to the employees and vice versa. This is a way to make sure everyone will access to the same information. A paperless office is a good way to send and receive reports.

Another area that is conducive...